does anyone use the Optima or any other type Gell Battery? and can anyone suggest a good 12v boat mounted battery charger, needs to be able to charge 2 batteries.
Thanks
Fetmo
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does anyone use the Optima or any other type Gell Battery? and can anyone suggest a good 12v boat mounted battery charger, needs to be able to charge 2 batteries.
Thanks
Fetmo
I use Optima (2) and use a Cabelas ProSport 8. I think its made by ProMariner. I keep it plugged up all the time and it has work great for me for 6 years now. Billy
Optima isn't exactly a gel cell. It's an Absorbed Glass Matt and yep I've used 'em both. The AGM is a home run, but pricey. :eek:
Minn Kota makes a good charger. There are many.
Bill's right. The Optima is an AGM so don't charge it like a gel cell. In my opinion the Optima's can't be beat. I have three of the blue tops in my Triton and I can fish for three full day (trolling) without having to worry about charging. The long life of the Optima makes up for the higher price plus you don't have to worry about changing them out as often.Quote:
Originally Posted by luvin.fishin
I went with Guest brand on-board chargers and keep 'em plugged into the wall anytime the boat is parked at home. I've got a dual 5x5 on the TM batteries and a 6 amp single on the start battery wired parallel on the 115 VAC side so I can hook up one plug with an extension cord. The new 3 stage smart on-board chargers allow you to do this due to their "maintenance" mode and they are fine for Lead Acid, Gel and AGM batteries alike. Many folks claim the life of the battery can depend heavily on the quality of the charger. There's lots of web sites that will educate you on anything you want to know about deep cycle batteries and smart chargers. They mostly recommend that you maintenance charge 'em anytime they aren't being used.
thanks for the info!!
i heard a rumor that wally world was no longer including a 12 or 18 month warranty on their marine and lawn tractor batteries but a 30 day only so an optima might be the way to go in the long run
How is the best way to charge them and what kind of portable charger do you recommend?Quote:
Originally Posted by luvpt
I've got the Cabela's AGM batteries and have been very pleased with them so far.
They charge the same as a lead/acid battery.Quote:
Originally Posted by hudnut
They do charge the same way as a lead/acid battery, but frequently the charger has a different setting for a AGM battery as they charge on a different algorythm.Quote:
Originally Posted by luvpt
thanks for the infoQuote:
Originally Posted by luvpt
If you get the 3 stage "smart charger", just hook it up and don't worry about it! It will know by the charging curve.
I'm due to buy a couple of batteries this spring, but I just have a hard time justifying 200+ for each blue top battery. My Wal-Mart Everstart Maxx have lasted 3-4 years and I 've been very pleased with them. Gotta make a decision soon.....
You might look at the Cabela's AGM batteries. They are pricey, but I think they are cheaper than the Optimas.