Alright the boat battery has finally kicked the bucket (suprise suprise) and its time for a new one. Does anybody have any suggestions on brands? Good/bad experiences?

optima blue tops.

But which optima blue top? D31M, D34M? Anyone have any idea?

I agree with Mike. Optima, Blue top are the marine line. 'Starting' for cranking power or 'Deep Cycle' for radio/sound systems. They also have dual purpose models. Heres the link: <a href="http://www.optimabatteries.com/publish/optima/americas0/en/config/product_info/marine.html" target="_blank">http://www.optimabatteries.com/publish/optima/americas0/en/config/product_info/marine.html</a>

Optima Marine D34M $170 at Sears. Ouch!

That is indeed the best battary but you can buy 2 other marine battaries and a have a dual system installed for about the cost of one of those suckers. just something you should consider.

By far the BEST battery out there!! I wouldn't run with anything else!!! <BR> <BR>And made right here in Colorado!!!

Costco

I've got a Blue and will be getting another for the Sequoia, but if you search the archives you'll see there are better batteries out there. Some will say that Optima is overpriced, as well. <BR> <BR>It's like saying Mobil1 is the best oil - it's awesome, but there are better ones. <BR> <BR>When someone asks for the 'best boat battery' I'll say Optima, just like I'd answer Mobil1 if asked about oil. <BR> <BR>Either choice is a good one, and you can buy both (Optima Blue and Mobil1) at your friendly COSTCO. So easy to get, either one are no-brainers.

I was at the Optima Batteries World Headquarters in Aurora Colorado today. Nice plant and big! All their batteries are made here in Aurora, Colorado. The durability and performance of these batteries are incredible. You can mount them anywhere! In any position, upside down if you need to. Alot of rock crawlers have Optimas in them. Great power source. Drain it over and over no problem. Powers my system for hours. I'm adding two more just for fun!