About to throw these dang Optima batteries in the lake....

[SpurHunter]

Ok guys, I am ready to pull my hair out. I have the blue-top, trolling batteries from Optima. Supposed to be the mack-daddy battery for trolling. I run a Motorguide Digital wireless 55lb 12V, and run just one battery at a time. One is about 1.5 years ld, the other is about 3 months old. I was only getting about 45 mins of "actual" run-time on a full charge, and now not even 20 mins. Can anyone help me!?!emoPlease </p>

What is wrong with this picture?</p>

 

[EricM]

Just a thought Erik - weren't you having some problem with the trolling motor? Could it be dragging the batteries down (extremely high amp draw)??? I'll be glad to test them with my boat if you like - and we could fish too (just not near a dam!).

 

[beetlespin]

They use a different charging profile than regular batteries. Are you charging them correctly?

 

[EricM]

BS, how are they supposed to be charged? Thanks!

 

[beetlespin]

I don't know. Just need to make sure they and the charger work together.

 

[SpurHunter]

beetlespin - 7/29/2009 4:19 PM They use a different charging profile than regular batteries. Are you charging them correctly?

</p>

I was at Batteries Plus today for something else, and questioned them. He told me there is nothing charging-wise I need to do different. He said any standard battery charger will work.....emoBang emoBang emoBang </p>

 

[beetlespin]

He was wrong

 

[twilson]

Lance is right! emoGeezer When I bought my stealth charger they said there was a difference in the rate of charge...

 

[jon the fisherman]

I too have heard they need a different charge.

 

[on fish]

Optima is one my sponsers and yes they do charge different on an onboard charger. I have a pro mariner on my triton and had to move the switch for that type battery

 

[Shark]

Erik,

Check out this site for FAQ's about them. Also has a link to the home page for Optima batteries.

http://www.1st-optima-batteries.com/faq.asp

 

[elwestb]

I bought two blue tops in April of '08. So far i think they are wonderful! I charge them with a 10 amp medium auto charger and have had great results! When my engine battery goes out I'll get a yellow top for it! I went throught about 5 Interstate battreies in a period of 36 months before. {They were supposed to be good!} They only other batteries that I personally know are good is the Delco Marines. My father has used them for years and had several to last 5 - 7 years, no joke!

 

[Shankopotamus]

Spur, it sounds like you may have something drawing down your batteries besides"running" the trolling motor. If you haven't already, put a volt meter on the batteriesafter they are fully charged and make sure they read 12.5-13.5 volts to ensure the batteries are actually being properly charged. Although I don't know how the circuit is set up for a wireless TM, wireless devices constantly use battery power even if they are not being used. Unless there is an on/off switch to the wireless "controller", the signal is probably still being sent to the TM/ controllerwhen not in use. As the batteries drain, the signal gets weaker, and more power is used to "boost" the signal.</p>

As an example, a cell phone, even when not in use, consumes battery power to maintain a connection to the closest tower. The farther away a tower is (weaker signal), and/or the weaker the battery,the more power the phone uses to achieve a connection, thus draining the battery more quickly. Just my thoughts...</p>