Trolling Motor Battery Advice

[Boondock]

I just bought a 14 foot canoe to fish some local creeks and small lakes.

I have a trolling motor. My question is what kind of battery should I get?

My problem is:
I am 6'8 250 and the weight capacity on the canoe is 500 lbs. I also like to bring a buddy with me and that another 200lbs or so. Do I need a regular size battery to push a small canoe and is it possible to run it off a smaller battery (jet ski battery)? Also do I really need a deep cell battery? I would like to do this the most affordable way, at the same time I don't wanna spend my money foolishly. Any input and opinions are appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[Barnacle Bill]

Yes you need a deep cell battery as a regular battery will not take the constant charge/discharge that it will get. A jet ski battery will work but not for very long. Just remember, the bigger the battery, the longer it will last while you are out fishing.

[rocket rich]

Mighty small boat for a big guy I'd put pontoons off the side for safety not trying to be funny

[skiptomylu]

There is one battery that stands above the others and it is a Optima and yes they cost more, but last longer per charge and the life of that battery is much better than a regular deep cycle battery. They are not made the same so there is a reason they cost more and work longer and not need replacing as soon.
Marine: Fishing: Find Your Optima

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[gatoloco]

I have a conoe and have the same issue. I use a regular deep cycle and monitor the weight. I extended the leads to put the battery in the center of the canoe ( helps with the balance)

[Bruce Carp]

i got a couple of optima batteries this spring and first time i have ever been happy with batteries, still have go after 8-10 hours on the water. and supposed to last a lot longer than normal deep cycle batteries. worth the extra expense

[talltimber]

I use regular batteries. The trolling battery is large, as in off a tractor or road tractor. It was used when I got it three years ago, still going. Granted I'm not trolling against the wind for ten hours at a time, but I do troll a good bit with it a couple times a month or more depending on the time of year. Works fine.

[skeetbum]

Now a comment from the cheap seats. I use the cheaper style of marine batts from wally world.(not the yellow ones. mine were about $65) I save my reciept and trade em in every 2 yrs. The smallest of the regular sized batt will do a fine job for however long you choose. I've had several of the rig you're in when I was younger. The baby batts didn't do it for me. power worked for the trip but mine didn't last but a year and went flat pretty quick.