Thread:

what batteries to i run?

If you're going to run your stereo when the engine is off for any length of time you should use deep cycle batteries as they can be drained and recharged many more times than a car battery.

Originally Posted by nikwho

I have a 21' Kachina with a BBF. its set up for dual batteries. what should i run? two deep cycles? regular batteries?

imo use dry cell batts long play time and tonz of cranking power.

Originally Posted by nikwho

Aren't deep cycle batteries hard on alternators? or is that not true?

Why would they be?

Search on Optima (here on the site). There should be more than enough information on here.

Also, this is a great place with FAQs like you are dealing with:

http://www.1st-optima-batteries.com/...FShRagodVBNquQ

Originally Posted by byronk

I would look at other batteries before spending the money on Optimas. IMO you cant get better for alot less if thats the route you choose to go.

I have not used other AGMs, but it is safe to say that there is not a flooded battery that possesses the positive qualities of any AGM, gel, or dry-cell battery(ies). Every single flooded batt WILL leak at some point or another. In addition to buying another batt, there is the additional cost of a new cable end (at least) or new cable and/or battery box (if metal).

Plus, for boats especially: AGM (absorbed-gas-mat) batts are several times more vibration/shock resistant than stacked lead plates (flooded).

If taken care of properly, you will buy, say, 3 flooded batts of great quality for $80.00 ea ($240) to one AGM ($140-160).

My first Optima is still going, which was put in the car in 1998. No leaks, no corrosion on the cables.

Give or take a battery or two. I know for a fact that in each of my new vehicles I have put in 3 Delco 7-year flooded batteries (under warranty) in a 6-year span. Each of them leaked on the positive cable(s) and needed replacement. Other than a few that I have overcharged (cooked), I have never lost an Optima pre-maturely. I currently have a total of 12 Optimas installed. My youngest are 3 years old (blue tops in the boat) and oldest is the aforementioned 11 year old.

I am more concerned with the mess that flooded batts make/can make. Since AGMs can be mounted up-side-down (if necessary), that becomes a moot point. Along with the additional cost of replacing parts that are damaged from errant acid.

Hey, by all means, buy what you want. I am just adding personal experience to the mix.

Originally Posted by nikwho

I have a 21' Kachina with a BBF. its set up for dual batteries. what should i run? two deep cycles? regular batteries?

NIKWHO, i kept it simple and bought a dual purpose deep cycle...starting battery from auto zone..i have 4 6.9's and two 12" with a couple of amps...i've cranked the stereo for hours and didn't phase it....i just run off the one battery..then if i wait too long and it does go dead, i switch to the other one or "both" to start.

at the end of a long day, i'll usually take the battery out of the boat and charge it up overnight if i abused it that way it's ready to rip for the next day...or just go for a cruise before bringing it in.