Optima Batteries

[capt charlie's charters]

Would like to hear from other Optima owners.  I purchased two D34M's for my 19' Triton with MinnKota 74, the first died last May and the other died now...hmm May again, but a year apart.
I'm religious about charging immediately after each use, store'm in the basement over the winter and keeping up the charge.  Figure May through Sept the boat hits the water 1 - 2 times a week, sometimes once every two weeks and that ain't a constant 8-10 hours on the electric.
Emailed Optima just to see what they had to say.
thx
capt charlie

[markgoetsch]

I've got 3 of the 31 series.  They didn't last the winter of me not charging them and leaving them hooked up.  But I did get 3 new ones with brand new warranty!  The batteries last forever while on the water so that's all I care about.  If I can make them not work everyother year and get free replacements I'm all for it!  Most batteries are only covered for 12 mo. but optimas are 36 mo. can't be beat in my opinion!

[EKennedy]

I have two optimas probably about 6 years old or so (I'd have to go out and look).  I disconnect them, and leave them in the boat all winter...charged before i disconnect them.  Charge them up when un-winterize in the spring, check the terminals etc.   I have an old MG 48lb24v TM (circa 1994?) which I know is not the most efficient.  Never had a problem. However I try to be pretty gentle and prudent with my foot pedal ...especially on the big water.  When these die...I'll let you all know.  Hoping it's not too soon though.