I have a red top optima in my truck, but this may sound weird, and I have a hard time believing it myself, but I found that the Everstart MAxx deep cycle series batteries seem to be VERY good. The one in the boat is now 3 years old, and it sat on my shelf for a year while i rebuilt the boat and started the engine right up when i put it back in without having to even be put on a tender. I was also told that they were rated higher than optimas by consumer reports too, lol wow whoda thunk that.
Love them or hate them...Optima batteries Suck IMHO...
I had one in the race boat, sucked...Shorted out the third day in the boat
I had three in my motor home, sucked...Lights would only last about an hour and a half (vs. four hours with lead acid)
I had one in my GMC Z71 truck, sucked...Truck would sit for weeks at a time and always had to be jumped/charged...
BTW I used to work for the company that owns them (Optima is owned by JCI) and I could buy them stupid cheap, would not give you a nickle for a train load.....They do have a decent warranty though, every Optima I ever bought was replaced under warranty....
FWIW Most deep cycle batteries are just that, batteries developed to be depleted and discharged...Sometimes called a "house battery" (motorhome speak)...Whereas a cranking battery is designed for a rapid recharge after partial depletion...
The cranking battery is typically tougher for that reason. In a boat, look for a high reserve number and a high CCA (cold cranking amps)...The deep cycle will do less work, but for a longer time, but they take a little longer to recharge.
I have run both deep cycles and automotive batteries in my boats, and to be honest, it boils down to personal preference and how often you will get the boat wet.
I will say, you can buy a $50 Auto Zone 60 month battery and have the same luck as with a $200 AGM.
Battery tenders cost about $40 and work incredibly for the money...
A little tidbit though, the deep cycle is a little heavier for the same size chassis. Just food for thought.
GT
