Trolling Motor Batteries

[brokenmotorguy]

I need to buy new trolling motor batteries. I bought a used boat last fall and it is my first one so I don't have any experience with the different brands/models. I have a 24V 74lb Maxxum on the boat. Any feedback is appreciated.

[prov1900]

There is another thread on this from the past, people gave their opinions. Cabelas has I believe AGM or something like that, then there are the Optima batteries. They are both pretty pricey, but I guess they are worth the money. I have ran Interstate from both of my boats and have had good luck with those. Some people swear by Sears. I think with batteries, you get what you pay for, but the key I think with longevity, is the care and feeding of them.

[Walleye Guy]

Trojan batteries are the best I have owned.

[Chris Haley]

I disagree with the "you get what you pay for" when it comes to batteries. I do agree it is all about how you take care of them. I use the 48.95 everstarts from L&M Fleet. I always charge after each use and leave my on-board charger on during the winter. I have gotten 4 seasons of ALL DAY use out of the last four batteries (8 years)

[katoguy]

Leaving an on-board charger on for months on end is not a good safety practice. There is not an on-board charger manufacturer that would recommend this.

Safety first.

[Whoaru99]

Are you speaking from an insider opinion on this being your location is Mankato and that's where MinnKota is???

I actually would swear just the opposite. I always thought that was the point (besides convenience) of an OB charger, to continously monitor your battery and keep it in peak condition at all times. Three-stage charging, etc...

But, I'll be checking my owner's manual to see what's in print.

I could swear my charger is supposed to be a 5-stage charger that automatically "zaps" (equalizes) the batteries every so often when left plugged in. It would seem to defeat the purpose if it's unplugged.

My (GNB??)Stowaway-brand batteries are on year 5 and I leave the charger plugged in almost all of the time when not on the water.

[Northlander]

I wouldnt leave my onboard charger on all winter. Just doesnt sound safe to me. You never know what will happen. I get my batterys charged over night and then plug the onboard on after done fishing over night again. In the winter I plug it in every other day and see where the batteries are at. If they are low they get a charge if not it gets unplugged. I also diconect all electronics in the winter and bring inside so there is nothing that could get bumped on and drain down a battery and its better for your electronics.

[Fishin4Life]

Not sure if they have it for deep cell batts, but I know they have it for regular batts. ITs called a "battery tender". Great product, leave it plugged in all the time, it monitors the batterys and if they get low it charges them up, otherwise it just sits monitoring them. They say you can leave these plugged in all the time without an issue.

[katoguy]

You could call me an insider.

Leaving on that long could boil the water out of the batteries. Anything could malfunction. You just never know.

On-board just simply means to plug the boat in when your done fishing and the boat should be ready to go in the morning. It is not meant to be a maintainer for any length of time. I wouldn't recommend leaving it hooked up longer than necessary (even a weeks time if you leave your boat at a cabin, etc...).

[Chris Haley]

Well I use Dual Pro and they even state that you just plug it in and forget about it. Full shut off when charged, no trickle. I suppose you can argue that leaving them plugged in could be a fire hazard in the event of a malfunction. Do you unplug your shop lights? I guess that is not safe either than. What about that radio in the garage? Come on people, this is so silly that someone ALWAYS has to argue the opposite. ANYTHING can happen to ANYTHING. Doesn't make it the norm.

[CAJ]

I have an onboard charger in my boat since 1993, and have it plugged in year round. Havn't had a problem yet. I even have the same batteries in it since new. A run the batteries all the way down every so often, and then charge back up. My bateries get used a lot every year. CAJ

[Guest]

I use the Gander Deep Cycle batter for my trolling motor and the combo cranking/deep cycle for my my motor. all seems to work ok.. I have been thinking bout going to the Optima Yellow Tops though

[katoguy]

All I am is stating safety. I hope no one has a major fire based upon a statement indicating to plug in a charger and forget about it. It HAS happened!

Check electrolyte level every 30 days during the fishing season and before charging during the winter. It is recommended to recharge batteries a couple times during the winter.

[CASTnBLAST]

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I have an onboard charger in my boat since 1993, and have it plugged in year round. Havn't had a problem yet. I even have the same batteries in it since new. A run the batteries all the way down every so often, and then charge back up. My bateries get used a lot every year. CAJ

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Holy @#$%!Since this thread was started to find out about good batteries to purchase what kind do you run? Same batteries since '93 and their still strong with lots of use???? Holy @#$%!

