Trolling Motor Batteries

[vexilareye]

Have been having trouble with trolling motor batteries going bad. What batteries would you guys recommend?

[BFJ]

Optima's If you can afford them....Interstate if you're on a budget...avoid the cheapies!! You get what you pay for!!

[BobT]

In my opinion, how you care for your batteries has more to do with longevity than manufacturer.

* Always recharge your batteries as soon as possible after each use.

* Never over-charge your batteries or store them under-charged.

* Keep an eye on your battery fluid levels. Use distilled water to top them off and don't over-fill them. Fill them to the bottom of the throat tube at maximum.

* For long-term storage make sure to put a charger on periodically to maintain full charge. Some guys like to use maintenance chargers.

* Avoid deep cycling them too much. Even a deep cycle battery likes it best not to be drained completely too often.

* This may sound contrary to the last tip but if your battery seems to lack the capacity it once had, it might restore it to slow draw it deeply and then recharge it slowly. Similar to NiCad batteries, I've heard that some wet cell deep cycle batteries may develop a charge memory and deep cycling them once may restore that capacity again.

[Deitz Dittrich]

You should also maybe look into what caused them to go bad? may not have been the battery at all?

[harvey lee]

I have used many brands and now have the Optima blue top.

Very happy with it. I had some buddies say they were the best they had ever run. They may be overpriced as some state but darn good batteries.

[chuckwagon]

My wife brought home a motor and Cabelas deep cycle battery for fathers day to put on my small Lund. It has worked really well for me so far ... I am new to owning anytime type of marine products so if you guys and gals have any tips on how to care for this type of battery it would be appreciated! The battery cost 100$, is that steep for a Cabelas brand?

[Grainbelt]

Bob T is right on the money. I've had resolute 31's from F.Farm for 5 years and they are still going strong. I do what Bob said and also recondition or desulfate a couple times a year.

[Rainman]

The problem with a lot of guys is that they don't use the battery as much as they are designed to get used. A battery is supposed to be used, not sit idle for long periods of time. That is what kills them. Believe it or not, the people who fish 5-6 times a week and keep draining and charging the batteries will last longer and hold a better charge than the people who only fish once every 2 weeks. Just my 2 cents

[trolloni]

I agree with Bobt its how you take care of em right,everything he said is right on a good charger is very important 10 amp with automatic shutoff many good brands out there,as for battery quality has a lot to do with its life use deep cycle only for trolling motors as multiple charging is ahead also theres a lot more shock to boat batteries than car or trucks boats dont have suspensions, also trailoring can also be rough ,ive owned quite a few voyager,[junk] exide [so so]optima [good but way overated/priced]interstate sr 27[good for the money]northern [good]make sure when you store em that they are full charge anytime of the year!

[pulleye16]

AGM's...but no matter what battery you choose, ALWAYS invest in a good charger.

[slammer]

Alot of batteries are made by only a few manufacturers. Its how you use and maintain them.

[Iambjm]

Bob T is right on the money. I've had resolute 31's from F.Farm for 5 years and they are still going strong. I do what Bob said and also recondition or desulfate a couple times a year.

I have one that is 8 years old and has not been maintained as good as it should have and it is still going strong. Plan to pick up a new one next week.

[EBass]

Going on the 4th year with Optima's and normally each season I'd need to new ones and by the fall they are shot. I ran Trojan's before.

[Swimbait2009]

How many batteries do you guys run for your trolling motor? What rate should I charge mine at also? Same charge rate for the starting battery?

[BobT]

Most of the information I read recommends charging as soon as possible after each use and charge similar to what you would a starting battery. My charger has two settings, 2A and 15A. I use the 15A setting.

[harvey lee]

I agree Bob totally. As soon as the boat is in the garage, the onboard charger is plugged in.