Battery - best value ?

Need a new battery for the 87 2001 -

I know the Optima's are at the top of the list - also pricey -

Any others worth looking at?

Super Start (checker/oreilly autoparts)
WalMarts options?

Other?

Thanks in advance!

All I could add is when I buy something with a warranty like a battery I prefer to use local auto parts store in case I have a problem with it.

In my case I put a new battery in my motorhome last spring and I killed it over the winter because I forgot to throw the disconnect switch and it drained completely dead and would not hold a charge. I thought I was going to have to fork out the cash for a new one because I couldn't find my receipt but I walked into the parts store, the clerk looked me up in the computer and I left with a brand new battery free of charge. Autozone no less!!!

Go to autozone and get one of their gold top batteries. They have one that will fit perfect in the battery box and it has a 3 year warranty. You will most likeley never buy a battery again.

The one in our martinique is a group 65 from Advance Auto Parts. It was like $100. Next time I'll just get one from Costco. Same battery, but $73.

Spend the extra money on an optima you wont regret it. They last a long time and can take a hell of a beating. I know the cost is a big factor for everyone including my self but when it comes to boats go with the best. Keep that padal put put away. Just my 2 cents.

Sam

As cheap "no paddle" insurance I recently installed a red top Optima 34M. For best value, I recommend you spend the extra money on an Optima. The battery's unique design uses long thin layers of lead wound into tight spiral cells when compared to conventional lead plates dangling in acid. This design translates to being ideally suited for the marine environment. Also here are several sites that include a $25 rebates and free shipping.

Just bought a 1 year old red top off craigs list 800cca for $80, it is in my truck now but will soon move to the boat sold last yeaqrs 450 amp to my father in law for his 4 cylinder sea ray for $25,I think I did OK.

Dan,
I agree with all the members who are simply using a good name brand of starting battery. Doesn't even need to be marine. I'm on at least 6 years on the one cranking my 312.

Yes the Optima is a very good battery but is the price worth it? I feel many buy them simply for the "bling" factor!!!!

Optima! Optima! Optima!

Interstate Car Battery Group 24- bought in 2000 off a Interstate Truck delievering to one of the shops I happened to be delievering to,$65 no tax and still ticking. Trickle charge through the winter. All my vehicles have an Interstate in them-1998 in my 83 Monte Carlo SS--11 years service out of that one and I only drive it on the weekends!

I think the CCA's get pulled out of context here, i dont think a high CCA battery is needed in a boat, CCA as we know means Cold Cranking Amps, who fires thier boats in the middle of winter? i would lean more towards a deep cycle battery, and go with a good warranty, 4 or 5 year no questions asked. we rarely discuss on this site problematic battery issues so i would think batteries are batteries and pricng is pricing, im a firm believer along with oils that there are not many battery manufacturer's out there but there are alot of label makers...along with Persona and marketing to the likes of a fram filter's you would think they would be at the top of the list and a great filter, merely excellent marketing.

Eric Has a very good point regarding the decals. I don't feel the practice has changed over the years. I remember the battery truck coming into the marina back in the late 60's early 70's. All he had were bare case batteries and would stick different decals on them depending on the warrantee level we wanted!! IE: you were getting the same battery but would pay more for a longer warrantee!!