what trolling batteries are you using?

[joejv4]

I've got a 27 series deep cycle from BPS lasts all day with plenty to spare with my little 28lb thrust transom-mount. After a typical 4 or 5 hour outing where I've trolled most of the time, it only takes maybe half an hour to reach full charge again, so I'm guessing I could probably run it 2 or 3 trips before depleting it, but I always put it on the charger when I get home. Like gtownplowboy and CatFan, I'm big on keeping it topped off and running a trickle charge on them when not in use - makes them last longer by keeping the plates from sulfating.

[mistertwister]

i have two optima blue tops and love them. never let me down and i like the piece of mind with them that they wont leak. They dont weigh as much as the others, and perform as well as anything i have tried. Keep them plugged in and they are ready when you are.

Chris

[unknown 5]

I bought a blue topped Optima but it didn't last over a couple of years so this year I bought a regular deep cycle one at less than half the price. I got a year's replacement guarentee with another year and a half of pro-rated guarentee. I bought it from Battery Specialists whose whole buisness is batteries. They would go out of buiness if they sold bad batteries the way I see it. I will be able to tell you more in a couple of years.

[stinkies daddy]

I use the yellow ever ready from wally world and have been using the same 1 for about 3 years now

[Creeker]

Replaced my Everstarts with Interstates last year. I have to admit it mostly becouse I got a good deal on them at the time. So far so good but can't give much of a report with only a year of use.

[ProvTexas]

I run Interstates. I got almost 3 years out of the last set. This is on a guide boat and they get used. I keep them charged and full of water.

[ricky]

I have 2 grp 27 batteries that I will have to replace this year. They are 3 1/2 yrs old. I bought these at Walmart and will probably get the same or Duralast (Auto Zone). The big yellow ones at WM are 1" taller than the other ones. My Ranger has a stainless rod that holds the batteries in. I might get the yellow ones if I can make them fit.

[ThrillSeeker]

Deka AGM's.
As was said, there's not but a very few companies that make batteries. They just put different stickers on the outside for each company. I know that when I bought mine, BPS sold the exact same battery with a BPS sticker on it.

I use the BPS version, and they work great. Long lined trolled for 6 1/2 hours and still had juice left. They're 27 group batteries. The Dekas that I had in my boat lasted 5 yrs. One is still good and I'm gonna use it for my lights.

[Crappie Chaser]

Exide Nautilus for almost 10 years now. Great batteries.

[joewildlife]

I have three of them big WalMart batteries in my boat now. They are dual purpose so you don't have to worry about draining the starting battery slowly and causing permanent damage. I killed my Interstate starting battery last summer by draining it when night fishing, 'cause my livewell was powered by the starting battery and I ran it all night long a couple times night stalking. I since re-wired the boat so that the only thing that runs off the starting battery is the depthfinders and the starter. These big batteries seem to last pretty long, unlike the standard Interstates that came with the boat. I mean, both my Interstates (trolling and starting) died at the end of three fishing seasons. My two year old WM battery is still going very strong after two summers of brutal night fishing used to power the lights. I just moved it to the starting position and bought two more for trolling. I wired them parallel for 12V trolling motor use and night lights.

the on board charger is probably worth its weight in gold when it comes to making batteries last longer, too.
Joe