Need new batteries

[swick]

Hey guys. I've come to the conculsion that my old batteries are due to be replaced. These are the batteries that came with the boat when I bought it used last summer. One is a deep cycle with 7 hundred and something cranking amps (sticker says may 06, I'm sure its seen better days), the other one is more or less a car battery. The way they've been hooked up, the 120hp outboard and accessories are to the deep cycle, the 45 lb thrust trolling motor is to the car battey. I'd like to do this the best possible way, and even try to add an on-board charger to the mix. Any suggestions for the best set up? Pictures would be helpful too if you have any. Thanks.

 

[pmillar]

Re: Need new batteries

I'm not terribly knowledgeable of battery arrangements but that sounds backward to me. I would expect the deep cycle would run the trolling motor with the car battery used for starting the OB. Hopefully someone chimes in with something helpful...

 

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: Need new batteries

I'm not terribly knowledgeable of battery arrangements but that sounds backward to me. I would expect the deep cycle would run the trolling motor with the car battery used for starting the OB. Hopefully someone chimes in with something helpful...

+1

Ian

 

[swick]

Re: Need new batteries

Yeah I thought it seemed backwards too, like I said it was that way when I bought it. Either way both batteries are toast. I basically have to jump the boat in my drive way just to tinker with it, nothing holds a charge anymore. I tried swapping the outboard onto the car battery after a charge and din't have any power at all. At least the deep cycle has enough in it to jump it. I want to buy a decent battery for both motors, but want to do it right the first time.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Need new batteries

When it comes to batteries, buy the largest capacity you have room for (in the boat and your wallet). You can't have too much power -- just too little. Have the batteries load tested. You might find that it is the starter that is drawing too much current and the batteries are not the problem at all. Load testing is free at most auto stores. Make sure they are fully charged.

 

[JB]

Re: Need new batteries

Load test the deep cycle battery. It is probably okay. Batteries do not "wear out".

Use that one for the troller.

Get a good dual purpose battery for starting and accessories. Everstart Marine Maxx is a good one.

 

[rosser1]

Re: Need new batteries

My battery can with my boat back in the 80's still good, takes charge. did find that I thought I was having battery trouble, but it was that the motor accelorator or throttle handle wasn't in neutral. and wouldn't let motor crank. anyways, batteries usally don't just go bad. I would agree with the others deep cycle for trolling and buy a cranking for well cranking. But i have 3 batteries in a bass boat one cranking, one deepcycle for trolling and a car battery for all lights and extras. no onboard chargers just solorpanels!! batteries never goes dead, but i never fish at night either!!

 

[swick]

Re: Need new batteries

Well like I said, these batteries are dead and do not hold a charge. I don't know what kind of batteries last 20 years, but I hope you pass them down to your kids one day cause even cars need new batteries every 5-10 years. I may pick up one of those Everstart Marine Maxx batteries after all. I read some good reviews on them and I guess theres an initial warrenty for a year and a half or so. But I'm also looking into onboard chargers and the Minn Kota MK210 2 bank charger looks like the way to go for $129. Question about that, its a 10 amp charger, they also sell a 20 amp 2 bank charger for $210. Other than quicker charging time is there any other real benefit?

 

[swick]

Re: Need new batteries

Just a quick follow-up. I bought a new Everstart Marine Maxx at Walmart $85, $100 after taxes and $9 core charge. Very powerful, does the job just fine. I also bought the Minn kota 2 bank cahrger from bass pro. Good deal, everythings coming together. I put the old deep cycle on the trolling motor, we'll see how it does out in the water soon enough. Thanks for the input.