Randall53 - 12/22/2011 2:43 PM
I'm not sure if this makes a difference, but all Sears Diehard batteries and all Interstate batteries are made by Johnson Controls. Could be made to different specs I suppose.
What brand does Mercury recommend for the Optimax? I'd like to see that article, but haven't been able to locate it.
Here is the link to the Merc battery recommendations for Optimax engines.
http://www.bbcboards.net/zerothread?id=346429-batteries-that-meet-the-requirement-this-just-in
Batteries that were recommended are as follows:
(Testing and information courtesy of Mercury Marine Research & Development)
-Odyssey PC1500, PC1700, PC2150 and PC2250.
-Optima Group 31
-West Marine Sea Volt Group 27 AGM.
-Cabela's Advanced Angler ** Group 24 and 27.
-Trolling Thunder TT1175 and TT1370.
-Excide Megacycle (Mercury Brand) MC-31 and XMC-31.
-Sears Die Hard Platinum 34M (PM-2) and 31M (PM-1).
-Deka Sea Mate 8A27M and 8A31DTM.
** During initial testing, these batteries do not meet their advertised cranking ratings.
I run the Odyssey PC2150. It is a group 31 AGM. I believe the Sears Platinum 31M is it's equivalent and may be more readily available. Bottom line, you need a battery with at least 1000 MCA's and a lot of RESERVE CAPACITY to power your OPTI and the electronics, pumps, power poles, etc. It's going to be BIG and heavy.
