Most fishing enthusiasts focus on investing in their fishing gear, such as their fishing rods, reels, lures, and baits.
For some of us, though, there is one element that can get easily overlooked—our mode of transport, and we’re not talking about your RV, but your boat.
It also has its set of needs and requirements, and do you know what every reliable boat needs? An equally powerful battery like the Optima Blue Top Battery!
As such, let’s take a look at what the Blue Top Battery by Optima can offer for you to decide if this is the best battery for your needs.
Optima Blue Top Battery
Optima is a household name already when it comes to manufacturing batteries.
They have been making batteries since the 1970s, and their products extend to both commercial and military use; yes, that’s how powerful their batteries are.
They are not just manufacturers, but they are industry leaders, as well, especially since their Spiral Cell Technology has revolutionized the field of battery development.
Aside from that, they are the first company ever to design and create a digital battery charger and maintainer.
When it comes to batteries, Optima has three main categories, and they are color-coded according to their tops.
Red tops are batteries intended for use with a standard engine with an alternator that can monitor the state of their charge.
On the other hand, yellow tops are for vehicles that require a higher load of power and those that don’t have an alternator.
Finally, their blue tops are designed to be used as a starting battery. Blue tops are further divided according to the color of their cases.
Those with a dark gray case are only intended as a starting battery and not for cycling, while those with a light gray case are for both starting and deep cycling.
That said, the blue top with the light gray case is the product that we will feature today.
Who Is This Product For?
The blue top battery with a light gray case is for any boat or RV owner who needs a dual-purpose.
We recommend it for both beginners and seasoned fishing enthusiasts alike since the product is easy to use and maintenance-free.
The only thing that’s not too beginner-friendly about this product is its price.
Optima is a high-end brand, and since this unit really packs a punch when it comes to its power and features, then you can expect that its price is also going to be quite an investment.
What’s Included?
This battery is available in three variants, and what you need to get depends on your choice.
You can purchase the single variant, where you will only get the battery.
Another option is you can get both the light gray case and the dark gray case as a bundle.
Finally, you can also get this unit as a set with a maintainer and charger included.
Overview of Features
For this review, we will talk about the features of the battery on its own, as a single variant.
To be more specific, since the Blue Top is also available in different models, and the model that we will talk about in particular is the D34M.
The battery has a 55 Ah C20 capacity, 750 Amp CCA, and two post types, namely dual SAE and 5/16 Stainless Stud.
It can provide its maximum output regardless of any weather condition; in fact, to further prove its reliability, this bad boy can withstand deep cycles five times better than other batteries out there.
It also recharges three times more compared to other marine batteries and fifteen times more vibration-resistance for more durability.
Finally, we also like the fact that it’s very user-friendly. You can mount it in any position, and it’s maintenance-free.
Pros:
- Powerful
- Reliable
- Dual-purpose
- User-friendly
- Comes with a two-year replacement period
Con:
- Expensive
How to Prolong the Life of Your Marine Battery
Here are some tips that you need to follow to make sure you’re using your marine battery properly and maximally:
- Charge It Regularly
You should always charge your battery and keep it full.
It doesn’t matter whether you will let the battery sit for a while or use it the next day.
In fact, the best time to charge it is right after your trip. In this way, you will never forget.
We understand that you’re probably tired, but it’s the best way to prolong your battery’s life.
- Don’t Let It Run out of Juice
Related to the previous tip, never allow your battery to reach the point that it’s almost empty, or worse, drained.
Most marine batteries require a little bit of charge for them to recharge safely and properly. Don’t forget that.
- Store It Properly
Finally, store your battery in a cool, dry place if you will not use it for an extended amount of time.
The keyword here is cool and not cold; hence, you need a warmer place to store your battery during the winter.
By keeping the tips we have shared with you in mind, we’re sure that you will be able to make the most out of your investment.
Alternative
We believe that our stand in this product is obvious by now. We are really impressed by it.
However, we also understand if you would want to look at budget-friendly alternatives.
If so, then the 85980/D5722 Sealed Lead Acid Battery by the Universal Power Group might be what you need or want.
You can use it in different vehicles as well, just like the Optima Blue Top, and it also packs a lot of power.
However, don’t expect it to have the same features as the Blue Top or to even last as long.
It is certainly cheaper, though, and it will serve your purpose.
Conclusion
In the end, it will all boil down to this question: Are you willing to invest in an Optima battery?
The Optima Blue Top Battery is a product that will not disappoint; at the very least, it has not let us down yet, making it a worthy investment.