Trolling motor batteries

[robbro]

Looking for advice about trolling motor batteries. Is one brand better then an other. What the best bang for the buck.

[The_Duckslayer]

I think that is a lot like asking which stereo speaker sounds the best. There are as many different answers as there are people to ask. I have always used the ones that Fleet Farm carries and I have had real good luck with them. From what I have heard the Gell Cell is the next big thing but they remain kind of spendy. Have a good one././Jimbo

[Northlander]

I have had very good luck with my Interstates. My old Exides did ok for me as well but I go back to Interstate because of the great service I get there.

[Mike Walerak]

While they are a bit spendy up front the Dual Pro Lightning Series have been in my baot for 4 years now and have no complaints. If I get another couple years out of them they will have more than paid for themselves.

mw

[BobT]

When it comes to batteries there are many different choices. I am no expert but I have done some research on some of the different types.

There are three basic types that I have come across.

1. Starting battery

2. Deep cycle battery

3. Combination starting/deep cycle

Starting batteries are designed to deliver high current for short bursts of time. This is the type of battery used in your automobile. These types of batteries do not work well for low current long hour applications such as an electric trolling motor. In fact, these batteries will not handle being discharged more than a few times.

Deep cycle batteries are designed to deliver low current over long periods of time. Just the opposite of a starting battery. These batteries are not a good choice to be used for starting an outboard or automobile. They just will not be reliable to deliver the current when the starter demands it. These batteries are much more tolerant of discharge and recharge cycles. If you are only planning on using the battery for a trolling motor, sonar, etc. this is the ideal choice.

Combination starting/deep cycle batteries are kind of a compromise between the other two types. They have some of the characteristics of both types but with some sacrifices. If you don't use these too much for starting your outboard but only have room in your boat or budget for one battery, this type will suit you just fine.

I would buy the deep cycle battery with the highest capacity you can afford. This is usually expressed in amp-hours and/or reserve capacity.

Check out Exides HSOforum for more information. I found some very helpful tips there.

In either case, how you take care of the battery you choose will be most important. Recharge your batteries as soon as possible according to the manufacturer's recommendation. Different batteries require different recharging strategies so this can be important.

Bob

[EBass]

I like Trojan for regular lead acid - last about 1.5 years - price is fair. If I had the loot I'd get the Optima gels.

My .02

[papasoco]

I know there are people who will disagree, but from the research I've done I decided to go with the Walmart brand Everstart Marine Maxx. It's a group-29, so cheaper and lighter than the 31's but more bang than the 27's. 205 reserve minutes at a 25 amp draw, and the best part is the 18 month no questions asked return policy. $65 with an exchange, $70 without. I take my boat to a friends cabin a couple times a year and the only electricity comes from a generator so recharging batteries to keep us on the water is a huge pain. I picked up 3 of these batteries figuring a bank that size should keep us on the water all day long and then I can charge them up overnight.

[Fishin4Life]

My batt came from Napa. Got it with my boat last year and the guy told me it was a year old at that time. Now I only use a 30lb troller with my boat, but I have never had it die on me, heavier than anything though.

[Terry Hagstrom]

You can spend a little or a lot but if you dont have a battery maintance system your wasting your money.

I dont want to end up on triple secret probation by telling you the name of the company but I will tell you I have had my trolling batteries for over 7 years and my starting are going on 8 years.

You can contact me at [email protected]

Terry Hagstrom

Terrys guide service

www.fishingmn.com/terry

[Walleye Guy]

Trojan. I am on my fourth year with this battery and it gets used year round. Hands down better than the Diehard or MinnKota batteries I have owned in the past.. Heavy bugger though!

[TiredOfWorking]

I'm pretty sure Minn Kota batteries are rebranded Trojans.

[schr0563]

Trojans and Minnkotas are one in the same. I own one of each and have gotten 2+ years from each one.