Would my old Trolling Batteries be ok to use?

[jammer]

I have two trolling batteries that I installed brand new but 5 years ago. I noticed when I plugged my trolling motor in without charging them..that they did turn the motor over fine. But again they haven't been charged or used in 5 years. Right now I have them on the charger. Do you think they would ok to keep and use? Any foreseeable problems?

Thanks for your help.

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Would my old Trolling Batteries be ok to use?

If they haven't been used in five years, I bet they are flatter than a pancake. They needed to be on a trickle charger, or you need to check the voltage every month, and charge as need be.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Would my old Trolling Batteries be ok to use?

If you want to be sure, after charging take them to your local auto parts store and have them load tested.

 

[jammer]

Re: Would my old Trolling Batteries be ok to use?

Load test for sure...but of course that means getting the things out. Which is a project in itself.

I couldn't trickle charge it because I lived in an apartment. Now I still have an apartment but with a 2 car garage so I can charge and trickle over the winter.

What I was also hoping to find out is...There something about deep cycle batteries that allow you to use all their charge unlike standard batteries and they come back up to full via charging. Or it was something like..if it has a charge the battery might be saved. But honestly I forget.

Normally after winter with a 10 amp charger it takes about 2 days to fully charge them. 24 volt trolling motor. So far they've been on charge for about 2 days.

I'm not sure what is meant by "flat" concerning the battery. I'm assuming a charge..it had a charge in the system when I tried it that ran the trolling motor.

 

[dlngr]

Re: Would my old Trolling Batteries be ok to use?

By 'flat' he means dead-a junk battery can show a good 12 volt charge,but as soon as you 'load' test them,that voltage drops to near zero. They might have spun your TM over,but won't last 5 minutes with the motor in water.
i'd be amazed if your 5 year old batteries are any good by now. If it's a lot of trouble to take them out,how about towing the boat to the auto store for a load test?
A new battery will show 13.6 volts,under a 100 amp load,the actual voltage will drop to between 11 and 12 volts.[load test for 8 to 10 seconds]

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Would my old Trolling Batteries be ok to use?

With all the things I've got around here that require batteries I bought a small portable tester. Does a great job and only cost 20-30 bucks. Believe I got it at Northern Tools years ago.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Would my old Trolling Batteries be ok to use?

I got mine at Harbor Freight, on sale. Forgot the price, but not much.

Mark

 

[kmurray802]

Re: Would my old Trolling Batteries be ok to use?

You said "2 batteries".Remember that 2)12 volts in series = 24 volts.If batts are still together,even if week they may try to turn 12 volt starter.After charging each batt.I would only try one at a time.

"Letting the smoke out of a starter is a lot easier then putting it back in"

 

[QuadManiac]

Re: Would my old Trolling Batteries be ok to use?

You can several great testers at Harbor Freight from $20 up. I got the more expensive adjustable version, up to 300 or 400 amps, if I recall, for $50.

Best investment I have made in a long time. Used it on my boat, car, motorcycle, electric scooter and motorhome batteries. It's paid for itself in just a few months.

Now all my neighbors borrow it too. Oh, maybe a reason NOT to have it, lol.

Good Luck!