Optima batteries are over rated in my opinion. I've heard they used to be better than they are now. They are designed to be tough to withstand physical shock like would occur in racing, rock crawling, monster trucks, etc. In a "normal" boat application for cruising around or whatever I don't see the benefit. They are more expensive with less capacity than many other good AGM choices. I would recommend Deka batteries. I've installed hundreds in off grid solar systems over the years with very good results.
