trolling motor batteries

[bundy]

I bought a 48lb. thrust motorguide that i plan to use mostly for positioning. Batteries range from $50 at Walmart for Everstart to $600 for Evertroll!! Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.<br />Thanks

 

[JB]

Re: trolling motor batteries

Ahoy, Bundy. That Everstart Deep Cycle from WalMart is a good value. I use the Everstart dual purpose for both starting and posit. motor operation and have had very good service from it.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[DP]

Re: trolling motor batteries

I am an Interstate fan. I run my 54# thrust Motorguide on one of their group 27 deep cyles.

 

[ispeckfish]

Re: trolling motor batteries

Matters not what battery you use if you do not keep it charged properly. The best charging choice is a three phase charger that will drop to a "maintenance" charge, not just a trickle charge which can damage your battery over time. Guest makes several models, I use one that is installed on my 16' Stauter. I am a heavy user of trolling batteries and have made all the wrong choices and trust me, you will never have to worry about having a full charge or boiling.

 

[FISH'N101]

Re: trolling motor batteries

Howdee bundy,<br />I have been using my elec. trolling motor for a couple seasons now. Price to a big degree will help you pick a battery. You may want to consider the type of use you are planning. A lot of positioning around the docks etc. or a day of trolling. I use mine primarily for positioning and occasional trolling. <br />I really agree with >>ispeckfish on the importance of battery maintenance/charging. I found a lot of good info on battery maintenance by going to various web sites. The battery companies and trolling motor companies. They all agree keep them charged and use a good charger. Don't, typically use the same battery for starting a gas motor and your electric trolling. The batteries are designed with different jobs in mind.<br />I really enjoy my electric trolling motor, I am sure you will as well.<br />Good Luck......

 

[petryshyn]

Re: trolling motor batteries

Hi bundy:<br />Some good postings here...<br />>Since batteries tend to get mistreated and often fail prematurely, I'd go with one that has a good return policy(Walmart as JB says)<br /><br />>as BW says, there are better batteries out there, but your application is not demanding.<br /><br />>as ispeckfish says, charging is important, but you won't have any problems if you charge your batteries with a conventional charger, then disconnect them to prevent the sulphation ispeckfish is refering to if you leave them on too long.<br /><br />>and as FISH'N101 says, don't deep cycle your start(conventional) battery, or its life is shortened.<br /><br />my .02 cent recap......good luck

 

[bundy]

Re: trolling motor batteries

Thanks for the great responses. What is the advantage/disadvantage of having only 1 dual purpose battery versus 2 batteries, 1 starting and 1 trolling??

 

[JB]

Re: trolling motor batteries

For me, Bundy, the advantages are in gained space and weight plus simplicity of my system.<br /><br />Disadvantages, of course, are risk of running it down so far with the troller that it wont start the engine. That risk is less for me, because I have a 4 stroke engine which starts on the first spin every time.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[sandy]

Re: trolling motor batteries

I can recommend what NOT to buy and thats<br />a NAPA battery. I bought 2 deep cycles after<br />my original Interstate batteries went south,<br />8 yrs. of service. NAPA would not stand<br />behind them when they would not hold a <br />charge, had them only 8 months. NAPA is on<br />my S*** list . Good luck on your purchase.

 

[DJ]

Re: trolling motor batteries

Agree with everyone on the charging issue. That's the most important. Spend more on the charger.<br /><br />All the batteries are made by the same companies-Johnson Controls or Exide. Buy from the retailer that will stand behind you.<br /><br />Dual or single purpose-depends how heavy you use it and your space and weight limitations.

 

[Mark R Groves]

Re: trolling motor batteries

I've had great success with Delco Voyageur dual purpose batteries. My last one lasted 9 hard working seasons. Plus they are sealed (don't leak) and truly maintenance free. Great battery - I highly recommend... web page

 

[petryshyn]

Re: trolling motor batteries

Hi again gents:<br /><br />>The real secret to longevity is how you maintain them. If you're not going to treat them right, be sure to buy one from a good source that will readily warranty them. <br />>If you are a hobbyist and want to treat them right, build this pulse charger and enjoy...<br />With a little mod, you can adapt this to any existing charger and reap the benefits. Heck, with a little more mod, this circuit will work excellent as a regulator for an unregulated O/B charging system.(if you're a hobbyist)<br /> <br />

 

[wippb]

Re: trolling motor batteries

Hey Schematic<br />How easy would it be to modify our Canadian Tire models? Does this system drop down to the "maintenance" charge I've read about after the battery reaches optimum charge voltage?

 

[petryshyn]

Re: trolling motor batteries

Hi wipper:<br /><br />>If you have the cheap version I'm thinking of, it would be easy.(if your a hobbyist)<br /><br />>Yes, this charger is voltage regulated and does not maintain a constant "sulphation forming" slow charge that some chargers do. Once your battery is up in charge, it shuts down until voltage drops below an adjustable set point. Once the low set point is reached, the circuit will re-activate and charge as necessary. Because of the nature of an SCR, it charges in pulses, which is good for breaking down sulphation. I admit, this charger sounds funny when in operation, but seems to do a good job.<br /><br />

 

[DJ]

Re: trolling motor batteries

Schematic,<br /><br />How amny amps is the unit you described capable of providing? Can you adapt this device for more than one bank of batteries?<br /><br />I can read schematics but I'm not very good at creating or modifying them.

 

[wippb]

Re: trolling motor batteries

Hi Schematic<br />Do you think that you could resend that drawing above to my email address wippb@hotmail.com I think I may just give it a try.<br />Thanks

 

[SeaDawg]

Re: trolling motor batteries

Thanks Schematic.<br /><br />I'll make up one of these this winter and install it directly in my boat. I'll use an appropriate 110V electric connector to allow easy connect/disconnect.<br /><br />I'll post a picture of it this spring when I get it finished.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: trolling motor batteries

Wow, I'm amazed at all the hobbyists out there!!<br /><br />>>djohns19 This unit is limited in output by SCR1 and by the size of your charger, so put in larger value if needed.<br /><br /><br />This will simply attach to a non-regulated charger. If you have a regulated unit and want to update.....just ask how.<br /><br />Be sure to mount the SCR on a good heat sink. You can but an old PC processor heat sink and fan combo that will do, or simply isolation mount on the housing. I would recommend purchasing a cheap 10 amp <br />unregulated charger and adding this on, rather than buying everything piece by piece(too expensive)<br /><br />>Caution, this unit will require calibration for its regulated voltage. Use a DVM and fully charged battery to adjust to.<br /><br />Good luck <br />

 

[DJ]

Re: trolling motor batteries

Understand-THANKS!

 

[wippb]

Re: trolling motor batteries

Thanks Schematic <br />I got the email okay. I try to tackle this project later on in the winter and ley you know how it goes.<br />Thanks again