Entry Level Trolling Motor

[MO_LMB]

I'm looking at just purchasing a entry level trolling motor for a small boat to take on electric only lakes around me.

What should I shoot for, the Minn Kota Endura or a Bass Pro Prowler?

 

Also, I am somewhat confused with the marine batteries. Size 22, 24, 27, etc. What is the difference, length of a charge? I was thinking a size 24 but that was a pretty random decision.

[Wayne P.]

As for a motor, get the most powerful one you can afford. You can't have too much.

The Endura would be more durable since it has a composite shaft.

 

The battery type needed is a Deep Cycle typically at least group 27. A 24 may be OK if the pond is small and you don't fish very long.

The size numbers refer to the physical size and amp capacity. Small number=small battery-less usage

 

Adding to the overall cost is a battery charger. Fully recharge the battery after each use.

[Darren.]

As for a motor, get the most powerful one you can afford. You can't have too much.

The Endura would be more durable since it has a composite shaft.

 

The battery type needed is a Deep Cycle typically at least group 27. A 24 may be OK if the pond is small and you don't fish very long.

The size numbers refer to the physical size and amp capacity. Small number=small battery-less usage

 

Adding to the overall cost is a battery charger. Fully recharge the battery after each use.

 

Agree with Wayne. If you have a small craft, a 24 will be just fine. I use one on my kayak and it sometimes lasts me a couple trips. But I normally recharge fully following every outing.

 

And I have experience with a BPS Pond Prowler (basically a Motorcraft) with a metal shaft - it moved me big time (55lb thrust) but was super heavy, compared to a MinnKota. I now have a MinnKota Endura C2 30lb thrust. Doesn't move me as fast, but is a much lighter unit on my kayak. I can pretty much troll around my reservoirs for an entire day of fishing.

[MO_LMB]

Thanks Guys, I appreciate the help! Any recommendations on battery brand? 

[Nice_Bass]

Thanks Guys, I appreciate the help! Any recommendations on battery brand? 

Interstate is easy and available, and has not personally let me down in the least.

[Darren.]

Thanks Guys, I appreciate the help! Any recommendations on battery brand? 

 

Plenty of great brands. I grabbed one several years ago at Costco, been using it ever since. Costco's policy has been good to us for auto and marine batteries, so I tend to return there.

 

I've also considered (since I power a light kayak) a smaller battery like a Werker wheelchair battery via batteriesplus.com. However, they tend to be quite a bit more expensive if you want higher AH rating, and then the weight savings start to dry up. But they are sealed and won't spill acid if it tips over.

[BKeith]

Depends mainly on how you plan to use it, how much running around you do and how you haul it.  If you haul your boat in the back of a pickup, big batteries get to be a real pain lifting in and out of a boat every time you load and unload.  The same with a big, heavy TM.  Walking through a boat in the water to mount or remove a heavy TM can be a feat in itself.   Many times you are not able to hang the motor before sliding the boat in.

 

For my small water jon I use a 30 - 35# motor, the Endura for now, and have been for more years than I can remember.  It's not fast, but it's fairly easy to take on and off the boat. 

 

As for the battery, that's going to depend on how much runtime you want and how fast you want to go.  On high, most TM's will drain a large battery within 1 1/2 - 2 hours, and the bigger ones can cut that back to and hour or less, but if you are just easing along, they could last all day.   If you only go for a few hours and don't need the battery to last all day, those smaller group 24 size AGM's that weigh about 40 pounds sure are nice when it comes to getting them in and out of the boat.  If you want to make an all day trip, then you are going to need one of those huge group 30 or 31's that weight about 70 pounds, real back breakers. 

[Snakehead Whisperer]

Plenty of great brands. I grabbed one several years ago at Costco, been using it ever since. Costco's policy has been good to us for auto and marine batteries, so I tend to return there.

 

I've also considered (since I power a light kayak) a smaller battery like a Werker wheelchair battery via batteriesplus.com. However, they tend to be quite a bit more expensive if you want higher AH rating, and then the weight savings start to dry up. But they are sealed and won't spill acid if it tips over.

x2 on the Costco marine batteries. They're a great value. If you're going to spend any more than that on a battery, get an Optima. 

[Wayne P.]

What battery brands does Costco carry or what is their house brand?

[Snakehead Whisperer]

What battery brands does Costco carry or what is their house brand?

Costco sells Kirkland batteries, which are made by Johnson Controls. Johnson Controls manufactures batteries for Interstate, DieHard, etc. They're good batteries and the warranty is legit too. I'll buy another when mine dies (if it ever does )

[Wayne P.]

Costco sells Kirkland batteries, which are made by Johnson Controls. Johnson Controls manufactures batteries for Interstate, DieHard, etc. They're good batteries.

In that case, Walmart and Sam's Club is a good source for deep cycle batteries. Exide and Johnson Controls makes their house brand. Walmart is everywhere.

[Snakehead Whisperer]

In that case, Walmart and Sam's Club is a good source for deep cycle batteries. Exide and Johnson Controls makes their house brand. Walmart is everywhere.

I've heard nothing but good reviews about the WalMart batteries, but I have no experience with them. Despite the batteries being manufactured by the same company, different brands spec them differently. 

[Wayne P.]

I've heard nothing but good reviews about the WalMart batteries, but I have no experience with them. Despite the batteries being manufactured by the same company, different brands spec them differently. 

The mfg of house brand batteries compete for the business. The Kirkland can be made by a different company each year, just like Everstarts (Walmart) are--whichever company offers the most cost effective product for the retailer gets the deal.

[FD.]

I have used only everstart for around 10 years now.  Average life for the 29 group has been over 250 cycles (that's around 3 years for me).  The great thing about walmart is I once had a problem with a battery on vacation and was able to swap it at 830 on a Sunday night in BFE Georgia.  Try doing that with any other brand.

[Darren.]

I have used only everstart for around 10 years now. Average life for the 29 group has been over 250 cycles (that's around 3 years for me). The great thing about walmart is I once had a problem with a battery on vacation and was able to swap it at 830 on a Sunday night in BFE Georgia. Try doing that with any other brand.

Hard to argue with that. Walmarts are almost everywhere...