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Hey ya'll,
Is anybody running Optima batteries? I have always run standard advance auto trolling batteries and since going to the 24 volt I pilot it seems like I am going thru batteries quickly and changing trolling batteries in my boat SUCKS. Just curious to see if anybody has any insight on the Optima. It's hard to stomach that price but if it means not changing out batteries constantly I might have to consider it. Thanks in advance for any input.
I've had good luck with the deep cycle Interstate batteries. I think the key is to have an onboard charger so you hook it up when you park the boat easy peezy.
I was told by a Minkota that the batteries are only good for 18-20 months. That was for someone who fishes like a pro.
I have 2 deep cycle and two "normal" batteries on the toon all are on chargers when they get parked
I have one. First used it for my trolling motor and could only get 4 hours use out of it. Took it back three times and they changed it out all three times. I now use it from my starting battery and bought a 31 series for trolling.
A good friend swear by them, he has a 90# minkota and uses 3 batteries and an onboard charger. Replaces batteries after 6 years. Fishes ~60 days a year
The key is the charging. Any brand name deep cycle battery will work, Walmart batteries work fine. Just use a good charger with 15 amps. Just my 2 cents.
That's how I have been trying to look at it that way, because I could have paid for a couple of them with the money I have spent in batteries in the past 5 years.Quote:
Originally Posted by BuckeyeKdog
Thanks for the info. I have an Interstate cranking battery that has given me great service and was thinking about Interstate for the trolling batteries. I do have the onboard charger that stays plugged in when I'm sitting, I think I am going to have to up the quality of the battery either way.Quote:
Originally Posted by ScooperDude
I've got 2 interstate deep cycles running my I pilot 80lb. Been going strong for 4 years now
An on board battery charger should get you years of service from your batteries. They charge and properly maintain your batteris. Just unplug extension cord, go fishing. Come home plug in cord and go eat crappie. Always leave it plugged in.
Yes a good charger is the key like others have stated. I worry more about a good charger then what brand battery. I use Interstate deep cycle.
When my Optimas played out I went with the 31 series Walmart batteries for my 24v. trolling motor. Used to run 'em all the time until they dropped the warranty but since then the warranty is back and I'm once again a loyal customer. The key is the battery charger and keeping water in your batteries though.
As others have said, it's all about the charging.
I just replaced my Everstarts this past week. All were dated March of 2010. That's 5 seasons out of them. The previous set were installed in April of 2006, and the set before that were installed in March of 2002. I charge them 24/7 with a good onboard charger and check the level of electrolyte every month or so.
If you have trouble checking the electrolyte level, buy a dental mirror and tape a penlight to the handle to look into the batteries. Use a vet syringe or turkey baster to add distilled water (and nothing but distilled water) if needed.
If you spider rig or otherwise use the TM a lot, you won't get that kind of life out of them, but that is true of any battery.
As for Optimas, there are many better options. The biggest Optima is 155 minute RC compared to 205-225 minutes RC for virtually every other battery of equivalent size in group 29 or 31. At ~$250 per battery I'd be getting a battery that was 25% smaller capacity and 2.5 times the cost of my Everstart Maxx 29s. Unless I could count on the Optima to last me 12 or 15 years, I can't see the math working out.
If you are dead set on an AGM, the Duracell 31 marine AGM that Sam's Club carries in some parts of the country is a much better deal than the Optima. Bigger capacity and only about $175. It's made by East Penn, so it's the same as a Deka.
Thanks to all for the great input and suggestions! After everyone's suggestions, I think it might be time to check out my on board charger. It came with the boat and may not be doing as good a job as it should be. This board is awesome, it's great to have a group of folks willing to help out with whatever question that comes up. Thanks to all!
When it comes to onboard charger be sure to get a good one that want over charge your batteries and just maintains them if you plan on leaving them plug up all the time. Also, maintain your batteries with distilled water and acid not tap water. Check specific gravity and maintain accordly.
My boat came with Interstate, I switched to Everlast and now back to Interstate Deep Cycle ( they just work better ). Paid $105 at the local NAPA.
My .02... If the old battery will still take a charge, keep it for a back up, buy a $10 pair of jumper cables at Wally World so if/when the fully charged battery starts to weaken, connect the two with the jumper cables. Keeps you from draining the engine battery and keeps you trolling especially if you're doing this longlining thing. Windy days are a trolling battery killer. I'm still trying to find a dry spot for a charger to fit in my boat. Just a minor design flaw I guess.
TIP IT WITH A MINNOW!
The only difference between Interstate and Everstart batteries is the label. And the price.Quote:
Originally Posted by Specklocker
Everything is less expensive at Wally World!Quote:
Originally Posted by CatFan
My Walmart don't handle the 31 series batteries any more but Sam's Club does
Walmart carries 29s. Same size for all practical purposes.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tn Johnboy
Lots of good info in this thread. Would also like to offer a few experiences I have had using deep cycle batteries and onboard chargers over the years.
If you have ever seen a wet cell lead acid battery boil over in a boat, especially an aluminum boat, it ain't pretty. Wet cells are also a pain to keep topped off with routine hard charging. For these reasons, AGMs (dry cells) are highly recommended. You may also find your yearly battery cost is minimized by going with more expensive AGMs up front. I have been getting 8-10 years per set. My boat is also a booger to swap out batteries where I have them located. And I do a LOT of slow trolling.
If you don't think an onboard charger can overheat and catch fire, think again. One July day a few years ago, I went fishing in the morning, and returned home about mid-day. Plugged in my battery chargers and then went about yard chores. Was weed eating and happened to catch something out of the corner of my eye. Smoke was rolling out from under my boat cover. Ran over and unplugged battery chargers. One of them was in the process of a major meltdown. Epoxy was running out it was so hot. I believe if left to itself it would have caused a fire. For this reason, I do NOT leave battery chargers plugged in continually and left unattended. I recharge the batts as soon as I can when I get home, but then unplug until just before the next trip. I plug them in right before the next fishing day to ensure batts are topped off. This has worked well for me. I also think it has prolonged the life of my onboard chargers. My current chargers are 13 years old. Back when I used to leave them continually plugged in I would only average 2-4 yrs of life before replacing. My theory is that when the chargers are constantly plugged in, they are subject to every voltage dip and spike the electrical grid throws at them (lightning strikes, power outages, etc).
Understanding and rigging your 12/24 V onboard power systems is one topic I give a lot of information on in the Fishing For Reservoir Stripers hand book. Useful for free lining for striper or long lining for crappie.