[Whoaru99]

Well, Motorguide(?) did have a recall on some OB chargers. One of my friends had one that got replaced at no cost due to the potential of a fire risk.

I've had a chance to review my MinnKota OB charger manual and it states nothing about disconnecting the charger after being used.

In fact, it seems to imply quite the opposite - describing the benefits of microporcessor-controlled "long term battery maintenance" and how the "maintenance stage is designed to keep a battery at full charge between uses - even during extended storage - without overcharging or cycling the charge off and on. Keeping the battery at full charge between uses is the best way to avoid sulfation which is the number one cause of battery failure."

It goes on into a "note" saying how the long term "maintenance stage is desiged to safely keep batteries fully charged over extended periods" but then adds it is necessary to check the electrolyte level every 30 days.

So, if that does not imply continuous duty, I don't know what does. Unless you count the time the charger is unplugged to check the fluid level. Provided of course, you have removable caps...

[Whoaru99]

I think the point was more that proper charging and maintenance is a bigger factor than the specific brand of battery.

I have also read (in several different sources) that running your batteries below 50% charge is very hard on them - and yes, this was in reference to "deep cycle" batteries...

They should also be charged back to full as soon as possible after use.

Oh, BTW, I checked my records more thoroughly and I'm on year 6 with mine. I consider this to be very good service life from "normal" batteries so I'd be hard pressed to spend two or three times as much for some high tech batteries that may or may not last any longer. I had somebody from work hook up a new-fangled computerized battery tester to my three batteries. The starting motor battery showed 35% life remaining, the trolling motor batteries showed something like 87% life remaining. All batteries were replaced at the same time.

[Northlander]

As far as battery's go I like my Interstates. A bit pricey but the service I get at Interstate is well worth the extra cost to me. Optimas are also a good battery but pricey. I had a couple Exides and they went well for about 4 years with good maintanance.

[stmichael]

Another vote for interstate batteries.

[brokenmotorguy]

Thanks for everyone's input. I appreciate the info.

[bucketmouth64]

I just replaced my Northern battery (second one in 5 years)with a Trojan bought at Gander. Make sure you buy the deep cylce one and not the dual battery. The dual battery is both starting and trolling motor whereas the other is strictly for trolling motor. The dual is cheaper ($80) and the other is about $130 depending on the size you get. Glad the salesman at Gander alerted me of this difference.

[The_Duckslayer]

Fleet farm batteries. Get 4 years out of them and I am not all that prompt on charging them either. In the winter I pull them out of the boat and bring them into the garage. About once a month, I refer you back to the not so prompt, I take a car headlight and connect it to them to run them down. Then back on the shelf for another month, six weeks, two months. They have served me well. Have a good one and N Joy the Hunt././Jimbo

[archer59]

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I just replaced my Northern battery (second one in 5 years)with a Trojan bought at Gander. Make sure you buy the deep cylce one and not the dual battery. The dual battery is both starting and trolling motor whereas the other is strictly for trolling motor. The dual is cheaper ($80) and the other is about $130 depending on the size you get. Glad the salesman at Gander alerted me of this difference.

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What's the recommended charging ( deep cycle , or standard ) for the dual purpose Trojan?

Nick

[BobT]

Jimbo, you hit on a very important point. If you want your batteries to last it is vital to bring them in for the winter, protect them from freezing, and make sure their charge is maintained. Almost nothing destroys a battery faster then setting with no charge and freezing is even worse.

Bob

[Whoaru99]

I believe if you keep the OB charger plugged in all winter, it would prevent the battery from freezing and becoming discharged.

At least it seems to for me.

[Whoaru99]

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I just replaced my Northern battery (second one in 5 years)with a Trojan bought at Gander. Make sure you buy the deep cylce one and not the dual battery. The dual battery is both starting and trolling motor whereas the other is strictly for trolling motor. The dual is cheaper ($80) and the other is about $130 depending on the size you get. Glad the salesman at Gander alerted me of this difference.

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What's the recommended charging ( deep cycle , or standard ) for the dual purpose Trojan?

Nick

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The term deep cycle is really a generic term into which several different battery/chemistry types fall.

The specific type of battery construction/chemistry is what really determines the best charging protocol.

If you charge a gell cell deep cycle battery by the same method as you charge a flooded-cell deep cycle battery (or a starting battery), you'll damage or ruin the gell cell. Likewise if you charge a "normal" battery with a gell cell charger, it'll probably be undercharged by a small percentage.

So, what's the answer for the Trojan Dual purpose? I dunno, give there tech line a call and ask then let us know too.