QUOTE(pbanders @ Feb 11 2010, 12:52 PM)
FYI, Optima float charge info:
http://www.optimabatteries.com/product_support/charging.php"13.2 to 13.8 volts, 1 amp maximum current, time indefinite (at lower voltage)."
I don't see why the $3.99 charger would be a problem, assuming it was able to supply in that voltage range.
13.5VDC at 500MA ( 1/2 amp ) I used them on my gel cells for my RC airplane starter box as well, no problems.
A lot of guys here complain about the red-top optimas going south. Vibration kills them is what they say. Most have switched to the Excide or yellow tops. I have the excide version, just cause it was free to me.