2nd Battery... is it neccesary?

[fotofitz]

I'm remodeling my '78 Crestliner Commodore. It's 14' and is used for casual fishing on my 300 acre lake.

I've seen that it's recommended to have a seperate battery for the trolling motor. Is it neccesary?

I'll be using a fish finder, bildge, and running lights. The trolling motor is an old Minn Kota 750 w/ 28# thrust.

So, Can I get away with one battery, or should I incorperate two in my remodel?

Oh yeah, I'm running a 1960 seahorse 5.5 hp, so starting isn't an issue...

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 2nd Battery... is it neccesary?

You only need one deep cycle battery.

 

[fotofitz]

Re: 2nd Battery... is it neccesary?

Good to hear! Not only can I avoid the added expense, but I'm glad to avoid the added weight. I'm barely faster than a cannoe as it is

Thanks for the help Silvertip, I'm hoping to post some before/after photos next spring when I finish the rebuild.

 

[5150abf]

Re: 2nd Battery... is it neccesary?

That is the biggy is getting the engine started so since you are tugging a rope you are fine, even if you kill the battery you can still get home.

 

[pontoonokie]

Re: 2nd Battery... is it neccesary?

That is the biggy is getting the engine started so since you are tugging a rope you are fine, even if you kill the battery you can still get home.

i agree.. starting the big motor is the reason to have a second .. i would go with a good deep cycling with a lot of power and you should be fine for a good day on the water..

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: 2nd Battery... is it neccesary?

Personally i'd never leave the launch without two good fully charged batteries on anything but a little flatbottom

 

[mphy98]

Re: 2nd Battery... is it neccesary?

Even my little bass boat has two batteries, nothing is worse than the sound of a starter just clicking. It is very cheap insurance, plus I isolate them so I can troll and not run them both down, but can combine them for a charge on the way back.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: 2nd Battery... is it neccesary?

He has a pull start engine. One battery is fine.

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: 2nd Battery... is it neccesary?

I carry a small lawn mower battery for my fish finder only. Mine seems to get alot of interference when the trolling motor is running.

 

[fotofitz]

Re: 2nd Battery... is it neccesary?

I carry a small lawn mower battery for my fish finder only. Mine seems to get alot of interference when the trolling motor is running.

This is what I was wondering about. Yes, I have no problem pulling the old 5.5hp, so starting is N/A...

I'll most likely start with one battery, but make sure there's enough room for a second in case I run into any issues.

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: 2nd Battery... is it neccesary?

A motor cycle battery is even smaller and will run a fish finder for days.

 

[NoKlu]

Re: 2nd Battery... is it neccesary?

For the price you pay for a MC battery you may as well get a full size one.

 

[mickjetblue]

Re: 2nd Battery... is it neccesary?

Sounds like you're running some old machinery. That's ok and fine,
but remember that older trolling motors tend to draw current from the battery
and are much less efficient than the newer technology motors. You'll be able to tell
if and when the battery is going low, but you may not have much left.

I carry a set of oars in my jon boat, in addition to everything else.

Good luck, and have a good time!