I could use some advise on batteries. Before I post my questions, I will give background info:
Purchased boat in 2002. 24 volt Minnkota TM. While the boat was being rigged, I made a trip to Cabela’s to buy some of the necessities as this was my first boat. Wanted a 3 bank charger, but they were out so I had to settle for a 2 bank (I needed the charger for a fishing trip within the week.) Purchased 2 Optima Deep Cycle marine batteries (boat dealer provided a marine starting battery.) I’ve had both Optima batteries connected to on-board charger and used a small trickle charger to charge the starter battery when needed. One reason I went with the Optima batteries is that they are smaller and I can fit both of them in the battery storage area versus using larger sized TM batteries and using 2 storage areas.
2 years ago, I purchased an Everstart Maxx marine battery from Wal-Mart to replace the starting battery. The Optima batteries were still going strong.
This spring, while getting the boat ready for use, found that the Optima batteries had no charge even though I had plugged in the charger the day before. As it turns out, the on board charger is dead. I don’t yet know if the Optima batteries are dead or if I will be able to charge them with the new charger. A new 3 bank charger is currently en route. This charger can be used to charge lead-acid, gel, or AGM batteries, however, I think you are supposed to have all the same.
Question #1: Are the Optima marine Deep Cycle batteries and the Everstart Maxx marine Starting battery (Series 27?) the same? (AGM, gel, etc) or does this not really matter?
Question #2: If I need to buy new deep cycle batteries, what would you suggest taking into consideration the size of the battery storage, the charger requirements (see Question #1), and anything else I am missing?
Thank you in advance to any and all information you can provide.
JD