Almost time for a new battery...blue top or Interstate?

[formerathlete]

I just swapped in a new Kenwood bluetooth head unit (KMRD372BT) to my 2000 X22 and will soon be wiring in my old-school Rockford Fosgate Punch 40x2 amp to power my old-school Sony XPlod 10" subwoofer (both of which have been sitting around in my garage collecting dust). Now I realize that my conventional Interstate battery (MT58) is about 10 years old and might not be up for this new challenge (even though it's still going strong).  That being said, I see a lot on here about the Optima Blue Tops...both good and bad (I'm looking at the D34M dual purpose blue top). So, I'm torn...when I do make the battery change, should I stick with the known commodity (Interstate MT58 Automotive battery) or try an Optima D34M?  Our boat sits in an unheated garage from October/November until March/April and it's a single battery system. 

Thanks,
BJ

[tryme]

I did a blue top and it is a really tight fit.  but been happy with it. 

[formerathlete]

Thanks.  I think that's the way I'm going to go.  Hopefully I can squeeze it in there.  Now to find the best deal...

[charlie.binney]

I’m looking to get a Optima Blue Top D34M for my E22.  How tight is a tight fit?  I measured the battery compartment opening and compared to the battery specs it should fit in there.  Anyone know for sure who has this battery.

[formerathlete]

I bought that exact battery in the spring and yeah it fits tightly in my 2000 X-22 but it fits. I just have to make sure that the knob on the removeable floor cover is towards the front of the boat instead of the back as it would hit the top of the blue top. Also, I am not able to use those red/black covers that cover the terminals (who cares). It’s been a GREAT battery so far. Far better than any other option in the stock space IMO.  Check Pep Boys online for best price. I got mine for $207 or something like that and picked up in local store.