Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If you want access to members only forums on HSO, you will gain access only when you Sign-in or Sign-Up .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member. ?

  • 0

Batteries


SteveR

Question

Its now time to purchase a new deep cycle battery for the boat. I don't have electric start, just run trolling motors, lights, depth finder, the usual. I have been seeing the new battery advertised on TV and I am sorry but the name of it excapes me now. It is said to have twice the life span of traditional deep cycle batteries and recharges in much less time. I believe the commercial on TV shoes the guy running his trolling motor like a fan at night and then grabbing it all and heading to his boat, without recharging. Anyone have any experience with them? I alse heard they cost about twice as much as say the Interstate deep cycles. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks,

Link to comment
Share on other sites

8 answers to this question

Recommended Posts

  • 0

Marine batteries are composed of an electrolyte [H2S04 (aka Sulfuric acid/water blend)] and a conductor (lead).

What makes a good battery is the purity of the water (DI), the quality of the reagent sulfuric acid, the composition of the lead core used, the mixture ratio of water to acid, and the seal to keep air out.

A combination of all these aspects being in balance, plus a good seal to keep air (oxidizer) out means less corrosion potential of the lead into electrolyte solution, meaning increased continuity, elongated elctrolyte life, and thus better battery performance.

The slower a battery is charged, the less stress is placed upon the internal components of a battery as less heat is produced through lower voltage.

Also, keeping a battery charged at more then 50% capacity improves battery life because the conductor is a cathode (negative charged) and the elctrolyte is an anode (positive charged).

So as the conductor pulls, the electrolyte pushes, and less potential for lead to be disolved into solution is present.

So, to get to my main point:

While the battery may last longer and have more staying power then competitors, I don't see how it could be possible to charge faster then another Marine Battery without causing some harm that would affect the longevity of the overall lifespan.

But then again, I am kinda stupid.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

I think your looking for Optima batteries.. I dont know anything about them.. they are supposed to be lighter and hold a heck of a charge.. dont know, havent used them..

I'll stick with my $65 each Yellow Wal Mart monster deep cycles rated at 205 reserve capacity.. dont know what that means either, but its as good or better than all the other standard deep cycles I have seen... and the run time on my trolling motor is awesome.

Anyone know what this reserve capacity nonsense is? What ever happened to good old amp hour rating (Ah) ?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

Optima batteries are proven to be excellent deep cycle batteries however you will pay double for these. I just did some research and bought Trojan deep cycles for a bit less money and have heard they are every bit as good.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

Thanks guys, I think I am probably going to stick to my old regular standbys. The last two lasted 6 - 7 years, what's wrong with that? I have always believed in the slow charge concept, usually always use the 2 amp. And at nearly twice the price, I can't see going the Ultima way either. Might just have to get a battery minder to hook up to the new battery. Thanks again.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

Good plan. I have tried seeveral different optima batteries including the deep cycle. The automotive ones did not last as long as the sealed lead-acid batteries and cost about $120 each mad.gif, and the deep cycle was double the average group 27 deep cycle and did not last any longer. Keep in mind, there are only 2 or 3 battery manufactures out there so don't get caught up in all the advertising gimmicks.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

I have "regular" batteries in my prov, but I have an electric start motor on a 16' lund that stays tied to our dock year long and can go 3 weeks without use. For that, I picked up an Optima since it holds a charge longer than a "regular" battery.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.


  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • Truly sorry to hear that duffman! I know that feeling.  Keep the good memories  
    • Chamois passed away this weekend a couple days short of her 13th bday. What a great dog to hang out with here at home and on distant adventures. Gonna miss ya big time my little big girl.
    • Sounds pretty sweet, alright. I will check them out, thanks.
    • If you really want to treat your wife (and yourself) with a remote operated trolling motor, the Minn Kota Ulterra is about easy as it gets.  Auto stow and deploy is pretty awesome.  You just have to turn the motor on when you go out and that the last time you have to touch it.   24V 80lb.  60 inch shaft is probably the right length for your boat.  They ain’t cheap - about $3k - but neither one of you would have to leave your seat to use it all day.
    • Wanderer, thanks for your reply. I do intend for it to be 24 volt, with a thrust of 70-80. Spot lock is a must (my wife is looking forward to not being the anchor person any more).  With my old boat we did quite a lot of pulling shad raps and hot n tots, using the trolling motor. Unlikely that we will fish in whitecaps, did plenty of that when I was younger. I also need a wireless remote, not going back to a foot pedal. We do a fair amount of bobber fishing. I don't think I will bother with a depth finder on the trolling motor. I am leaning toward moving my Garmin depth finder from my old boat to the new one, just because I am so used to it and it works well for me. I am 70 years old and kinda set in my ways...
    • Dang, new content and now answers.   First, congrats on the new boat!   My recommendation is to get the most thrust you can in 24V, assuming a boat that size isn’t running 36V.  80 might be tops?  I’m partial to MinnKota.     How do you plan to use the trolling motor is an important question too.     All weather or just nice weather?   Casting a lot or bait dragging?   Bobber or panfish fishing?   Spot lock?  Networked with depth finders?  What brand of depth finders?
    • We have bought a new boat, which we will be picking up this spring. It is an Alumacraft Competitor 165 sport with a 90 horse Yamaha motor. I will be buying and installing a trolling motor,  wondering if I can get some recommendations on what pound thrust I will want for this boat?  Also, I will be selling my old boat, is there a good way to determine the value on an older boat ( mid-80's with a 75 horse 2-stroke  Mariner motor)  I will appreciate any help with these questions.
  • Topics

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.