97 Alumacraft MV Super Bandit

[Cabkins]

Hello all, I'm new to the forum and have a question about battery location on a MV Super Bandit. I inherited this boat from my father and it currently has three batteries. One located up front in
the leftside compartment for the trolling motor, and two in back, one for the two locators and pumps, and the other for the start battery. I'm thinking I only need two batteries as my trolling motor is only a 55 lbs Minn Kota. The battery in the front left compartment causes a left side lean when under power. Any thoughts?

 

[airshot]

I am assuming you have two batteries currently for your trolling motor ?? Keep in mind you would be cutting your trolling time by 50% going with only one battery. If you dont do much trolling with your electric motor then you would be fine. I am going thru a similiar thing myself, just bought a 16' alum side console with a 55 lb I pilot trolling motor but not sure how much I will use it. Currently have two group 31 deep cycles taking up space and adding weight.....do I keep them of add a little kicker gas motor? Let me know your plans

 

[Cabkins]

There is only the one battery in the front for the trolling motor. It's a power drive v2 with ipilot, 55 lbs thrust 12 volt. The other two batteries in the back are the start battery and the battery that the two locators and pumps. I was hoping to use one battery for the trolling motor and the other for starting the boat motor and electronics and get rid of the battery at the front. I'm going try it out this weekend.

 

[airshot]

Sorry for my confusion, however using your starting battery to run accessories can be a gamble. If your accessories run the main battery to low, can you easily start your main engine with a pull rope ??? On my boat I have a group 24 for sole purpose of starting the main engine!! The second battery is for accessories only, on my previous boat I had a group 27 deep cycle which was more than enough and I ran lots of accessories. My new to me boat has a group 31 for accessories, way overkill in my opinion but it came that way. Then I have another two group 31 batteries near the front for the Minn Kota 55 lb power drive. Again overkill in my mind, not sure how much I will use it... Previous owner claimed 6 hrs trolling time easy, but will I use it....dont know. If you plan on using your trolling motor, I would want a dedicated battery so if it runs down, you can still get home without issues !!!