Batteries For Trolling Motor????

[Zoff]

I am in need of replacing my Trolling Motor batteries.  I have a Minn Kota Maxxum 24V 70LB Thrust and 27 series batteries now but they are bad and need replacement.  Any suggestions as to what size and brand I should get?  27 series is the biggest I can fit.  Brand?  EverStart?  Interstate?  Exide?  What?

[kjfishman]

I bought my last lead acid batteries at Costco and they have been in the boat 3 years and still going strong. I keep 1 amp trickle chargers on them. Batteries have really gone up in price. 

[Kevin22]

I have the same motor and have had great luck with interstate 27 deep cycle. I can troll for walleye for 2 days with it without getting below 50% charge. 

[Jig Man]

There are lots of good batteries out there.  What you need to look for is reserve amps or reserve capacity.  Get at least 180 and 200 if you can find them.  I've used lots of brands and had good luck with most.

[Sam]

Hey Zoff. Like the new beard. Makes you look distinguished.

 

This past Sunday I fished a club tournament on the Chickahominy River.

 

At blast off my Mercury's fuel line busted so there went the motor.

 

I used my tolling motors from 5:15 to 4:00 weigh-in without a problem.

 

I purchased them last April so they are a year old.

 

What batteries are they?  Wal-Mart!!!

 

Yep, Wal-Mart batteries.

 

I got them on a recommendation from a member of the club that has a Ranger. He likes them because if they fail you get a new battery.

 

I had to fight current and wind all day although I was trapped in a one-mile area that I fished back and forth all day.

 

Never had a problem and the batteries were still going strong at 4PM.

 

So how about considering the Wal-Mart deep cycle batteries?

 

Just don't tell anyone that you have them on your Nitro!!!!

 

Have a fun summer.

[MDBowHunter]

X2 on Cosco, I've more then a few there and they all seem to last pretty good. Plus they're cheap

[BassinLou]

I have DIEHARDS from Sears for the last three years now and they are still going. If you maintain your batteries properly, like making sure the water level is up on each one and charge them as soon as you get home after each outing, your batteries will be fine for a while.

[Kevin22]

The bad thing about walmart batteries is that they are warranted for 2 years and if you get 4 you are lucky. The last time batteries were bought for my boat was in 2005. That is 8 years so far and going strong, although I think the starting battery is starting to get weak. If a cheap battery only lasts half as long as a good one, you are not saving any money. 

[Bomber7]

I have a question that maybe someone on this thread can answer - I have a pond boat that is powered by my MK 30lb TM - I bought this battery box and it has two built in 15 amp circuit breakers - so my question is do I still need to wire in a 60 amp or larger - I read where it says you need at least 60amp circuit breaker on it.  Is this true - I'm still new to the whole boating thing - thanks

 

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/marine-battery-box.aspx?a=784532

[Kevin22]

If it will work without tripping the breakers then you will not need the 60. 

[kjfishman]

You may have to bypass the built in breakers by hooking directly to the battery or taking the built in breakers out of the circuit.

[Bomber7]

If it will work without tripping the breakers then you will not need the 60. 

thanks Kevin - I think it's ok cause I have had this set up for a few weeks now - took her out today to Lake Wanahoo, west of Omaha Nebraska - pretty much ran it for 6 hours straight and still had a good charge - I was just concern cause I was reading a review and saw the info about the 60 amp.  Thanks for the help. 

[Kevin22]

15 amp is lower than 60 (obviously lol), so you will theoretically be SAFER with the 15 vs the 60. 

[Long Mike]

Read the Owner's Manual for your TM.  Install the breaker that it recommends.  That said, if your TM is running fine with only a 15 Amp breaker, I wouldn't bother to change it.

[Zoff]

Thanks everybody.  Lots to think about.

[Bomber7]

Read the Owner's Manual for your TM.  Install the breaker that it recommends.  That said, if your TM is running fine with only a 15 Amp breaker, I wouldn't bother to change it.

Owner's Manual??  What's that?? just kidding lol   -  yup it recommends a 50amp for my TM - somehow I missed that when I first read through it.  To be safe I'll pick up a 50 amp today and install it before hitting the water again - thanks appreciate the info and help.