Optima Batteries ?

[broken line]

Wondering if anybody has experience using Optima Batteries. Its time to replace my trolling motor battery, and I'm curious if these are worth paying the 120-150.00 for, claiming they are much more durable abd last 2-3x longer than regular deep cycles.

[pfluemis]

Well, in 1998 I bought one, and I had to get 4 replacement batteries in 2 1/2 years. I found it was cheaper to get a new, different brand battery, than to keep going to the store for a free replacement. Maybe they have been improved in the last few years, but I'll never know.

[PierBridge]

I would say yes definitely.......others would say no....

[Whoaru99]

It would be hard for me to justify since my batteries are just the normal $60 type and I'm on year 5 or 6, maybe more. If I recall, I got all batteries new ABOUT the same time and my starting battery (also operates livewells, lights, radio, depth finder, etc.) is getting weak now. The date code on that one is Mar 00 - the price sticker on that one says $49.

IMO, perhaps it's more a testament regarding a good OB charger and religious charging practices than anything else.

[MuskieJunkie]

I made the move to Optima batteries 2 years ago so I can't speak to the longevity of them, I am sure they have a longer life than normal batteries but 3 times, I doubt that. I do like the fact that they are sealed, I've had to many batteries boil over or leak which has a whole set of problems. As far as run time on a trolling motor I didn't notice any difference. I have noticed that they charge faster.