Best Quality Deep Cycle battery and charger for Minn Kota Endura 30?

[JustinJarvis]

Hey guys. I don't really know much about marine batteries but I'm wondering what are some of the best higher end deep cycles for my Minn Kota Endura 30? I'm looking for light weight, high quality and a good "smart" charger to keep it in good shape too. Any suggestions on the battery or charger? Thanks!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Best Quality Deep Cycle battery and charger for Minn Kota Endura 30?

How long you use the troller on average will determine how much battery power you need. The rule of thumb for batteries is you cannot install too big a battery -- but you can install one that is too small. If you fish for just a couple hours at a time a group 24 deep cycle is all you need. If you are on the water for the better part of the day you want a large capacity group 27 or even a 29 deep cycle. Your motor does not draw huge amounts of current (30 amps at fastest speed). For a group 24 battery any of the smart on-board chargers in the 6 - 10 amp range will suffice. I prefer Guest chargers but there are many other brands. For group 27 and above size batteries I'd tend to use a 10 amp minimum charger. As for battery brands -- there aren't many battery manufacturers so only the labels change. Look for amp/hr and reserve minute ratings within the group 24, 27 and 29 sizes and compare those with price. I've used $70 deep cycle batteries from my local farm store for decades and have never had a failure. The batteries go with the boat when it is eventually sold. You can spend 70 bucks or 200. It's your choice.

 

[JustinJarvis]

Re: Best Quality Deep Cycle battery and charger for Minn Kota Endura 30?

Sounds good! Any one else willing to chime in? I'd appreciate all the feedback I can get on this! Thanks!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Best Quality Deep Cycle battery and charger for Minn Kota Endura 30?

The motor doesn't care what battery is powering it. The only concern here is the amount of money you want to spend and the size of the battery. Brand in my view is unimportant. AGM batteries are expensive, may require a special charger, so again, my view is to simply look for the least expensive battery with the highest capacity in whatever group size you are looking at. You do not need to buy at a marine dealer. Take a drive into the country if you don't have a farm store in your city.