OT - Marine Battery Advice Options

[SteveL]

It's time to replace the battery in our runabout, before I get to row an 1800 lb boat back to the dock.
Currenlty, it has an Interstate deep cycle. I was thinking about replacing it with an Optima Blue Top, which is about 50% more $$$.

Is it worth it?

Thanks

[sww914]

I did a lot of research on batteries when I was a boater. The differences are this-
Deep cycle, will handle many complete discharge cycles, 50-700, but are slow to release energy, so not good for starting. Fairly efficient, store about 80% of energy put in
Regular starting battery, quick to release energy, good for starting, will not handle very many complete discharge cycles, 5-15. Less efficient, store about 70% of energy.
Marine, very much in the middle, will handle more complete discharges than a starting battery, but fewer than a deep cycle, will crank an engine, but slower than a starting battery.
AGM battery- ie Optima, the same guidelines as above are true, but AGM batteries are lighter, don't leak liquid or fumes so they're safer in enclosed spaces, they handle more complete discharges than their lead/acid counterparts, they can be mounted in any position, they require no water level maintinance, terminals rarely need cleaning, and they're slightly more efficient.
So, you'll need to decide if these qualities justify the extra expense for you. Everyone I've ever talked to who has an Optima has loved it.
I always go to Walmart or Autozone and buy the cheapest P.O.S. that I can, except for deep cycle or marine batteries. I run a $24.00 lawn tractor battery from Autozone in my racecar, but it probably won't leave me stranded 30 miles from land.
I hope this helps.