Guest LivingLegend Posted July 22, 2010 Report Share Posted July 22, 2010 This is my 1st deep cycle battery ( Optima blue top D34M dual ). I understanding charging it correctly is important so my question is: Is it a good idea once I decide to charge it to turn on the motor and let it die out completely? I think its almost due for its 1st charge time and i was gonna just let it run until the prop stopped spinning. Pls advise........... Thanx! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sauce Posted July 22, 2010 Report Share Posted July 22, 2010 Not good for the motor to run it dry. It could overheat. If you want to drain iyour battery maybe run your boat lights with it for a few days. Trickle discharge? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ohhenrygsr Posted July 22, 2010 Report Share Posted July 22, 2010 Get a smart charger that will deliver the proper charge at any juice level. Like a Minn Kota Charger Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Posted July 22, 2010 Report Share Posted July 22, 2010 as said get a smart charger it will charge it in 3 stages and that is the best way to charge them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lifeisfun Posted July 22, 2010 Report Share Posted July 22, 2010 That battery is not recommended for deep cycle application: http://www.optimabatteries.com/product_support/charging.php OPTIMA BlueTop Charging Information The following charging methods are recommended to insure a long battery life - always use a voltage-regulated charger, with voltage limits set as described below. BlueTop Type: 34M These batteries are designed for engine starting applications. They are NOT recommended or warranted for use in deep cycle applications. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ksword Posted July 22, 2010 Report Share Posted July 22, 2010 As mentioned, the smart chargers are the way to go. Also, completely discharging any (including deep cycle) battery is very hard on it... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scugpg Posted July 22, 2010 Report Share Posted July 22, 2010 That battery is not recommended for deep cycle application: http://www.optimabatteries.com/product_support/charging.php OPTIMA BlueTop Charging Information The following charging methods are recommended to insure a long battery life - always use a voltage-regulated charger, with voltage limits set as described below. BlueTop Type: 34M These batteries are designed for engine starting applications. They are NOT recommended or warranted for use in deep cycle applications. That is incorrect. The D34M is designed for Deep Cycle. Get a proper charger! http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/BatteryChargersAccessories/BatteryChargers/PRDOVR~0111522P/CTEK%252BMulti-use%252B3300%252B3.3A%252BBattery%252BCharger.jsp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fisherman Posted July 22, 2010 Report Share Posted July 22, 2010 That is incorrect. The D34M is designed for Deep Cycle. Get a proper charger! http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/BatteryChargersAccessories/BatteryChargers/PRDOVR~0111522P/CTEK%252BMulti-use%252B3300%252B3.3A%252BBattery%252BCharger.jsp Not a true Deep Cycle, but a dual purpose model. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fish4Eyes Posted July 22, 2010 Report Share Posted July 22, 2010 (edited) You should never drain the battery entirely, unless circumstances force you to. After your done using it, just charge it back up again at a low amperage. When I went to the Interstate warehouse the guy recommended using a CTEK charger. Edited July 22, 2010 by Fish4Eyes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aplumma Posted July 22, 2010 Report Share Posted July 22, 2010 Your battery is not the same as a lithium battery it does not need to be discharged fully to correct a memory issue. A proper way to get the best life from the battery is to discharge it with your natural fishin trip and then recharge it as soon as you can with a 3 stage charger. A full battery does not have a negative chemical reaction going and does not shorten its life. Keeping the battery on an approved charger plugged in will keep it fully charged and ready for action. Art Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LivingLegend Posted July 22, 2010 Report Share Posted July 22, 2010 Awesome guys, thanks for the info! Yes it is dual not just a true deep cycle but its nice and compact, fits into my fishing kayak like a glove. I will run it out during my next fishing adventure and stick it on the charger at 2amp trickle. Thanx again!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lifeisfun Posted July 23, 2010 Report Share Posted July 23, 2010 That is incorrect. The D34M is designed for Deep Cycle. Get a proper charger! http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/BatteryChargersAccessories/BatteryChargers/PRDOVR~0111522P/CTEK%252BMulti-use%252B3300%252B3.3A%252BBattery%252BCharger.jsp Sure, I guess optima doesn't know what they making Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LivingLegend Posted July 23, 2010 Report Share Posted July 23, 2010 Sure, I guess optima doesn't know what they making It is for both starting and deep cycle applications. I have a three stage charger and will charge it on the lowest amp (2amp). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LivingLegend Posted July 23, 2010 Report Share Posted July 23, 2010 Sure, I guess optima doesn't know what they making Forgot to add that the blue top battery with dark grey case isnt for deep cycle like the website you posted......but the blue top light grey case is the dual for both starting and deep cycle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scugpg Posted July 23, 2010 Report Share Posted July 23, 2010 Not a true Deep Cycle, but a dual purpose model. My bad you are right. I have 2 I should know Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now