Optima battery/real world experience

[GABoy]

I guess kind of where I am going with this is.....if I buy an on-board charger to use with my current batteries and I decided to buy Optima's later can I still use that on-board charger.....because one of the chargers lets you select what type battery you have ONE TIME....after that it can ONLY be used on that type of battery. So, I wouldn't want to use it on my current batteries then buy these Optima's and have my on-board charger be useless to the Optimas is they are gel or something......know what I mean?

[Big Zig]

They're lead/acid GaBoy. Your concern was mine - the only difference between a conventional deep cycle and the Optima (other then interior technology) is that they are truly maintenance free.

I'll have a set of twins in the boat by the end of the week. I'll let you know if there are any issues with the charger/maintainer. I really don't expect any at this point in time.

[Barnacle Bill]

Yep, looks like you will be just fine.

[Tn_countryboy]

I guess kind of where I am going with this is.....if I buy an on-board charger to use with my current batteries and I decided to buy Optima's later can I still use that on-board charger.....because one of the chargers lets you select what type battery you have ONE TIME....after that it can ONLY be used on that type of battery. So, I wouldn't want to use it on my current batteries then buy these Optima's and have my on-board charger be useless to the Optimas is they are gel or something......know what I mean?

GaBoy.. I'm going on my second year on mine. I use them with a 12/24 MG. and I used them all day yesterday and couldn't tell it. The Meter never changed. I still use the same old Wally world charger that I hard wired into the boat about five years ago, but I only leave it connected over night. They set out all winter (8 months) in the boat (covered) and this spring when I went out to check them they were both still way up into the green. Couldn't tell that they discharged any at all. I LOVE them.
Good Fishing
Ed

[GABoy]

BigZig - You have an on-board charger for all your batteries??? What type??

That is exactly what I needed to hear....so the traditional on-board charger's such as MinnKota puts out will work fine.

I haven't bought an on-board charger yet, but you have just reassured me that since it won't be a problem then I can consider it in the near future....

Thanks for all the input from everyone!!
- GABoy

[Big Zig]

I use a ProSport20. It's a three bank charger/maintainer. Has the option of battery types, but like you said, it's a one time decision. I used to use a portable charger, but since I went with the on-board, I'll never go back.
Go fishing, come back, plug the boat in. Next trip, unplug boat, go fishing. Repeat as necessary.
I got tired of pulling three batteries out of the boat every winter, went with the Pro Sport and they haven't been out since.

If you are in the market - I see the newer chargers (BPS) have a selector for the different type batteries (acid vs. gel), which would elimainate a problem with the ProSport. (Of course, how often do you switch battery types?)


GABoy - I need to clarify that not all on-board chargers are maintainers. My ride sits for three-four months out of the year due to our winters. I went with an on-board that I could keep plugged in for this extended time frame. Your situation may not justify this option.

[GABoy]

Yes, I was just wondering because I saw one at BPS that is a charger/maintainer that had a one-time selection as well and I didn't want to choose lead/acid and be stuck with that if I am eventually going to buy Optima's and they were not lead/acid. I can't stand having to keep going out and changing the charger to a new battery....I have 4 currently.....2 deep-cycle for trolling and 2 for starting....one just as a back-up.....hopefully I won't ever have to switch battery types once I get some Optimas.....

I use a ProSport20. It's a three bank charger/maintainer. Has the option of battery types, but like you said, it's a one time decision. I used to use a portable charger, but since I went with the on-board, I'll never go back.
Go fishing, come back, plug the boat in. Next trip, unplug boat, go fishing. Repeat as necessary.
I got tired of pulling three batteries out of the boat every winter, went with the Pro Sport and they haven't been out since.

If you are in the market - I see the newer chargers (BPS) have a selector for the different type batteries (acid vs. gel), which would elimainate a problem with the ProSport. (Of course, how often do you switch battery types?)


GABoy - I need to clarify that not all on-board chargers are maintainers. My ride sits for three-four months out of the year due to our winters. I went with an on-board that I could keep plugged in for this extended time frame. Your situation may not justify this option.