Need Battery Suggestions

[SWMuskeye]

It seems like I burn through my trolling motor battery every two years. I have a dual-on board charger, and typically get a 12-volt battery with the highest CCA I can find.

I have been buying Trojan batteries and keeping up on them by charging them regularly and not overcharging them; but they always seem to hold less of a charge overtime.

Now I know this is supposed to happen to some degree, but every two years? I do spend 3/4 of my time casting from the bow and running the Minnkota, so I know that would wear it down fast.

I've looked at the Optima batteries but don't know if I'm ready to shell out that kind of money for it. Should I reconsider?

Who has some suggestions on the best trolling motor battery for the buck? What should I look for? High CCA? Deep Cycle vs. Dual Purpose? High capacity numbers at 25 amps? 75 amps? I am lost!! thanks for the replies.

[Surface Tension]

If this is for you trolling motor get a Deep Cycle battery.

A 115 amp hr is what I'd recommend. That would be a group 31.

[Sutty]

I bought new batteries this year at Sam's club. The yellow optima which is a dual purpose went for 164 bucks. I don't know what they charge for the straight deep cycle ones but I assume they are in the same ballpark. I bought the 29 series energizer batteries for 64 bucks. The way I look at it The optima's need to last 2.5 times longer than the cheaper ones just to break even. In your case 5 years. I usually get 3-4 years out of mine and even if I assume three thats 7 + years the optimas have to last and at least 8 to do bettor. I don't know if they do that or not but so far I have not been willing to shell out the big bucks for them.

[Hookmaster]

SW Muskie,

Like Surface Tension said, make sure it is a deep cycle battery and look for the amp-hour rating, the higher the longer the run time. For regular lead/acid wet batteries (not AGM or gel) you should get 3-4 years, I would think.

Sutty, In 2000 I bought a pair of Cabelas AGM deep cycles that were manufactured by Exide. I will probably replace them this year. They were $150 a piece. I run them in a 24 volt setup for my bowmount with an onboard charger. I got 7 years and probably could run them this year, but I'm not taking any chances on the weeklong fishing trip. No checking fluid level is a big plus for these batteries. I will get AGMs for sure when I replace. Cabelas has theirs for the same price as 7 years ago. There are other brands beside Optima, Fleet Farm carries some also.

[BobT]

This is something that was taught in the past but recently may be changing. Deep cycle batteries can develop a capacity memory. Suppose when you go out fishing you typically use about half your battery's capacity and then recharge when you get home. After doing this for a time, the battery begins to retain a memory and now only retains a half capacity charge. You can redeem them by occasionally placing a small load (lightbulb) on them and discharging them completely and then recharging to full.

It might be worth a try.

Bob

[Whoaru99]

Interesting, Bob.

I've always been under the impression that draining a battery much below ~50% is pretty hard on it. Deep cycles are built to withstand this better than a conventional battery, but it's still not good for them. Again, that's my merely my understanding, but maybe it's not the case.

[united jigsticker]

NiCd (nickel-cadmium) batteries are the ones that have "memory".

Deep cycle and starting batteries are lead-acid (pb-H2S04) "sulfuric/water electrolyte".

I use the Fleet Brand, $54 or so for 120 amp hour.

[Hookmaster]

I just had the 7-year old Cabela's/Exide AGMs load tested today. One is OK and the other is just starting to fade. Like I said in a previous post, I'll probably replace them mid-season for the Canada trip but it's nice to know I don't have to do it now, maybe a stainless steel prop instead. It is sure nice to have the maintenance free batteries (no checking water levels) when the batteries are tucked up in a compartment. If you have a similar situation, I strongly suggest them.

[nthomps66]

Any suggestions on purchasing an new economical starting battery for a Yamaha F90/Crestliner? Mine is shot. I turn on the radio for 15 minutes and the thing is dead.

Where should I go and what do I need?

[SWMuskeye]

Thanks everyone, I went for the Cabelas AGM for the troller.

Now on my old batteries, how do I know how much distilled water to add to them? And I never quite know how often I should do this. Any suggestions? Thanks for the help.

[chris63]

Make sure you wear some kind of eye protection b4 you pop the caps.Then look inside and make sure the cells are wet.If you can see bare lead you need to fill the cell some.Don't fill it to the top because it will just vent out the extra liquid when you charge the cell.Dry cells will internally sort circuit the battery and will have that much less capacity.You can and should run your battery dead every time.Then recharge within 24 hours or asap.It is VERY important to keep your cells charged in winter so that they cannot freeze and damage the case.I hope this helps some.c63

[Hookmaster]

I replaced my starting battery last year with a dual purpose starting-deep cycle from Batteries Plus, Werker is the brand.

[Cabela10]

I like my Trojan batteries. One is the marroon Trojan case and the other is a Trojan, MinnKota brand, black case. Great batteries. Both Deep Cycle for 24v 80lb Minnkota Maxxum Pro.