Trolling motor battery for canoe

[Capt. Quicksteel]

My daughter has a light canoe and now has a small MinnKota to push it along. What is the lightest battery I could get her that she could get by with? I don't want her to have to carry a huge weight like the ones I use but don't want her to run down after only a short time and I'm not sure what to get her. Thanks for the help....

[Tom7227]

Let her try yours and see how it works for her. Sometimes having extra weight helps with a canoe. Be sure to get an attachment that allows for the motor to be offset a bit so it is easy to use. One problem is that it will tip to that side until someone gets in. i used by regular trolling motor battery when duck hunting to get up river and it works great with my 17 foot and two guys.

[Ed Carlson]

If your thinking a 30lb to 40lb class trolling motor, a group 27 or 29 HD battery is a good choice. You want to achieve a high Reserve Capacity at a low weight, a good group 27 will do this, a group 29 will have more extended power. A dry battery like an Optima is ideal for this as it is smaller and can be installed at any angle...yet the cost is about double..not cheap.

Weight balance is a very good point. You may wish to place the battery in the front to add the weight there if she is going to be alone in the canoe more often then not. This will aid in control in wind and current.

Also consider placing the battery in a battery box that also serves as a power station.

*Press button for battery status.

*External terminals make charging a snap.

*Features built-in LED battery condition indicator.

*10 amp circuit breaker.(Might be a bit light for some trolling motors, but you could up it to a 50 amp breaker easily is needed)

*cigarette-style receptacle for easy power access.

*Easy-carry handle.

Doing a Quick Google Snoop, I found this power station box for $39 to $49 on the net.

These have easy hook ups for a charger or even a plug in for a 12V accessory like a cell phone charger or GPS power source....very handy and adds a lot of use for the battery in other locations like at a camp site or in a ice house, or to power a emergancy sump pump...a handy deal to have around.

[Capt. Quicksteel]

Thanks. I think I'll take her to the store with me and let her carry it around a little while. If she can do that, she can get it from the car to the water. She's got a nice mounting bracket for the motor and almost always goes with a buddy. I like the box you suggested. Thanks again.