Looking for best price on Optima Blue Top Batteries

Dave S

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TECHNICAL Contributor
Oct 3, 2006
6,014
Upstate South Carolina
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I need to replace both my batteries and after researching various batteries I intend to go with the Optima Blue Top D31M AGM Deep Cycle batteries. Prices seems all over the place for this battery so I thought I would ask if anyone can recommend a good on-line source for them.
 
Dave -

Do the 31's fit in your group 27 - battery trays? Or are you replacing.

Scott
 
I paid $220 each in the last year, delivered - searching for the web site.
 
You might want to take a look at Trojan AGM batteries as well. I had them in the previous boat. They came highly recommended by Powerboat Reports in a comparison test a couple of years ago just before the publication folded.

James
 
From the measurements given on line, they are the same size as my Interstate Starting Batteries

On line price at Batteries Plus is $306 each............OUCH :smt100
I'll be watching your pricing finds.
I want to do the same thing Dave when my Interstate Deep Cycle Marine 27's die. I intend to add a 3rd to the mix though, making the house side have 2.

What is the difference between the Blue and Yellow Top?

Also, while we on the topic.
If I understand it correctly the AGM's benefits are:
  • Maintenance free
  • Sealed for Safety-no gassing
  • Quick charging
  • A consistent discharge

What else?
 
Last edited:
Have three, think I paid just under $200 each about 18 months ago ...they are terrific compared to the Sea Ray OEM. Be sure to check the price at Costco. I know they carry them, and I remember them being less than I paid at the time.
 
Also, while we on the topic.
If I understand it correctly the AGM's benefits are:
  • Maintenance free
  • Sealed for Safety-no gassing
  • Quick charging
  • A consistent discharge

What else?


The can gas off in extreme cases. They are vented for that, I believe - normally not an issue. I guess it beats an explosion.
They last a really long time.
Are compatible with SR chargers (in most cases - certainly most boat for last 10 years).
 
I'll be watching your pricing finds.
I want to do the same thing Dave when my Interstate Deep Cycle Marine 27's die. I intend to add a 3rd to the mix though, making the house side have 2.

What is the difference between the Blue and Yellow Top?

Also, while we on the topic.
If I understand it correctly the AGM's benefits are:
  • Maintenance free
  • Sealed for Safety-no gassing
  • Quick charging
  • A consistent discharge

What else?

Note: Optima Blue Top and Yellow Top batteries of comparable series (for example, the Blue Top D34M compared to the Yellow Top D34) have identical internal construction and identical performance. Post orientation and and case color are the only differences between these two lines of Optima deep cycle batteries. http://www.1st-optima-batteries.com/deep_cycle_battery.html
 
Dave...if you have a Sam's Club close...you might check them out and see if they have the size you need. Our local club carries the blue top....and last time I looked they were around $160....but I don't recall the size...althought, I am leaning towards group 27. May be worth checking out.
 
Dave...if you have a Sam's Club close...you might check them out and see if they have the size you need. Our local club carries the blue top....and last time I looked they were around $160....but I don't recall the size...althought, I am leaning towards group 27. May be worth checking out.

Optima D31M Blue top
Length:12.813”
Width:6.500”
Height:9.375”
Weight:59.8 lb

Interstate 27 Deep Cycle Marine
Length:12-3/4”
Width:6-3/4”
Height:9 1/2”
Weight:53 lb
 
Find the manager at a local outlet for an auto parts store with national distribution like NAPA, CarQuest, Pepboys, etc. introduce yourself and tell him you want to but almost $700 worth of batteries if he can help you with the price. They normally have a 30% MU and will cut it to 10-15%, if you get the right guy at the right time. If you tell him you are in no hurry, freight is usually free since they get a parts delivery from their warehouses every night.

I do this with my Sea Ray dealer and always end up buying batteries here...because he knows my job description doesn't include the word "screwee" and that I"ll haul batteries if I have to.

Watch online battery buying.........you are paying for freight somewhere in the price even if it says "free freight". Batteries are heavy and the big brown truck isn't owned by a charity.
 
There is a $25 rebate coupon at the top of that page which brings the price down even more. Good find. :thumbsup:

I'll continue to check some of the locals here but a few phone calls I made to retailers around our area were not very successful. They either didn't carry the battery or were very high in price.

Dave

Just ordered 2 of the D31M batteries from 1st Optima Battery for $229.95 ea - NO TAX + NO SHIPPING! $25 rebate coupon brings the cost to $204.95. Rebate is good thru 9-15-08 and must be postmarked by 9-30-08. Return policy is 100% satisfaction with 30 days return if defective or 15% restocking for credit. I'm happy! :grin: Now if UPS can just not drop the box!!!! :wow:
 
Just ordered 2 of the D31M batteries from 1st Optima Battery for $229.95 ea - NO TAX + NO SHIPPING! $25 rebate coupon brings the cost to $204.95. Rebate is good thru 9-15-08 and must be postmarked by 9-30-08. Return policy is 100% satisfaction with 30 days return if defective or 15% restocking for credit. I'm happy! :grin: Now if UPS can just not drop the box!!!! :wow:

Excellent purchase.
 

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