Battery replacement, best choice?

[hydro556]

I just installed a stereo in my boat. I added a pair of 6x9s and a Bazooka 10" with 200 watt amp. I thought my battery was fine but it isnt. The amp/sub is too much. I dont want to break down so I want to add a GOOD battery. Have always heard good things about Optima and am thinking about getting a yellow top. The engine is a Merc 5.7, 1982 model. Any opinions on best choice?

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Battery replacement, best choice?

The bigger the better, IMHO.....​

 

[Coors]

Re: Battery replacement, best choice?

And maybe a separate battery for the accessories.

 

[hydro556]

Re: Battery replacement, best choice?

The Blue Top is their marine battery. They are about $270 shipped. Wonder if they are the best buy for this level of battery?

 

[hydro556]

Re: Battery replacement, best choice?

ETA- I dont really have room for 2 batteries.

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Battery replacement, best choice?

I'd make room for two were I you. It's great peace of mind. It won't be much fun at anchor listening to your radio, all the while wondering if there will be enough left to start it. I run a pair of Lifeline AGM's. #1 on odd dates, and #2 on the even.

 

[hydro556]

Re: Battery replacement, best choice?

I got the Blue Top Optima. Model D31M. Its the best they offer and has a reserve of 155 minutes. Deep cycle/starting battery. If that isnt enough I will make room for 2. Found it online for $229 to my door. That beat Jegs online price, so it should be a pretty good buy. Will let you all know how it performs.

 

[Olds Eddie]

Re: Battery replacement, best choice?

I just bought a blue top optima starting/deep cycle at Sams Club for under $140.

 

[hydro556]

Re: Battery replacement, best choice?

They make 3 models, which one did you get?

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Battery replacement, best choice?

I got the Blue Top Optima. Model D31M. Its the best they offer and has a reserve of 155 minutes. Deep cycle/starting battery. If that isnt enough I will make room for 2. Found it online for $229 to my door. That beat Jegs online price, so it should be a pretty good buy. Will let you all know how it performs.

If you assume you only need a 65% charge to start your engine, you can safely discharge the remaining 35% and still get home. That's a 75Ah battery so you have ~26Ah to use. 200W stereo draws ~16A, so you can listen to it loud for 1 hour and 37 minutes total. Better watch your volume...

 

[bucky7680]

Re: Battery replacement, best choice?

Do you have Costco in your area. I keep one of those potable self contained batery jumper in my boat. It will not spill and I keep it in the bow area for weight distribution. $49.99 at Costco and it will start mi Ford F350. Also, they have the Red, Blue and Yellow Optimas cheap.