Getting boat back in the water.....need battery help!

[Redline]

I have a mid 80's 14ft lund with a 25hp Evenrude. It has been in storage for about 5 years and I am getting it back in the water this year. I have a guy getting it in running order but I needs some help picking out batterys. I used to use 2 batterys. One to start the motor and run the electronics such as bilge, lights, and the fish finder. The second was to run my trolling motor. It has been a few years since I have bought batterys and I know they are better, but what do you guys think I should do? If i could cut it down to running everything on one battery that would be great. I am just worried about the trolling motor draining it out and not being able to start the boat. Thanks!

[Northlander]

I would stick with 2. I had the same type rig and used the trolling motor a lot and could go threw a battery in 1 day. I had a 36# minkota. I was fishing a river mostly though and current works the motor a lot harder than in still water. Plus its nice to have peace of mind in case 1 dies.

I have had very good luck with my Interstates.

[straydog]

I have had the best luck with interstate and ac delco batterys. I would most definatly go with two I notice I can burn threw the trolling motor battery pretty easy in one day, especially if it is windy and I have to do alot of stearing to control the boat.

[walleyewild]

Last year I replaced both of my batteries, with 2 group 27 agm cabela's batteries and a 20 amp on board charger. Best thing I have done to my boat to date. We were up in Alex fishing the chain and went 4 days before I needed to recharge the trolling motor battery, and we fished heavy.

They are a little spendy but if I can get 4+ years out of them I will be money ahead. Everything I have read on the AGM or spiral technology tells me that they are worth the extra expense. Stick with two batteries.