NJ Saltwater Fisherman Forums

Boating => Boating General Discussions => Topic started by: double3fd on July 23, 2012, 06:49:33 AM

Title: Optima Battery
Post by: double3fd on July 23, 2012, 06:49:33 AM

Battery question:  I've alwas had a standard battery for my boat an always used a battery maintainer all year round. I just got an optima battery. Do I need to use a maintainer on it all year? Or just winter?

Title: Re: Optima Battery
Post by: Hunter 2 on July 23, 2012, 07:13:48 AM

Not sure :headscra:  Did you try the optima web sight?

Title: Re: Optima Battery
Post by: double3fd on July 23, 2012, 08:19:14 AM

didnt look at the website yet, i was googling stuff about it but could not find out if itll be necessary to use a maintainer on it or not.

Title: Re: Optima Battery
Post by: wb on July 23, 2012, 01:12:10 PM

the self discharge rate is very small. if your charging system can keep it fully charged then no. if not then yes. i do not, but my o/b puts out 15v when it is running so mine are usualy topped up all the time

Title: Re: Optima Battery
Post by: Hunter 2 on July 23, 2012, 02:48:35 PM

How many batteries are you running? 2?

Title: Re: Optima Battery
Post by: double3fd on July 23, 2012, 04:12:53 PM

i have 2 batteries, the optima for my motor and i have an old deep cycle for all my electronics. that one i use a seperate maintiner on since its not hooked up to motor.

Title: Re: Optima Battery
Post by: BigAl13 on July 23, 2012, 04:39:09 PM

Are your bilge pumps on the new bat or the old one. How often do you run the boat?

Title: Re: Optima Battery
Post by: double3fd on July 28, 2012, 05:04:37 AM

bilge pump is automatic and is connected to main battery.  i run the boat all summer.  its started at least once a week maybe goes 2 weeks without starting at  most. 

Title: Re: Optima Battery
Post by: Hunter 2 on July 28, 2012, 11:48:28 AM

I think you will be fine without charging the optima

Title: Re: Optima Battery
Post by: Maritime Matt on July 29, 2012, 10:14:48 AM

I've never had Optima's but on my own boat, I never put a charger on my battery's during the season. Boat is kept in the water and is self-bailing with no bilge pump. Battery switch gets turned off after each trip. Leaving a charger on during the season gives a false sense of battery condition. When you turn the key and crank your motor, your actually doing a load test of that battery. Keep a charger on it and it may disguise an electrical problem. I've got at least 5yr old Delco Voyagers that come inside every winter. One of the best wet cell battery's made in my opinion.

Title: Re: Optima Battery
Post by: IKAT on July 29, 2012, 10:47:44 AM

 clp  Delco Voyagers   clp

Title: Re: Optima Battery
Post by: double3fd on July 29, 2012, 04:49:54 PM

thank you guys for all your input