Starting Battery

[Billfo]

I bought my boat used a couple of years ago. How do I determine what size of starting battery a 2000 135 HP Optimax needs ?

I don't know if the one that I am replacing was original or even has the correct cranking amps.

Thanks..

[Dutch]

Opti Max has to turn over more than most motors so it needs more CCA than most. If you are running electronics off it you need even more. Look for a 1000 CCA cranking battery if you can find one. I am running an 875 CCA with live well and 2 hds sonar/gps units and cranking an Opti.

[Billfo]

Wow thats a big battery. I had no idea. No wonder it always labored for a couple of turns before starting !

Thanks for the reply.

Opti Max has to turn over more than most motors so it needs more CCA than most. If you are running electronics off it you need even more. Look for a 1000 CCA cranking battery if you can find one. I am running an 875 CCA with live well and 2 hds sonar/gps units and cranking an Opti.

[Dutch]

It is a 24 series from O'Reilly Auto Parts. Normally they don't have it out front. It is in a white case and sells for about $85. The one I have now I bought on a whim at Bolivar last winter on a particularly cold day knowing that my old one was on borrowed time and I'd be running all kinds of stuff all day long.

[Billfo]

Perfect.. Thanks for the details !!!

It is a 24 series from O'Reilly Auto Parts. Normally they don't have it out front. It is in a white case and sells for about $85. The one I have now I bought on a whim at Bolivar last winter on a particularly cold day knowing that my old one was on borrowed time and I'd be running all kinds of stuff all day long.

[Billfo]

O'Rileys Auto Parts played oppossom on me.. Said the only thing they'd have for my boat is the Optima $139 PLUS the 18 dollar core charge. I have heard that these Optima batteries are pretty good. Anyone have any experiences good or bad with these ?

I will be looking for one Wednesday/Thursday. Thanks

Perfect.. Thanks for the details !!!

[rps]

I have an Optima as a starting battery, but I have only had it a month. So far so good.

[Smalliebigs]

I have been using Deka Marine Masters for 20 years now on 5 different bass boats and have never had a battery issue. I have always had an onboard charger and maintained them the best I could and every battery was sold with the boats never had to buy any new batteries. They aren't cheap batteries though but, made in the U.S.A. and very good in my opinion.

[TRRANGER]

I can tell you from experience with cold natured mercury two strokes an Optima is the only way to go. They are lighter and hold more amps and are leak free. They recover faster when drained. I run 2 humminbird hd depthfinders lights areators and fish all night and all winter and never has mine failed to start. They are the best batteries I have ever used. I start a 175 mercury black max with ease. IMHO you will not be unhappy with the even though they are pricey, but make sure you get the starting battery D34M or 34M blue tops for starting applications.

[Billfo]

"blue tops for starting applications" Thanks for the replies !!!

I can tell you from experience with cold natured mercury two strokes an Optima is the only way to go. They are lighter and hold more amps and are leak free. They recover faster when drained. I run 2 humminbird hd depthfinders lights areators and fish all night and all winter and never has mine failed to start. They are the best batteries I have ever used. I start a 175 mercury black max with ease. IMHO you will not be unhappy with the even though they are pricey, but make sure you get the starting battery D34M or 34M blue tops for starting applications.