Thread: Batteries

If I could jump in here, I'd also like to know how often you replace your batteries. I think my trolling motor used to push harder than it does now and maybe last longer too. I've had it for two years now and wonder if it's time for a new batry. I too am interested in what everyone uses.

Thanks

I replace mine nearly every year, i have a Motor guide three 12v that is ran on constant speed #3 when im trolling, we have lots of open water and i troll the creek channels and dropoffs til the bigguns move to the trees.
Jug

My current boat came with Interstate batteries. I used to have a Smokercraft (Lund-type boat) and installed an on-board charger. Had to replace the battery in the spring that year. I don't recall what kind of batteries I had, but they would have come with the boat. I troll a lot with my electric motor. but most of it is just positioning or keeping on top of the structure that I am fishing. My current boat is about 4 years old and I just replaced the trolling motor battery last year with something from wallyworld. I have a Suzuki 50 HP 4-stroke on my boat and I troll with it a lot-mostly crankbaits.

Originally Posted by Jugum

Well fellars i do alot of flat line trolling on Greers Ferry and I go through
quite a few batteries. My question is: What batteries do you use and/or prefer? My latest are Duralast from AutoZone.
Thannks,
Jug

I usually get mine at Walmart. I get the one that is deep cycle trolling batteries, not the deep cycle starting and trolling battery. Don't know if there is a difference or not. Mine usually last 2 to 3 years.

Just throwing some thoughts out here...

It's probably not a good idea to completely drain the batteries on each trip. I think that I've read not to drain them more than 30 or 40%. It may be best to take a couple of batteries and switch them off when they get low.

If your big motor has an alternator on it, you can buy a phase charger to "juice up" your trolling batteries between runs. This would also help keep them from completely draining in a day.

I think that you will get much more life out of your batteries with an on-board battery charger. With the price of replacing batteries every year, it will pay for itself before long.

Maybe you should upgrade to a 24v trolling motor system. It will give you much more run time. Also, most 24v motors come with variable speed, so you can save juice by getting the lowest speed that you need.

If you have a big motor that can handle it, get you a trolling plate and run the big motor for half the day to help the batteries out.

Oh well, just some rambling thoughts, as I have never really had any problems with the batteries running low or even replacing them. Hope this helps some. CEB-

CEB is right - use an onboard charger designed for deep cycle batteries and they will last a lot longer than charging them with a portable automotive type battery charger. I use the biggest deep cycle batteries Walmart sells and I get 2 to 3 years out of them using them about 300 days a year.

I also agree that it's much better to have plenty of batteries so you don't run them real low every time you use them.

I use two 850 amp batteries from Wal-Mart. I think they are Energizer Maximizer batteries. Big yellows ones.

Why does an onboard charger promote longer battery life? I was not aware of this. Umm, learn something new every day.