Has anyone had these batteries for their trolling motor? I am running a 24v 74lb MK Maxxum. I have no more confidence in the regular run of the mill Deep Cycle batteries. So I ask has anyone tried these? I also would be charging them with a Dual Pro Onboard 2 bank 10amp Charger. Would these work along with the Optimas? Any Input would be great.

If the Dual Pro charger you are a going to use on an Optima can be set for AGM batteries, it will work fine. If not, you shouldn't use it.

My question is why the Optima, there are much better batteries to be had.

The longest run time your gonna get from almost any affordable battery is going to be the Trojan SCS 225. This is not an AGM like the Optima but is rated at 130 AH @ C/20, and has a RC rating of 225 minutes.

The Trojan 31-AGM is rated at 110 AH @ C/20, and has an RC rating of 190 minutes. This is Trojans AGM battery similar to the Optima but is stacked cell instead of Spiral wound.

Your Optima D31M, (same size at the Trojan 31-AGM) is rated at 75 AH @ C/20 and has a RC rating of 155 minutes.

What all this means is the Optima only has about 60% the run time the SCS225 has and only about 80% the run time the Trojan 31-AGM has.

Basically, that high dollar Optima will not give you any more (and not as much as some) run time than a good group 24 battery that you can buy for 1/3 of what the Optima cost.

You can also rest assured, the Trojan AGM will have a much longer life span than the Optima also.

There are other batteries out there much better than the Optimas, I just used the Trojan as an example because they are one of the best and are well known. Almost any stacked cell AGM of a similar group size will have a higher capacity than the Spiral wounds like the Optima.

With any AGM though, you need a charger that can be programmed for AGM's.

There are all kinds of claims made by Optima users but AH capacity and Reserve Capacity what determines your TM runtime. The higher the capacity, the more run time, doesn't matter who's battery it is or what kind of battery it is.

I was reading on the Dual Pro web site that their dual pro chargers can work inline with the AGM batteries. Dual Pro's own (LS 3100 Deep Cycle Battery). I called them and they did warn me of using the GEL type deep cycle batteries. So now that I am pretty confused on what Batteries to get and what brand anyone have any advice?

The longest run time your gonna get from almost any affordable battery is going to be the Trojan SCS 225.  This is not an AGM like the Optima but is rated at 130 AH @ C/20, and has a RC rating of 225 minutes.

What he said :exclamation  Way2slow knows what he's talking about :exclamation :exclamation

Well the Dual Pro batteries have a listed Reserve Capacity of 200 mins. Granted I know that is 25 mins less than that of the Trojan Battery specified previously. You can see the Specs of the Dual Pro battery here.

I got a price from the Dual Pro people on the phone and the 3100 size is aprox $230 + S/H. I havent been able to find a price for the Trojan battery as of yet. Though the thought of a truly Maintenance free battery is appealing.

Here is one place-http://www.solardyne.com/trojdeepcycb3.html

Didn't check out the shipping.... that was just the first search...google it

I wouldn't bet the farm on it but I think East-Penn Manufactoring, who makes Deka batteries, also makes the Minn-Kota's.  You might be able to find a Deka dealer that will give you a better deal on the same battery with a Deka label on it.  It would be a Deka 8A31DTM, just make sure you specify what terminals you want, they can be ordered with a number of different type.  You would lay a golden egg if you knew I buy them for about $130 each though.  There is one huge markup in batteries by the time they are priced to the public.

I haven't bought any of the Trojan AGM's but their SCS225 will cost you approx $150.  Their 31-AGM will probably list for about the same or a little more than the Minn-Kota you priced.

I think the 200 min RC is just a play of numbers while testing.  Most all good Group 31 AGM have a max of 190 minutes.  

Oh, as for a truely maintenance free battery, there really is no such thing.  You still should remove, clean and treat all cable connections every fall when you winterize.

Trojan Deep Cycle Battery SCS225 Retail Price: $239.00 Sale Price: $219.00

I dont know if thats a great price or not. I have a call into a local reseller of Trojan batteries.

