So let’s talk batteries…

**rgsauger** · 07-25-2022, 12:12 AM

Originally Posted by 4Speed

Still running the Blue top Optima that Jack installed in my STV when he built it in 2010. I do remove it every fall and place in the cellar on a piece of wood. I place it on the trickle charger over night monthly (I don't leave it on trickle for days/weeks/months). I use S/S nylon lock nuts with washers on the studs (not the posts) with the starting lugs/ cables going on first with a little dielectric grease.

We ran a secondhand Blue top in our Allison drag for a couple of years and never had a problem either. I’m thinking yes if I find a deal.

**Capt j** · 07-27-2022, 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by rgsauger

So on a 90 Merc with 16 amp stuff, can I run an Optima or other AGM battery? If not, why not?

Yes, AGM is fine.

**Capt j** · 07-27-2022, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by rgsauger

I just checked the price of those Dakota batteries. My damn boat value would go up 25% if I added them! Sorry but $1500 worth of batteries ain’t happening. I might just break down and put those same damn Walmart batteries back in, heavy or not. $150 each.

I'm a dealer, shoot me a PM if you want better prices. Yes, lithium is expensive but includes 11 year warranty, 5 year free replacement, a charger with them, etc. Your current setup sharing a starting battery with TM bank is far from ideal, you really should have 3 batteries with your current setup.

**perfmarine1** · 07-27-2022, 12:16 PM

I would go with the ionic Lithium 12 volt 50 ah cost about $350 each and only weigh 15 lb each. For the trolling motor. If you want a better deal shoot me a a PM

**rgsauger** · 09-06-2022, 09:02 PM

Is there such a thing as a 12/24 volt lithium battery? One battery…two voltages? How many AH do I need for a starting battery? Still trying to figure a deal on this. Dang everything is HIGH!

**OnPad** · 09-06-2022, 09:23 PM

Have you thought about a 12 volt troller? The troller you have might be able to handle 12v? Usually doubles the amp draw when you drop voltage in half, if you have the same load on prop. Which wouldn't happen because it would spin so much slower. Just thinkin out loud.

Lithium comes in 12 or 24 or 36 for marine, also other voltages for different applications. You would have to buy two 12v, and you would be in the same boat as before with your lead acid.

**rgsauger** · 09-06-2022, 09:50 PM

It’s a pretty sweet minn kota. I’ll check the specs on it. That might be a possibility. Interesting idea. I don’t tourney my boat. Just a little casual fishing and more hauling ass than anything. It’s my adrenaline fix.

**OnPad** · 09-06-2022, 09:54 PM

Some of the older motors are dual voltage 12/24. Usually labeled that way on the head.

**rprinzo** · 09-07-2022, 08:22 PM

are you sure the charger is charging?

**rgsauger** · 09-07-2022, 11:31 PM

Originally Posted by rprinzo

are you sure the charger is charging?

yeah. They just chit the bed after 6 or 7 years. Not complaining about the old ones. Just whining now about writing the check for new stuff

**Chaz** · 09-08-2022, 10:00 AM

rg, I gotz little room to speak on batterys .. or battery chargers ..

I was getting Wally-World batteries , cuz no matter where ya are you can find a store .. Ma'am I have no idea what's wrong with it .. but my truck won't start ... and it's still under wty ... I'll pay the pro-rate an .. take that-in right there.

Their prices have gone up too .. inventory looks pretty beat up .. like they play football with em ..

So I went to our Interstate store , became a dealer. Cheaper than Wally by a dollar or two and the guys there know batterys ...

They weigh trade in's and pay accordingly .. usually $3 to $6 more than the scrap yard or auto parts store .. and you don't have to buy anything to sell them cores.

I bought a NOCO genius 10 about a year ago. Was said to be the best bang for the buck. I agree, for $100 it has a lot of features .. for many different style batteries.
Around here, I always need a charger in a few different places at the same time. When I get up and goin again .. I'm going to get another one. or the next model
up ..

https://www.amazon.com/NOCO-GENIUS10...89533118&psc=1

**Beak Boater** · 09-08-2022, 11:23 AM

Yea.....Ive helped my Interstate dealer stay in business. Got um in my boat, motorcycle and truck. They always have what I need, fair price, mostly new stock less than a year old. Best part is they last.
Fla. heat is as hard on batteries as the northern cold.
Optima used to be good. Havent had good luck with them since Johnson Control sold them in 2019

**rgsauger** · 09-08-2022, 11:25 PM

Based on your guys recommendations, I will check out interstate batteries. Honestly, I’ve never run them so I have no basis plus or minus for them. The Wally world batteries lasted a long time. Been keeping my eyes open on Craigs and offer up for a good deal on a blue top Optima but prices are absolutely stupid these days. People want as much for a used one as I can buy me one. Maybe $50 difference. Either way, that dog don’t hunt.

**rgsauger** · 09-08-2022, 11:27 PM

I think i will probably go with a pair of 24s and move them to the passenger side in the back. Looking to try to balance my rig a little bit better. The trolling motor does not get dropped much these days so the difference between a 24 and 27 should be something I can live with.