Battery Question

[Classic Finn]

The Marine folks here have been trying to talk me into trying out the
Optima Batteries. Have anyone tried this or used it?

It has very high ratings here and has been a topline brand...How many amp do you suggest?

Is it totally maintenance free? I do want a good battery ...

This is the Charger that we have..



Classic Finn

[Sierrajack]

Heikki,

The Optima is an excellent battery!! I would recommend the Blue Top.
Here's how to charge an Optima:
1. Charge @ 100 amps for 15 minutes.
2. Let battery and chaarger cool for 15 minutes.
3. Repeat Step #1 at least 4 more times allowing the 15 minute cooling in between chargings.
4. Charge 2-10 amps for at least 24 hours.

Hope this helps, good luck.

[sdtripper2]

Hello, Buddy:

Optima Batterie$:

Here is the one post on these batteries from the past for some information for you:
http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=7756

[Sierrajack]

Heikki,
I just wanted to add some more info to your battery question. The Optima will generally outlast a regular lead-acid batteries 3 times. However, this all comes at a cost. Obviously the Optima will cost you much more than a standard battery. Do not use your vehicle to charge this battery unless it has an alternator that puts out 100 amps or you will ruin your alternator. While the Optima is top-of-the-line, you may want to consider alternative deep cycle batteries for cost savings. Obviously, as you know, the battery must always be kept charged or it will freeze - not that it ever get cold in Finnland. I take my RV battery out and store it where it's warm and charge it once a month and never have a problem.

[asianflava]

I have a blue top Optima. I chose it because they don't outgas as much as regular batteries.

[Dean in Eureka, CA]

Hmmm...
For the longest time, all Costco had here, were the blue tops.
I think it was Kai who told me to go with a yellow top...
Last summer they had both, so I bought a yellow.
Now you guys are saying blue.

[doug hodder]

Send it to me Dean...go get a blue top!!! I'm dragging around an old Interstate that jumps between tears and boats....Doug

[madjack]

..red top Optimas are considered starter batteries, the yellow are considered deep cycle and the blues are deep cycle/starter combo batteries...the Optimas, can be placed in almost any position, are basically spill proof and will only outgass under extreme charging conditions...they also store better/longer than conventional lead acid batteries. However, there is a premium to be paid for that performance...you can buy 2r3 regular batteries for the price of an Optima...just depends on the ol' budget...
madjack

[toypusher]

..red top Optimas are considered starter batteries, the yellow are considered deep cycle and the blues are deep cycle/starter combo batteries...the Optimas, can be placed in almost any position, are basically spill proof and will only outgass under extreme charging conditions...they also store better/longer than conventional lead acid batteries. However, there is a premium to be paid for that performance...you can buy 2r3 regular batteries for the price of an Optima...just depends on the ol' budget...
madjack

That's mostly why I got the yellow top Optima. 51R I think.

[madjack]

Kerry, the 51R is the "small" battery...how dooya like it...here's a link to lottsa info about Optimas(pretty good prices as well)
http://www.1st-optima-batteries.com/
madjack

[PaulC]

Just to throw the cat amongst the i'm using a AGM Battery this time. The main reason being that they are sealed, have minimum gassing and they last longer than standard deep cycle batteries.
Cheers
Paul

[Classic Finn]

I came across this battery and I can get it on sale...this one in the photo is 75Ah though.. The one I was thinking of is 115 Ah ..Which would you recommend?


Maybe I should tell you what I have so I can get a good reply:

Ok

Fan tastic fan at 12v.
Led interior lights - 2 at 12v
Under the Hatch - 12 volt light.
Small 8 inch. Tv.
Stereo (Auto)

Then in the Galley is the Isotherm TB 32 Cooler - Power
Consumption (Amp)
Average/Max (12 V) 0.7/4.0

So that will be the things that I have.. And most likely nothing more that will really need electricity. This summer anyway..

Also what inverter brand do you folks use or recommend? and how big? Same with converter.. Our electrical here is 220-230 at 50 cycles when you iun the States have 110 -120 at 60cycles..for normal current.

The local Marine Shop handles Pure Watts Inverters here...



Is this big enough for our purpose? Since I know nothing about these things ...have to admit..

Classic Finn

[bledsoe3]

If you have the room, go with the big one.

[toypusher]

Kerry, the 51R is the "small" battery...how dooya like it...here's a link to lottsa info about Optimas(pretty good prices as well)
http://www.1st-optima-batteries.com/
madjack

I love it. I have never run it down, even after 4 days of camping. It also sat all winter (3 months) in the cold (down to around 8 a couple of times) and still had juice. I thing it was down about 50% or so after sitting in the cold for 3 Months and the lights being turned on about 5 or 6 times to show someone the tear.

Our first trip out was about 98 degrees and 95% humidity. We ran the Fantastic fan for about 12 Hrs the first night and 9 or 10 the second night, plus used the lights for a total of about 8 hrs to do some reading and such. When I got home and went to charge it, it was only down about 30% (still had 70% charge). I also like the fact that it has practically no off gassing because it is in the lower cabinet of my galley. Also don't have to worry about it leaking if it comes loose from it's moorings.