Optima or Deka Group 31 batteries - Need to replace all 6

[Johnnyg44]

I know this has been discussed but I can't seem to find a thread that specifically explains the pros and cons of each. I need to make a decision and get this done so any feedback would be appreciated.

 

[Wylie_Tunes]

Are you considering a Deka AGM or WCLA? Compare the important specs related to how the batteries will be used. If used as a cranking, compare the CA's. If uses as a house bank, compare the Ah.

 

[paulswagelock]

In my area, Deka wet cell would be 1/2 the price of the optima, so a no brainer. Deka wet cell every time. Optima does not do anything anywhere close to twice as much to justify the cost ( amp hr, mca, or life expectancy). There just is no ROI for the cost premium around here.

 

[Tonka Boater]

In my area, Deka wet cell would be 1/2 the price of the optima, so a no brainer. Deka wet cell every time. Optima does not do anything anywhere close to twice as much to justify the cost ( amp hr, mca, or life expectancy). There just is no ROI for the cost premium around here.

I'm by no means an expert on batteries but I can give you my experience with Optima's. Using the wet cells on my 280DA I could get about 3-4 hours out of the house battery while running the radio and few other things while on the hook. With the Optimas I could run the radio, fridge, etc. from morning into the evening on one battery and still have some juice left over at the end of the day. It depends on why you want the Optima's...if it's for starting and "normal" use of the other 5 batteries I think the wet cells are a better value. For me, I liked the piece of mind of all day power. We had a generator but rarely ran it while anchored out because I didn't want to kill my family or others nearby with the emissions.

As for ROI...that depends on how you define the return. If it's pure cost and longevity in terms of years then the wet cells will always win. If ROI is cost and longevity in terms of hours of use while running only on the battery then I think you will get more use and ROI out of the Optima. That's just my experience.

 

[Bob & Sue]

I'm by no means an expert on batteries but I can give you my experience with Optima's. Using the wet cells on my 280DA I could get about 3-4 hours out of the house battery while running the radio and few other things while on the hook. With the Optimas I could run the radio, fridge, etc. from morning into the evening on one battery and still have some juice left over at the end of the day. It depends on why you want the Optima's...if it's for starting and "normal" use of the other 5 batteries I think the wet cells are a better value. For me, I liked the piece of mind of all day power. We had a generator but rarely ran it while anchored out because I didn't want to kill my family or others nearby with the emissions.

As for ROI...that depends on how you define the return. If it's pure cost and longevity in terms of years then the wet cells will always win. If ROI is cost and longevity in terms of hours of use while running only on the battery then I think you will get more use and ROI out of the Optima. That's just my experience.

Agree 100%

I purchased Interstate wet cell batteries 4 years ago 1 cranking 1 deep cell, we very rarely stay on the hook either shore power or cruising. The biggest reason for wet cell failure I believe is to check the water level even with a smart charger wet cells will go dry if not checked routinely, when we're on shore power I check them weekly.

My next set will be Optima AGM's for the convenience of maintenance free.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Just to add another personal experience to the mix...

I use Deka's. I once ran a "test" of a group 27 DC battery to see how long it would last. We were on the boat for a long weekend and I ONLY used that one battery. There was about 4 hours of trailering involved (fridge was on during that time), we ran the fridge the entire time on the lake, some radio, anchor light and cockpit lights at night (LED, though), charging cell phones and the engine only ran for about an hour (two 30 minute runs) the entire weekend. The last day, when it was time to go, it still started the engine right up. To be honest, I was surprised it did that well - but sure enough, it cranked it over like it was a fresh battery.

I do check water levels a few times a season.

 

[fwebster]

This may be location sensitive due to the long summer down here...........I get about 18 months out of wet cell batteries. I changed to red top starting Optimas 10 years ago and my average is now 5+ years on a set. This is a no brainer for me and quickly justifies the added cost.

