Trolling Motor Batteries

[esoxaddict77]

Alright fellow musky chasers, I bought a new boat and trolling motor, now I need two new batteries for the new 24V minnkota. I've used several different kind of trolling motor batteries in past,(some good and some bad) what brand of batteries do y'all use and why? I have heard good things about Trojan batteries, I think? Please give your opinions.

[Random guy]

If my memory serves me correctly I believe Minnkota batteries are Trojan batteries only in a different wrapper. I have tried a bunch of of different types of batteries and I have had the best luck with Trojans so far. I also found that it pays to leave the onboard charger pugged in 24/7 when he boat is sitting. I do not know if this is recommended or correct but I seem to be having better luck with battery life since I started doing this.

[MuskyNutz]

Addict:

Trojan makes good batteries, no doubt about it. I would rate them 2nd only to Optima. I had the best luck with Trojans until I got Optimas. Now I'm on my third year with Optimas so I can't speak as to how long they last. They advertise lasting longer than conventional deep cycles. Optima uses AGM technonlogy and now I see Cabelas offers an AGM battery too. Don't know how they compare? What I can say about Optima, besides the are a bit pricey, you can charge a completely dead battery to about 75-85% in an hour and a full charge in 3 hours. They seem to last as long as the trojans for run time, or reserve capacity and there's no shortage of power. I used mine this winter at the ice house and only charged it a couple times. They definitely resist freezing better than a conventional liquid deep cycle. I have increased battery life substantialy over the years by fully charging durig the off season and storing them inside. Good luck.

"I spend most of my life fishing, the rest I just waste."

[Lals]

A couple of thoughts:

Don't buy dual purpose batteries -- starting and deep cycle

Buy the biggest deep cycle battery that can fit in your compartment -- Deep cycle come in sizes of 27, 29, 31. Larger number the better. You can look on the Minkota Web site and they will give stats on the life of their batteries based on a set AMP draw. Basically, the bigger the battery, the more reserve power.