Optima's are AGM batteries. Very few people that buy AGM's really understand the difference between AGM's and flooded cell batteries. The reason for recommending low amperage on those is not because it's necessarily the best for the battery, it's because of what general public uses to charge them with. AGM batteries are a lot more sensitive to charging conditions and over 14.6 volts will damage the battery. The mast majority of standard chargers are designed for flooded cell batteries and can reach voltages of over 16 volts when charging at 10 amps or higher. By limiting the charge to much lower currents, it keeps the voltage down closer to what's safe for the battery. While the cheaper SMART chargers that have AGM specific functions are much better than the old hot boxes, they still are not the best. Good AGM chargers are Expensive. Actually good battery chargers that are BEST suited for deep cycle batteries are expensive. That's why your 10 and 15 amp per bank onboards are so expensive. It's not because they a built for onboard use, it's because they are high quality chargers. If you bought a similar quality 10 - 15 amp home charger, you could easily have to pay $200 or more so for just One Bank.

Price some commercial quality 10 - 20 amp chargers. These are built to charge batteries so you get max battery life. Not so they can be sold cheap and do an ok job of charging batteries.

Thanks ... apples and oranges. Ken, most weekend anglers are better suited for wet cell batteries. They do require maintenance but respond better to not being used as much. Plus the fact they are a good bit cheaper than AGM batteries. Just a thought.

Sorry guys. Did not mean to start anything... BUT I did learn a lot. Ha. Thanks for all the info! I might not even be able to add an on-board charger. My battery compartment doesn't have a lot of empty space. Are there any guys out there charging the old fashion way? What charger would you recommend?

What charger would you recommend?

http://store.schumachermart.com/ssc-1500a.html

What charger would you recommend?

http://store.schumachermart.com/ssc-1500a.html

I was just looking at that one at wal-mart tonight. I read some reviews that said it had trouble slow-charging, and would constantly shut off and read a 'battery error' message. People did not look too happy about it on the reviews. Anyone had any experiences with these problems?

Xantrex Truecharge 2 are good chargers. Their 10 or 15 amp would probably do most anything you need.

Please note though, these are good chargers designed to get max life from a battery, not your cheap WalMart crap so they are not going to be cheap.

You will not buy "GOOD" 10 amp or larger charger for less than $100 and will be closer to $150 and up.