Marine Battery Question

[scoltrain]

I am going to be purchasing new batteries for the boat in the next week . I have been checking on the different marine batteries Sea Volt- West Marine (What's in the boat now), DieHard, Etc. Then I have heard good things about Optima, but are they worth the extra $. I don't mind spending the extra $ if they are truely worth it. If anyone has experience with the Optima brand let me know what you think.
Good,Bad- Are they worth it?????

Shane

[Deep C]

I tried a set and they didn't impress me as being worth it... I shoulda payed attention in the islands where I saw a mountain of them in a trash pile and they looked relatively new...
My Albemarle is a pain in the scuppers... I need the amps to turn diesels but not much room. I've been running those little West Marine 1000's in there but they are tempermental as can be. I've melted the posts right out of them a few times. West replaces just fine but that doesn't help build confidence when I have a potential fire under my hatch.

I saw some slightly larger 1000s at a shop down in florida. I think interstate, instead of being bitty series 24 though they had them in 27, 29, and 31 which would allow that heat buildup disperse over a broader area...

[Russell A. Jost]

I have been using northstar batteries new AGM technology. Got 5 years out of the first set They are pricey but worth it. Can check them out at www.northstarbattery.com
I purchased them from Engines 1 Tim Walters at 1 800 548 6252

[clt_capt]

I've been using Interstate in mine for the engines - the first set got 6 years (probably pushing it a bit) - going on 3 years on the second set.

[scoltrain]

Thanks for the replies. and info guys.