Best troll motor battery and winter care?

[texasvet54]

Hello All,

I need a new troll motor battery for my bass boat and I was looking for suggestions. I know that I can go to Academy or Walmart and get one, but I'd like to hear from folks with their experiences.

Also, my bass boat is kept outside on my lift. Today, here in Central Texas, it is 75 degrees, but it has gone down into the 20's a few times. I have a new Minn Kota dual 10A charger that will go into float mode when the battery is charged. Is it a good idea to leave the battery on charge all winter as we don't go below freezing all that often or am I better off bringing it home and putting it on a trickle charger inside the house?

Thanks,
texasvet

 

[JB]

Re: Best troll motor battery and winter care?

I have been very satisfied with the Wal Mart Everstart Marine Maxx batteries.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Best troll motor battery and winter care?

Fact is you don't need to spend big bucks for a trolling motor battery. I was at Cabelas a few days ago and compared $129 conventional, group 27 deep cycle with a $249 AGM. The capacity numbers were actually better on the cheaper battery and absolutely no better than the $79 group 27 deep cycles I buy at my local farm store. I've never had to replace one of these batteries and they go with the boat functioning normally when the boat is sold. Even if you didn't take care of it you could have three of these for the price of one AGM and there is no guarantee the hi-tec batteries will outlast the old-standby. I had good luck with Stowaways that used to be available at Sam's Club stores but don't know if they still carry them.

 

[dwparker99]

Re: Best troll motor battery and winter care?

I've had good service from Duralast Marine Dual Purpose 27DP-DL from Autozone and from Everstart Marine Maxx 29 from Wal Mart. The Marine Maxx seems really strong and has a 18 month free replacement warranty. With proper care, either should give you good service.

I live in Northwest Georgia where temps drop in the teens with an occasionally drop in the single digits. I leave the batteries in the boat hooked to a Noco Genius 3 bank charger all winter. At worst, the colder weather would cause your charger to cycle on and off a little more often in the float mode. I don't think that would do any harm. I like the Noco Genius because the float mode cycles every 24 hours if I understand the technology correctly.

 

[texasvet54]

Re: Best troll motor battery and winter care?

Thanks for the replies guys. It's been jumping into the 70's here in Central Texas, so I'm gonna have to buy a battery soon. I'm getting the fishing itch.

texasvet