Batteries

[SteveR]

Its now time to purchase a new deep cycle battery for the boat. I don't have electric start, just run trolling motors, lights, depth finder, the usual. I have been seeing the new battery advertised on TV and I am sorry but the name of it excapes me now. It is said to have twice the life span of traditional deep cycle batteries and recharges in much less time. I believe the commercial on TV shoes the guy running his trolling motor like a fan at night and then grabbing it all and heading to his boat, without recharging. Anyone have any experience with them? I alse heard they cost about twice as much as say the Interstate deep cycles. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks,

[jimh874]

ultima, not sure what one, they have different color tops. but they do have a deep cycle.

believe it might be the yellow top?

jim

[united jigsticker]

Marine batteries are composed of an electrolyte [H2S04 (aka Sulfuric acid/water blend)] and a conductor (lead).

What makes a good battery is the purity of the water (DI), the quality of the reagent sulfuric acid, the composition of the lead core used, the mixture ratio of water to acid, and the seal to keep air out.

A combination of all these aspects being in balance, plus a good seal to keep air (oxidizer) out means less corrosion potential of the lead into electrolyte solution, meaning increased continuity, elongated elctrolyte life, and thus better battery performance.

The slower a battery is charged, the less stress is placed upon the internal components of a battery as less heat is produced through lower voltage.

Also, keeping a battery charged at more then 50% capacity improves battery life because the conductor is a cathode (negative charged) and the elctrolyte is an anode (positive charged).

So as the conductor pulls, the electrolyte pushes, and less potential for lead to be disolved into solution is present.

So, to get to my main point:

While the battery may last longer and have more staying power then competitors, I don't see how it could be possible to charge faster then another Marine Battery without causing some harm that would affect the longevity of the overall lifespan.

But then again, I am kinda stupid.

[Fisher Dave]

I think your looking for Optima batteries.. I dont know anything about them.. they are supposed to be lighter and hold a heck of a charge.. dont know, havent used them..

I'll stick with my $65 each Yellow Wal Mart monster deep cycles rated at 205 reserve capacity.. dont know what that means either, but its as good or better than all the other standard deep cycles I have seen... and the run time on my trolling motor is awesome.

Anyone know what this reserve capacity nonsense is? What ever happened to good old amp hour rating (Ah) ?

[Crankin619]

Optima batteries are proven to be excellent deep cycle batteries however you will pay double for these. I just did some research and bought Trojan deep cycles for a bit less money and have heard they are every bit as good.

[SteveR]

Thanks guys, I think I am probably going to stick to my old regular standbys. The last two lasted 6 - 7 years, what's wrong with that? I have always believed in the slow charge concept, usually always use the 2 amp. And at nearly twice the price, I can't see going the Ultima way either. Might just have to get a battery minder to hook up to the new battery. Thanks again.

[BIG DS]

Good plan. I have tried seeveral different optima batteries including the deep cycle. The automotive ones did not last as long as the sealed lead-acid batteries and cost about $120 each , and the deep cycle was double the average group 27 deep cycle and did not last any longer. Keep in mind, there are only 2 or 3 battery manufactures out there so don't get caught up in all the advertising gimmicks.

[leechlake]

I have "regular" batteries in my prov, but I have an electric start motor on a 16' lund that stays tied to our dock year long and can go 3 weeks without use. For that, I picked up an Optima since it holds a charge longer than a "regular" battery.

[jimh874]

optima, ultima, i was close.

jim