Opps, I have to pay $116 each for them and since I'm not listed as a Trojan Dealer with them, I just figured they were charging me more than the jober rate, guess not. I was just going by I read a post from someone a while back saying they paid $150 for some they had just bought.

I also sell mine at full list and then some plus $90 minimum to install them so I don't deal with what they sell for to the public. I only deal with commercial equipment.   For Instance, a $130 Deka AGM, I sell for $345.00.

You need to find local batteries if possible, I think the shipping will add a considerable amount to the cost, being considered Hazardous Material. Usually they have to be shipped Motor Freight because of that.

Now you see why Wal-Mart sells so many of their big yellow batteries.

Minn Kota batteries are made by Trojan

Check it out for yourself

http://www.minnkotamotors.com/products/batteries/detail.asp?pg=mk31dc

I can get the Minn Kota MK31DC at my local Boaters World for $149.99. This is the same battery as the Trojan SCS225.

That might be an option. I got off the phone with a local reseller of Trojan Batteries and he said his prices would be in the $170-185.00 ballpark. I havent used any of these highend batteries, are they worth it? I am sure right off the start they must be a dream, but do they last? Will I be replacing these things after 2yrs use? Will I be rewarded for the money spent by longevity and they will become a wash with the garbage that I have had in my boat over this last season? Just me trying to put my brain around spending upwards of $200 a battery. I just have a hard time spending that much on a battery I guess.

Are they worth it? I have no idea, never used one. One of these days I do plan on trying one out, but as of now I'm sticking with the group 27 Wal Mart battery (EverStart I believe?) I've been using. It was 50-60 bucks and has lasted me a year so far.

I don't care what your deep cycle requirements are, the optima batteries are a result of ADVERTISING. Nothing but Bulk Advertising! There has been ton's of threads here and elsewhere with people wanting to buy them for there deep cycle trolling motor applications. DONT bother, and look elsewhere for a battery. Why do so many look for them? Advertising of course.

Minnkota Batteries ARE manufactured by TROJAN and have been for quite some time now.

Trojan is not the best. Just the best known. They gained there reputation serving the golf cart industry. Just so you know, it wasn't because they were the best but because they could produce the amount necessary to fill there needs. A few golf cart manufacturers have since gone to Exide.

Trojans are good batteries don't get me wrong, I have owned too many to count. The 225's are also big and heavy.

If your looking for a deep cycle battery, just make sure you buy a brand name with as many amper hours as you can afford or house. Buy a bargain brand battery and you'll be replacing it making the cost double of what you originally paid. For now or until technology or manufacturing process's change, your typical lead acid battery is still the way to go...

This does not duplicate your situation but perhaps my experience can be helpful to you.

I have a MK 55 Vector 3x w/maximizer.

I have it side mounted on a 14' old town osprey canoe.

when I run it with my trojan deepcycle (black case) grp 27 I can fish for 10 hours and come home with a 70% charge.

After my surgery I needed a lighter battery.  I often leave it in the rear cab of my truck.  Absolute leak proof, spill proof, and case integrity were major factors as well as lighter weight.  I bought the Optima D34M.  I saved 23 lbs, and can still fish for 6 - 8 hours and come home with a 50% charge.

I have dropped this battery on it's side on the concrete ramp.  No spillage, no leaks.

If you have ever seen what battery acid can do to ANYTHING, and need absolute leak proof and case integrity, then optima is not merely hype but an outstanding choice that made the difference for me between dreaming about fishing and going fishing.

Minn Kota batteries are made by Trojan

Check it out for yourself

http://www.minnkotamotors.com/products/batteries/detail.asp?pg=mk31dc

I can get the Minn Kota MK31DC at my local Boaters World for $149.99. This is the same battery as the Trojan SCS225.

I checked this out and it looks good I have a Boaters World 18miles from me.  I plan on getting 2 of the Minn Kota Batteries made by Trojan the MK31DC, and see how they work. Only thing I have to look out for is the height clearance for me is a real issue due to the small area I have to work with.