Can I use my starting battery for my trolling motor as well?

[JamesCoste]

Do I have to get a separate battery for my trolling motor? I'm a half-day fisherman at best and typically slow-troll on the slowest speed. I bought a Minn Kota Riptide 55/B/H/ 3X-Steering Bow-Mount Motor - Latch & Door and it has "Maximizer™ technology that efficiently converts electrical energy to mechanical thrust for up to five times longer running time on a single battery charge." <br /><br />I'd rather not have the extra weight of another battery on my boat, plus I don't have a clue where I would put one near the bow. My boat isn't really a fishing boat, but I'm converting it into one.<br /><br />Does anybody else do this?<br /><br />If I decide to use my starting/deep cycle battery as my starting motor as well as trolling motor, how do I extend the wiring from the bow to the stern where the battery is? Can I get an old set of jumper cables and crimp them (and coat the crimp with liquid electrical tape) to get the extra length needed. What kind of wire do I need for this extension?<br /><br />Will having the trolling motor and the depth finder hooked up to the same source mess up the depth finder?<br /><br />Thanks for your help. My trolling motor should be arriving this time next week and I want to install it ASAP, but correctly.

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: Can I use my starting battery for my trolling motor as well?

In general I would say that you should have a seperate battery for the trolling motor. With that said, if you have a smaller engine that doesn't require a ton of amps to turn over. You might get by with a large deep cycle or dual purpose battery.

 

[JB]

Re: Can I use my starting battery for my trolling motor as well?

Hi, James.<br /><br />I have used a single dual purpose (Everstart Marine Maxx) battery for all of my boats' electrical needs for many years. That includes starting a 70hp 4 stroke and operating a MK Genesis 55AP, Garmin GPS, Uniden VHF and Lowrance sonar.<br /><br />Typically fished 8 to 10 hours alternating between big engine travel and troller cruising off structure while casting.<br /><br />No worries.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[JamesCoste]

Re: Can I use my starting battery for my trolling motor as well?

Thanks JB and waterone1. My outboard is a 1985 50HP Johnson. My battery is an Everstart Maxx Marine with 875 starting amps and 675 Cold amps. I don't know the difference honestly, but that is what it reads.<br /><br />Since I am going to use my starting/deep cycle battery as my starting motor as well as trolling motor, how do I extend the wiring from the bow to the stern where the battery is? Can I get an old set of jumper cables and crimp them (and coat the crimp with liquid electrical tape) to get the extra length needed. What kind of wire do I need for this extension?

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: Can I use my starting battery for my trolling motor as well?

I personally would shy away from the old jumper cables. In most cases you will find either stiff solid conductors (not good) or very thick insulation with not so thick conductors (again, not good).<br />In your owners manual for the trolling motor it should have a specification listed for maximum current draw(amps). You would want to purchase marine grade cable of the propper gauge to handle the current(amps) listed for the motor plus at least an extra 5 amps or so (example, if the motor has a maximum draw of 10 amps, get cable rated for 15 amps or higher). <br />VERY IMPORTANT....make sure you install a fuse at the battery for your new cable.

 

[JamesCoste]

Re: Can I use my starting battery for my trolling motor as well?

I will wait to get my manual (or I might try to download it in a minute) and see what it recommends.<br /><br />Where would I get marine grade cable, anybody? We have a West Marine across town. I'll also get an inline fuse if the trolling motor doesn't come with one already.

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: Can I use my starting battery for my trolling motor as well?

West marine would be fine. Just to make sure we are on the same page regarding the fuse. The reason I suggested that you put a fuse at the battery for your new wiring is to protect your boat and your family incase the wiring should short or ground out. Hopefully the trolling motor will have a fuse, and that fuse will protect the motor or the wiring if a problem develops inside of the trolling motor.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Can I use my starting battery for my trolling motor as well?

James <br />I think you can get away with one battery if you use some common sence. Do not run your battery all the way down or you may find your self standed. I think I would also pull the cover off your 50 HP and try to start with a manual starter roap. This way you have a back up plan in case you run battery all the way down.<br /><br />If you have a newer 50 HP motor probably has a 15 amp alternator or more. If it an older motor may be 9 to 12 amps. Point being do not think the battery will fully charge in a 10 min run to the next spot. Older motor may have to run 18 hours or more to fully charge. As soon at you get home fully charge the battery with a good 10 amp or more automatic baattery charger or your battery will not last long.<br /><br />Do not use batteries cables get some good marine grade cable. Check your trolling motor manual for the correct size cable. Make sure you pay attention to the length as with longer runs you need bigger cable. When your battery goes bad and you need to buy a new one get as big a battery as will fit in your space. <br />Have Fun and leave a fish for me.

 

[JamesCoste]

Re: Can I use my starting battery for my trolling motor as well?