The positives are:

longer service life
no acid in the boat
no battery maintenance needed ...ever
no corrosive fumes in the bilge....(I built a tool box in the top of my battery box and nothing ever rusts)
high CCA's.......depending upon the size of battery AGM's have 900-1000 CCA's so they spin diesels easily and it is easy to tell when you need to replace batteries because the cranking speed decreases

The disadvantages are:

cost

Note: on larger boats most of the electrical demand is 120VAC which requires the generator for refrigerator, freezer, a/c, etc. so the need for deep cycle batteries is specific to the individual.

 

[Lazy Daze]

This may be location sensitive due to the long summer down here...........I get about 18 months out of wet cell batteries. I changed to red top starting Optimas 10 years ago and my average is now 5+ years on a set. This is a no brainer for me and quickly justifies the added cost.

That's a huge difference in how long the batteries lasts for you. I get 4 to 6 years on a set of wet cells. But if I was only getting 18 months -- even 2 years -- I wouldn't hesitate to pony up the extra bucks for the Optimas. Cost aside, which would still be better, it's also less times that I have to physically change the batteries. There's definitely some more variables in play down there in the 'land of year round boating'! I'm sure the higher ambient temps also play a factor.

 

[CougarCruiser]

Deka has a maintenance free wet cell. It might be worth looking at.

Because I have fairly good access to most of my batteries, I'm sticking with wet cells. My bow thruster batteries are dedicated and harder to get to -- those are AGMs.

 

[Johnnyg44]

I am looking at purchasing the AGMs. No maintenance is key for me
Also I want them to last and work without issue

I'm in the northeast so I'm a seasonal boater and when I'm on the hook we run the genny or plugged in at the dock.


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[dpmulvey]

Optima had some problems a few years ago.... Range from premature discharge to explosion. I cannot comment as to whether the problems have been corrected.

Caveat emptor.

 

[M T Pockets]

Deka makes an AGM battery also, the flat plate preforms better than the spiral plate design wrapped up and stuck in a round cell. Best thing about them is they look likea six pack

 

[alnav]

The Deka (EastPenn) marine AGM is sold under lots of other brand names including West Marine. Probably the best place to get them is at Sam's Club where they are sold using the Duracell brand for about $180 for group 31's.

 

[islandhopper00]

+ me on the Optima battery user. I love mine. Get alot of use, and no maintenance. I have (2) optima group 31's in parallel on my 240 for house loads, and (1) 27 for dedicated starting, and is overkill, but I never worry about reserve power when I'm on the anchor in the islands.

 

[carterchapman]

I've had Optimas (5 Years) on my 410 and my previous 340 is 5 years with Sears Diehard Platinum AGMs. They are going strong. No checking/filling/No acid fumes/No brainer for me. Well worth the extra cost.

 

[JV II]

The corrosive hydrogen gas from wet cells in an enclosed bilge is another consideration to tip the scale in favor of AGM.

 

[Johnnyg44]

Yes AGM is the way to go for me. Just don't know if I should get the DEKA or Optima


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[carterchapman]

Johhnyg44 - I may be wrong, but I beleive the Sears Diehard Platinum AGM Deep Discharge models (PM-1) are made by East Penn/Deka...I ordered mine online and picked them up at the store and got about 25% off by doing it that way...

 

[MancaveII]

Don't forget to check your battery charger - my 2007 310 is only made for wet cell battery charging. If you opt for a different battery type you need to consider switching your battery charger out or anticipate not achieving optimal life of the AGM batteries. I'll let the experts chime in, but it's something to consider. I just replaced all four with interstate wet cell (27 series)...for the price of 95 each, it was a no brainer.

 

[Tonka Boater]

Don't forget to check your battery charger - my 2007 310 is only made for wet cell battery charging. If you opt for a different battery type you need to consider switching your battery charger out or anticipate not achieving optimal life of the AGM batteries. I'll let the experts chime in, but it's something to consider. I just replaced all four with interstate wet cell (27 series)...for the price of 95 each, it was a no brainer.

This is a wive's tail. Check the battery manufacturer recommendations for charger info. Optima clearly states that any modern battery charger can charge their batteries. It doesn't need to have a specific AGM setting. GEL Batteries are another story, they DO need specific settings.

Correct, Scott. I called Sea Ray before switching to Optima's in my 280 and they said the factory charger would work just fine...and it did without any problems.