running trolling motor battery down

M

mtblackdog

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Nov 19, 2005
Messages
102
I have a new deep cycle battery, and my question is do I need to run it completely down on the first outing, and how about a general rule of thumb for charging this thing.
 
B

battery

Seaman
Joined
Jun 9, 2006
Messages
58
Re: running trolling motor battery down

a deep cycle battery should never be run down more than 80%. or you will shorten it's life. when charging it use a low amp charge like 5 amps and let it charge over nite or until the charger says it's charged.
 
R

racefan2

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 6, 2005
Messages
153
Re: running trolling motor battery down

Be carefull as I beleive these batteries have a memory and if you only use 80% and charge every time it will think that is all the charge it can take or give out. I use mine all day and the last hour or sow pound it on high and then recharge the next day never right after getting home as I heard you should let the battery settle if possable unless tournament fishing. My last trolling motor deep cycle lasted 5 years and it only fried as I boiled the water from it charging it whan I though the charger shut off automaticly.
 
Barnacle_Bill

Barnacle_Bill

Admiral
Joined
Feb 8, 2004
Messages
6,469
Re: running trolling motor battery down

The most important thing is to recharge it within 24 hours of use every time. This helps prevent electrolysis and prolongs life of the battery. An on board charger is the way to go. Plug it in and forget it. Just don't forget to unplug it before pulling out of the drive way. Been there, done that. LOL
 
Dunaruna

Dunaruna

Admiral
Joined
May 2, 2003
Messages
6,027
Re: running trolling motor battery down

[colour=blue]Some of the above statements are not correct.

Any battery has a finite life, it can be discharged and charged (that would be known as 'one cycle') up to 3000 times. Running a battery too low will decrease the amount of times it can cycle. A normal battery (AKA - shallow cycle) should not be drained below 80%. A deep cycle battery can go down to 50%, hence the name 'deep'.

All batteries should be fully recharged ASAP, a smart charger is the best option.
Flooded batteries DO NOT have a memory but the depth of the cycle DOES deminish over time, especially if they have been discharged below the minimum standard.

The chemical process that occurs inside a battery is called electrolysis.
 
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