How long do your trolling batteries last?

[dfv87]

I have a 42# thrust MinneKota Power Drive, bought 97?? I have 2 12 volt in parallel and on board charger to charge always after I get home. Now in the fall I do lots of shallow cranking with my bowmount. And Sat night we ran from 7:15 to 12:30 non stop wide open and then she was done! I was wondering 2 things...
1. can I add a 3rd 12volt?
2. I am looking to upgrade to a 24 volt 60-70# system so I do not have to run wide open all the time. will this add some more time?

[76k20]

What size are you batteries? I have a 42 lb minnkota powered by 2 31 series deep cycles and can troll a long time, though I usually only troll around 30% to 50% power. and rig or jig. the gas kicker sounds like a great option my dad has a yahama t8 fourstroke on his 1700 explorer and loves it.

[Surface Tension]

I agree 5+ hours running at full is a long time. If thats an average outing then definitely a kicker motor is something to consider.

[ChuckN]

5.25 hours at full speed on that motor is long time in my opinion! I have a 24V system and I don't think mine will go that long, maybe 2-3 hours if I'm lucky.

Maybe a gas kicker motor would be a good option if you are trolling that much.

I don't know about the 3rd battery idea, I'm guessing it wouldn't hurt if it's in parallel connections.

[This message has been edited by ChuckN (edited 09-28-2004).]

[Giant_Jackpot]

Quick clarification. There is no such thing as connecting batteries in “parallel series”. It is one or the other. Two 12 volts in parallel will give you 12 volts with twice the run time providing the batteries are the same reserve capacity rating. Connecting two 12 volts in series will get you 24 volts. Just wanted to make sure someone didn’t get 24 volts to their 12 volt motor.

[ChuckN]

Edit

[This message has been edited by ChuckN (edited 09-28-2004).]

[Giant_Jackpot]

Chuck,

With regard to your series explanation, if someone were to do exactly as you describe they would be building a big arc welder. For the series connection you do connect battery 1 positive to battery 2 negative but the other connections go to the motor not to each other.

[Giant_Jackpot]

Now that we got that out of the way we need to start trashing Mark...........

[ChuckN]

Yes, Jackpot, to the motor. My bad.