Another Battery Question

[rnellie4]

I ran a search and could not find an answer to my question. I have a 25hp 1978 johnson for my jon boat. I currently have a 1 yr old starting/deep cycle battery that I have the motor,trim,bilage,lights and fish finder hooked up to. The other battery is dead/shot that I used only for the trolling motor.

My question is: what type of battery should I buy. Should I buy a cranking battery(if so can I hook up the billage, trim, etc.. to it) or should I buy another starting/deep cycle battery that I need to charge after every trip? Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I am really confused on what I should do and not very familiar with marine batteries. Thanks!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Another Battery Question

To answer your question -- buy a marine deep cycle battery for the trolling motor. There are three basic battery designations. 1) Starting, 2) dual purpose (starting and deep cycle), and 3) Deep Cycle. Starting batteries should never be used on a trolling motor because they cannot handle the abuse caused by being repeatedly deeply discharged which a trolling motor does. Your selection of a "dual purpose" for your other battery is acceptable. Yes, you can switch other stuff to the trolling motor battery but since you already have them on a dual purpose battery, leave them connected there.

 

[rnellie4]

Re: Another Battery Question

thanks for the advice!

 

[Boatist]

Re: Another Battery Question

I agree with Silver, you need a deep cycle Battery.
Starting battery Should not be discharged more than 20 percent before fully recharged.
Deep cycle batteries should not be discharged more than 50 percent before being fully recharged.

Make sure at the end of each trip you fully recharge both batteries with a good fully automatic or smart charger. The longer you wait to recharge the shorter the battery life will be.

Even if you do not take the boat out once a month you still need to recharge your batteries every month in summer.

I would suggest at least a 10 amp automatic or smart charger.