This boat is my first with an outboard big enough to require a starter. I was under the assumption that the alternator kept it pretty well charged.<br /><br />I have a battery charger. I guess I should charge it up after each trip, right?<br /><br />As far as a manual starter rope, I can make my own, right? I notice on the top of the flywheel that there is a groove for the rope to go in. I guess I should make some sort of handle to help me in manually pull-starting the motor. I would like to see if I can successfully hand-crank it in case my battery dies. Anything special I should know about pull-starting the motor. I know the obvious: must be in neutral, must pull hard, etc. I've just never tried this nor seen anybody hand-start an outboard that typically is started electrically.<br /><br />I learn so much from this forum! Thanks a million!

 

[JamesCoste]

Re: Can I use my starting battery for my trolling motor as well?

I found some info on a starter rope.<br />***<br />You can make a rope for that motor out of some 1/4" or 3/8" solid braid nylon rope and a chunk of wood (handle) with a hole in it's center. Thread the rope through the handle and knot it. Check the motor's flywheel for a place to insert a knot and create one on the other end of the rope. make the rope long enough to go around the flywheel about 3 times. <br />***<br />Obviously, it works best if the motor is in good tune, and the battery has run dead due to forgetting to turn off the lights/radio/etc., and not because it was run down by trying to start it.<br />The rope wraps around the groove in the flywheel's outer lip, just above the ring-gear. There should be a small angled slot on one side that the knotted end slides into. The rope wraps clockwise....

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: Can I use my starting battery for my trolling motor as well?

I'm glad you are preparing an EMERGENCY way to start your engine. Just thought you should know that even a deep cycle battery should not be run dead or it will be damaged. A 50 HP engine should not demand that much from a good battery. If you run your trolling motor to the point the engine will not turn over, it will reduce the battery's capacity to take a full charge. Too many times of doing this....the battery is "toast".

 

[jtexas]

Re: Can I use my starting battery for my trolling motor as well?

My 70hp 'rude came with a starter rope in a little pouch attached underneath the cowling - hope I never have to use it! A piece of 1.5" or 1" dowel or PVC pipe would make a good handle. If the engine's warm, you shouldn't have to turn the flywheel more than 1/2 turn. Don't forget to give it some throttle.<br /><br />I suggest monitoring your battery's condition with a voltmeter and hydrometer before & after each trip. Then you can see when it's starting to deteriorate and decide when to replace it instead of waiting until it dies.<br /><br />Walmart's policy with the Everstart batteries is, you take it back before 12 months is up & tell 'em it won't take a full charge, or it's draining too fast, whatever, you get a new one. No questions, no tests.

 

[redmopar]

Re: Can I use my starting battery for my trolling motor as well?

My ol '79 johnson 115 has a pull start setup in it. I fashoned a new pull rope from a legnth of 1/4" nylon braded rope and a peice of broom handle cut to about 3" with a hole drilled in the middle and sanded. My motor has two no-power starting procedures according to the manual. The cold starting procedure is to first flip a lever on the choke solenoid and give the primer bulb a squeeze until firm. Flip the lever back, turn on the ignition and put the throttle slightly up. Pull and go. For warm starts, eliminate using the lever from the steps. I went to try this on a test run and this is what I found. It can be accomplished with one person, but it is much easier with 2. You or your buddy should be on the throttle to keep the motor from overreving when it comes to and to increase the throttle when it is not enough. This may not be the case with a newer engine. Pulling on my motor is tough, but it may be easier with your 50. In my case with my 115, i had to put my feet on the transom and sit down to do almost like a rowng action. Pulling while standing up was out of the question. IMHO i would reccomend a few things. Try it before you rely on it. It may be extremely diffucult without a strong back, an owners manual and another person assisting. Also if there is a risk of the battery dying and you have power tilt/trim, make sure it is down. Starting the motor out of the water is not good and pulling on the flywheel while it is fully tilted may be diffucult because of the downward angle of the flywheel. Finally make SURE it is in neutral. You bypass the safety features when you pullstart. Have fun and be safe!

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Can I use my starting battery for my trolling motor as well?

Redmopar - I have a ’75 115 Sea Horse (Johnson). Out of curiosity, while sitting on solid ground in the driveway I gave it a go...once! Same thing, had to sit with both feet on the transom. It is possible to start it but not something I would ever look forward to doing while floating.

 

[redmopar]

Re: Can I use my starting battery for my trolling motor as well?

Guess I am lucky I am a big guy, wasn't too bad for me. Anything to get out of a pinch when I need to. If the seas are rolling, I bet it would add to the challenge. Still I like that option, its a little peice of mind. I agree with you though, I won't be giving up my cranking battery anytime soon as its not exactly fun. BTW, I run seperate troller batteries. Don't mind the extra weight because when I wanna go, I wanna now.<br />

 

[JamesCoste]

Re: Can I use my starting battery for my trolling motor as well?

My fil bought me a second battery for Christmas. I think I will mount it near the passengers seat. I'll still need to eventually get an extension for the power cable.