Batteries for Optimax 150 HP

 Went to go fishing today and found both batteries dead. Went to charge them up one at a time and the alarm came up on my charger saying the battery was defective. I was going to change them for a couple of Deep Cycle Batteries that are reasonably new BUT there is a label next to my isolator switch saying

"DO NOT USE DEEP CYCLE BATTERIES!".

DTS (Digital Throttle and Shift) applications and Optimax engines must use a marine starting battery with 1000 MCA or 800 CCA or 180 Ah rating.

 

This is also found in the Mercury Optimax maintenance manual.

 

What do other Optimax owners use and recommend?


Posts: 315

Date Joined: 20/01/10

i use the sea master got 12

Sat, 2014-04-12 17:15

i use the sea master got 12 years out of the first one

2 years into the second

kempy's picture

Posts: 810

Date Joined: 28/05/09

Supercharge all rounder

Sat, 2014-04-12 18:17

Supercharge all rounder hybrid deepcycle/starting battery.

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Ashen's picture

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Date Joined: 22/03/13

 I have been using Century

Sat, 2014-04-12 18:52

 I have been using Century Marine Pro 720 without any issues. Previous motor was a 150 merc black max. Now a Johnson Ocean Pro 150.

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Vinesh87's picture

Posts: 2751

Date Joined: 02/04/11

If you can afford it get a

Sat, 2014-04-12 18:59

If you can afford it get a Optima D27/31m. They are about as good as you get dual purpose. Basically bullet proof!

Guardy's picture

Posts: 381

Date Joined: 09/08/12

D31M dimensions are too large

Sat, 2014-04-12 19:42

 for my battery storage area otherwise would be perfect. Is this what you are using and if so did you order online? And, if so, how long to arrive? Cheers

Vinesh87's picture

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Date Joined: 02/04/11

 I am running 2 x 31m in my

Sat, 2014-04-12 19:51

 I am running 2 x 31m in my boat and 2 x 27s in my cruiser I highly rate them. Get them grom Goodchild industries in jandakot. About $300 ea

 

For the price the supercharge allrounder is awesome I just dislike calcium batteries. 

Paul H's picture

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Date Joined: 18/01/07

Deep cycle batteries

Mon, 2014-04-14 11:06

Deep cycle batteries generally don't have enough cold cranking amps to turn over motors and are better suited as a house battery running the electric systems (fridge, sounders etc.

another tip - On duel batt systems it always best to replace both batteries at the same time even if only one is stuffed. otherwise you may find the life of the new battery is severely reduced by the added strain/draw from the older battery.

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Guardy's picture

Posts: 381

Date Joined: 09/08/12

Thanks guys for all the info

Mon, 2014-04-14 17:27

 I swapped out both batteries for Optima D27M's today. Checked all the wiring and charging system to make sure I don't have the same problem again for a while (I hope).

 

Cheers everyone for your input.