Looking for best price on Optima Blue Top Batteries

[AndersonAcres]

That's a good deal. I gotta get a boat so I can buy some batteries. And some......

 

[Dave S]

I tired Frank's suggested approach with a couple of local Auto Parts places and didn't get anywhere. Their prices are just too high even with "discounts". I called 1st Optima Battery Sales, the on-line place with the low price that Don mentioned in an earlier post and talked to the owner just to re-assure myself (the best I could) that he was honest and I wouldn't have problems.

Anyways, I ordered two D31M from 1st Optima Battery Sales for $230 each and I will also get the $25 rebate on top of that so it will net out to be $205 each shipped to my door.
http://www.1st-optima-batteries.com/index.html#deepbluespecs

 

[dsteele1]

Wise move, Dave! :thumbsup:

And think of the gas money you save! If you ever want to check on an online reseller, go to

http://www.resellerratings.com

http://www.eopinions.com

Not sure if 1st Optimal is there but they are a great site for lots of resellers rating by real people that buy from the stores - mainly electronics and computer stuff! The reseller search is in the middle of the page...

For those of you that have been missing out on the "Stripper Pole" mod

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?p=134623#post134623

Very nice mod :grin:

 

[Dave S]

I got a notice that my batteries already shipped..............dayum that was quick.:wow::wow:

 

[dsteele1]

I got a notice that my batteries already shipped..............dayum that was quick.:wow::wow:

Dave,

Mine too! Kinda service I like... only other place I've found for boat stuff that is this quick and great prices is www.wholesalemarine.com

I 2nd that DAAAMMMM!!!:grin:

 

[Dave S]

Wow...............What speedy service.

My batteries arrived today and I will be installing them tomorrow.
:smt038:smt038:smt038

 

[dsteele1]

Ours arrived too!!! :smt038 :grin: :smt038

Let us know how you like them! We wont be installing them until the other stuff gets fixed, and it cools down a bit!!

 

[Dave S]

Don

I got them installed today. They are a bit smaller at the base than the square Interstates so they tend to move around somewhat in the battery case. Once you get the top fastener on and the battery cables back on that tends to secure them enough that I am not too concerned about it for now. But in the meantime I will look at a way to make a few spacers to put in the battery tray to keep them a bit more stable.

Dave

 

[dsteele1]

Don

I got them installed today. They are a bit smaller at the base than the square Interstates so they tend to move around somewhat in the battery case. Once you get the top fastener on and the battery cables back on that tends to secure them enough that I am not too concerned about it for now. But in the meantime I will look at a way to make a few spacers to put in the battery tray to keep them a bit more stable.

Dave

Thanks for the update, Dave

Those mothers weigh a ton!! :wow:

Let us know what you come up with to secure them.

I don't know what the tray looks like (yet) but I see something like polyethylene rigid foam (like the stuff the was in the battery shipping cartons) maybe - trace the base of the battery onto a foam rectangle and exacto out a custom opening, cut the outer length and width to match the tray.?.? http://www.mcmaster.com sells pieces any length, width and thickness we could possible need.

Another project to do :smt101

 

[Nehalennia]

hole saw and firm base foam.

 

[dsteele1]

hole saw and firm base foam.

Soldering iron works great also. Admiral likes precision cuts... :grin: Hole saw is best... I've used the fixed and adjustable hole saws and cutters - very nice results!

 

[Dave S]

I may just pick up a pad like this one and cut pieces to fit across the entire bottom of the battery trays.

Once the battery sits on it for awhile it will settle in position and should hold the battery tight. These pads should be available at a camping store and are pretty cheap. I'd be interested in hearing from the other folks who installed their Optimas. What did you do?

Dave

 

[dsteele1]

Wow...............What speedy service.

My batteries arrived today and I will be installing them tomorrow.
:smt038:smt038:smt038

Can I just disconnect both original batteries and then install the Optimas? Will I lose the Engine Hours counter on the Engine - Smartcraft and Generator? Who takes the old batteries?

 

[280 SeaRay]

I may just pick up a pad like this one and cut pieces to fit across the entire bottom of the battery trays.

Once the battery sits on it for awhile it will settle in position and should hold the battery tight. These pads should be available at a camping store and are pretty cheap. I'd be interested in hearing from the other folks who installed their Optimas. What did you do?

Dave

I have the D31M's and just put them in the OEM tray and bolted down tight. They have not moved.

 

[Dave S]

I have the D31M's and just put them in the OEM tray and bolted down tight. They have not moved.

My only concern about that is the pressure points on the very side of the top of the case. I dont want to run the risk of damaging the battery. I wrenched mine down tight as well then I thought that's not such a good idea. What I finally did was buy a piece of black pipe wrap (less than $2 bucks) made out of high density foam and use pieces of that under the battery. That stuff won't hold water and that's why I used it and it's pretty thin and compresses nicely and holds the batteries from sliding around. Then I don't need to wrench down those top pieces very tightly.

 

[JAFI]

Can I just disconnect both original batteries and then install the Optimas? Will I lose the Engine Hours counter on the Engine - Smartcraft and Generator? Who takes the old batteries?

I can't answer you on losing the historical data when the power is disconnected, but my guess would be that you wont. Around here the local recycling centers will take your old batteries, used motor oil and antifreeze .... and stuff.

 

[Dave S]

Can I just disconnect both original batteries and then install the Optimas? Will I lose the Engine Hours counter on the Engine - Smartcraft and Generator? Who takes the old batteries?

You won't lose the hours on Smartcraft. They are stored in your ECM. Not sure how they do your genny. You will lose all your radio pre-sets.

We have recyling centers in our area that take used batteries. Most retailers that sell batteries will take them but they may charge you for that. Check with a few of them to see what they say if you don't have a recycling center.

 

[Hampton]

I was able to sell my batteries to be recycled at a local Auto Parts store. You get charged a core charge on batteries if you buy new ones and don't trade the old ones in. The parts and pieces are worth at least 10 - 15 bucks to the consumer (me).

 

[dsteele1]

Put mine in two day s ago - work like a charm. Very tall battery - lucky to have enough length on the hold down hangers. Now we'll see how they do over time...