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GOTLDH
05-23-2004, 06:26 PM
Hey are the blue top Optima's really worth the money? What are the positives & Negitives? Any help would be awsome. Thanks

Flying Tiger
05-23-2004, 06:49 PM
I can tell you that the optimas I buy at Costco are very good,,, + don't have evaporation issues like most batteries,, but ain't cheap.
I use them in applications like stand by emergency generators,, co generation systems,, gas turbine generators, and they are excellent. They really last a long time as long as you don't overcharge them, and they are very reliable, especially in extreem heat,, and especially where they just sit for long periods on a trickle charge (like a boat or emergency diesel generator).
Anything more expensive,, I'd perhaps consider for more critical applications,, optimas are great if you don't mind the considerable more expense over a lower cost marine lead acid
battery.

beyondhelpin
05-23-2004, 06:55 PM
The are good batteries. They have a fast discharge rate with low resistance. They are also tougher than a regular battery. But I don't think they are worth the extra cash.
Just get quality batteries and spend the extra for an onboard charger. I run a 1200 watt stereo hard in mine (2 31 series deep cycle Interstate Batteries) all day hard. With a third battery for starting and accessories. Charge at the end of the day and the will last many seasons.

Just Tool'n
05-23-2004, 07:56 PM
If you run multiple batterys, go with deep cycle for the stereo system, then buy the biggest group size for the motor, with plenty of reserve for starting, do not put deep cycle on the starter, they do not have as much reserve capacity on them.

Debbolas
05-23-2004, 08:49 PM
http://www.riverratlife.com/forums/board/ubb/graemlins/pirategun.gif http://www.riverratlife.com/forums/board/ubb/graemlins/ar.gif :D

Dr. Eagle
05-23-2004, 08:50 PM
Originally posted by Debbolas
http://www.riverratlife.com/forums/board/ubb/graemlins/pirategun.gif http://www.riverratlife.com/forums/board/ubb/graemlins/ar.gif :D http://www.riverratlife.com/forums/board/ubb/graemlins/lsvader.gif

GlastronGuy
05-23-2004, 09:35 PM
I am on my 5th season with a yellow top.
In the winter I keep it in the garage on a trickle charger. I run that on a timer at 1 hour per night.

TOBTEK
05-24-2004, 07:35 AM
I have two blue top deep cycle's for the stereo and one blue top cranking for the motor. And I dont know the discharge rates and all, BUT IM NOT IMPRESSED AT ALL! if I have the stereo cranked at all they are dead in a hurry, like in 15-30 minutes it seems, two of them! ID go with odyssey batteries next time. Thats why I have this optima billet bracket for sale, went with a odyssey for the next golfcart stereo system.
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/135battery_baox_001-med.jpg
optima billet holder forsale...90 bucks $

Dr. Eagle
05-24-2004, 07:43 AM
For the $$$$$$ I just never saw the value. They look cool, but they cost too much gold...

Lightning
05-24-2004, 08:12 AM
If you do a search for battery, especially in the stereo areas - you will find a ton of information. I think this topic has been covered about 20 times in great detail.

Phat Matt
05-24-2004, 09:14 PM
Originally posted by TOBTEK
I have two blue top deep cycle's for the stereo and one blue top cranking for the motor. And I dont know the discharge rates and all, BUT IM NOT IMPRESSED AT ALL! if I have the stereo cranked at all they are dead in a hurry, like in 15-30 minutes it seems, two of them! ID go with odyssey batteries next time. Thats why I have this optima billet bracket for sale, went with a odyssey for the next golfcart stereo system.
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/135battery_baox_001-med.jpg
optima billet holder forsale...90 bucks $
What kind of stereo set up are you running to wipe them out that fast? I have those same two batteries and run 2 amps, 1 1500watt for my subs and one 900 watt for my highs. It will play for hours until my amps get hot. If we take a cruise up or down the river they charge back up. If I add one more I could probably go all day without driving the boat. I throw them on the charger at night when we pull off though to make sure they are fully charged for the next day.