battery upgrade/replacement

[jeffro]

currently thinking about replacing the battery in my 03 21i, it's no longer holding it's charge from weekend to weekend.

if i were to still keep just one battery in the boat, and i wanted to go with one of the optima batteries, which model would be the best to use? and why?

heard blue top, yellow top, etc, but there are different models of each.

thanks for any feeback.

[Ruune]

The blue top is designed for a marine environment and is designed for longer periods in-between uses. Personally, I'd go w/ a yellow-top, since it is actually a more powerful battery. In order to keep it tip-top, check out www.batterytender.com. I've been using those for years and instead of replacing batteries on jet skis every 2-3 years, I've stretched it out to 5-6 years. One of the guys I ride with just bought one at interstate batteries for about 30 bucks. My dad, my uncle, and I use them for everything from jeeps and boats to lawnmowers and motorcycles. When you've got that many batteries, it pays to do a bit of preventative maintenance... as with anything else!

Also, check the electrolyte level in your current battery and add DISTILLED water if it is low. Then try charging it again.

[jeffro]

yah, checked the level, it's full, just not holding the charge. I'd probably be fine with a battery tender, just haven't looked at that option yet.

[Ruune]

I'd replace the battery too, b/c from this point on, the charge is going to be shorter and shorter until youre out on the lake, shut it down after a set, and you've got a dead battery.

[lee]

You need to get the blue top Optima, the yellow top does not have the marine terminals on it, only the automotive terminals. Blue top has marine and auto terminals.

[hanzj]

Lee is right, the only difference between the blue/yellow tops are the connections. However, the blue top has a deep cycle version and one that is specifically designed for starting applications.

Keep in mind that deep cycle batteries will perform well as cranking batteries, however, cranking batteries will not survive deep cycle use.

I went with two optima blue tops (deep cycle D34M) run in parrellel. This gave me double the reserve time and double the cranking amps, and allows me to play the stereo for hours without damaging the batteries.

[bigD]

Go with the blue top marines for sure, the extra terminals on top are handy for accessories.
If your only going with a one battery set up I'd get the deep cycle Or if your doing two get a starting for your main and a perko switch or solenoid and run a deep cycle for your stereo and other accessories

[hanzj]

Jeffro, I was just thinking...do you run your battery down alot? The battery that came with your boat in 03 should still be able to hold a charge longer than a week....unless it is cycled alot or was left completely discharged for an extended period of time. You might want to see if something is constantly drawing current from your battery. Otherwise you could put a few optima's in your boat and it won't do any good.

[jeffro]

that's what i was thinking hanz, i think moisture or water may have seaped into a speaker or something and created a short. When we were out last time, the amp was on, but wasn't playing....a half hour or so later the speakers finally came on. It's done this before, and without rewiring the entire audio setup, i can't really figure out what is causing that for sure.

[Sammamish22V]

Here is an option. I kept the stock battery and use that just as a starter battery. I added 2 golf cart batteries, a combiner, and a few perko switches to use different combos if needed. I have about 2500 watts in amps and only had to charge the golf cart batteries once all summer. They work great and hold a charge for a LONG time.