Advice for aux battery

[jimchere]

Please give me your opinions/advice.<br />Setup: 16' fiberglass center console fishing boat, used in bay waters, mostly daytime. Powered by 55hp 1982 rude 2cyl.<br />I have two batteries, one for the motor exclusively, and the other under the center console which powers my VHF radio, Garmin 240 sounder, AM/FM radio, and nav lights.<br />My battery used exclusively for the motor is a "Captain 24" 12V starting battery. The aux battery under the center console is a trolling motor battery that came with the boat when I bought it. That aux battery is shot.<br />What kind of battery should I replace it with? Another trolling motor battery, starting battery, or RV deep cycle starting battery? I like the idea of having that aux battery as a backup that I can pull out from under the console and use to start the engine to get home if necessary. Sorry for the long post and asking for your opinions. I'm not dirt cheap on this, but don't mind spending a little more for the right solution.

 

[ThomWV]

Re: Advice for aux battery

Go to Wally World and pick up one of their group 27 "Marine" deep cycle batterys for your auxillary application. It won't cost too much at all. Make sure you recharge it after every trip or put an isolator in the line and charge it from your outboard when you are running. The battery will last you for years with your use if you keep it charged and keep the electrolite level properly maintanined.<br /><br />Thom

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Advice for aux battery

Jim,<br /><br />Are you a member at BJs? Checkout the Marine batteries there. They carry a whole line at really good prices.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Advice for aux battery

Jimchere<br />Unless your are planing on adding a trolling motor or fishing at night or for many days, then I think you can get by with even a group 24 deep cycle. With your motor any deep cycle will supply enough amps to start motor if neccessary. If your motors alternator is 10 amps or more then I would charge both batteries thru a battery isolator. If alternator is 6 amps or under I would leave as is and charge your batteries as soon as you get home with a good automatic charger.<br /><br />Check Walmart, Cosco, Sams club for battery also.<br /><br />Most important thing for long battery life is to charge asap after you use it. Also charge at least once a month year round if you use it or not.

 

[jimchere]

Re: Advice for aux battery

Thanks everyone, I'm going to look at BJs and Wallyworld.