Starting Battery

[Siebert Outdoors]

What size and type of battery are you using for your starting battery on your boat?  I'm looking to get another Optima but I'm looking at all brands.  I'd like to have something lighter and no water fills.  I noticed Cabelas has a good deal on AGM's.  Its to start a Ficht 225 and run all the other goods.

[Mike Cork]

I use a group 31 but with with an everstart so that if it goes I simply swing by the local wal mart and get a new one. This is handy when traveling.

Never had a problem with them, knock on wood. I run power poles and three electronics along with my livewells (when I can catch them LOL)

[fishinfranklin]

I use 27 and 31 group everstarts and I have some 8 years old that still hold there charge and last all day

[Nowsker]

The main thing is that the CCA are high enough for your needs. Depending on how many accessories you are running off it would dictate how high you would need to go. The group size is really just the actual size of the battery as every group size comes in a range of cranking amps and are priced accordingly. With that said I am using a group 27 battery with 800 Cold Cranking Amps. It is sufficient enough to run 2 power poles, 2 depth finders, 5 pumps?, gauges, lights, ect and crank my battery. I do get a little flicker in my electronics when I use my power poles so I should prob go a little higher on my next battery!  I will send you a PM with a link on great deals on batteries including AGM's! I can get 30-40% off:) Brad

[BHubb]

What reserve capacity do you run on your starter battery?  The CCA requirements for the 250 Opti is listed at 1000 CCA and I'm using an Interstate recommended by the dealer.  I run 2 electronics, both livewells and still see a power drop when trying to start the big motor after a full day fishing.  Replaced the battery (stayed w/interstate) and still see a drain in power later in the day so I took it to the shop to check for issues with the charging system. 
Paid for routine service and when I picked it up they reported charging system was charging but nothing about how well it was working. 
How much jice should the big motor put out while I'm under power?  It's frustrating to have a new battery and still be worried whether or not the boat will fire while fishing a tourney.

[BassCatBates]

I use an Optima blue top...... 5 years and still going strong.  It has been AWESOME