Trolling Motor Battery Question

[Johnson70hpoutboard]

I bought an old 2hp Minn Kota transom mounted trolling motor used for $25 and I’m wondering about how I could set up a battery for it. I have an old 15’ crestliner boat that currently just has a starting battery. I don’t have an outlet near where my boat is stored. I’m willing to get a 12V deep cycle battery just for the trolling motor but do people really pull it out and bring it inside to charge it after every use? I’m very new to this all so I don’t really know anything about it. Is there a way I can set up a second battery to charge when the engine is running in a way that doesn’t deplete my starting battery? I’d like to figure out the cheapest (safe) way to use the trolling motor (without damaging or draining my starting battery). If the only option is to bring the battery inside after using it I’ll probably sell the motor because these batteries are so heavy and I don’t think it’d be very worth it for me. The engine is an ‘86 two stroke Johnson 70hp if that helps. Thanks in advance!

 

[mike_i]

Check the alternator charging current capacity of your outboard. You may be able to run two batteries with a 1-2-all switch. I'd go into more detail but you need to know that spec first.