Deep Cycle Battery Sizes

[Jim Mac]

Is Group 24 the smallest deep cycle battery out there? I'm thinking of buying a trolling motor for my kayak, and want to keep the weight down. Thanks.

[Goose52]

Don't know how much range you would have using it as your primary battery, but check out Group U1 deep cycles - they're made for motorized wheel chairs. It might be OK if you're using a 30lb thrust TM, take short trips, and keep your paddle handy

I have one lake that I fish where I get a bit of "range anxiety" and I was thinking of getting one of these as a backup/get home battery if my regular Group 24 died...

[Dwight Hottle]

Don't know how much range you would have using it as your primary battery, but check out Group U1 deep cycles - they're made for motorized wheel chairs. It might be OK if you're using a 30lb thrust TM, take short trips, and keep your paddle handy

I have one lake that I fish where I get a bit of "range anxiety" and I was thinking of getting one of these as a backup/get home battery if my regular Group 24 died...

 

 

Goose is right. U1 is the smallest of the deep cycle marine batteries. Group 24 is the smallest size you usually see on  the shelf.

[Jim Mac]

Thanks guys. Where are these smaller batteries sold? What is the next size smaller than the Group 24? If I do this, I'll probably buy the Minn Kota 40 lb. thrust, with the variable speed(Endura Max).

[Fishing Rhino]

An Interstate Battery store should have, or be able to get the smaller size batteries.

[Jim Mac]

Does anyone know the next smaller size to the Group 24? Thanks.

[Goose52]

Check out:  http://www.batterystuff.com/kb/tools/bci-battery-group-sizes.html

[Dwight Hottle]

Does anyone know the next smaller size to the Group 24? Thanks.

 

 

Group 22NF

[Jim Mac]

Thanks guys. How does amp hours relate to how long your trolling motor will run?

Lets assume I have a Minn Kota Endura Max(variable speed) 40 lb. thrust model. MK claims it lasts 3-5 times longer than a standard trolling motor.

[Yeti]

Amp hours is the same way you can tell how much battery capacity your phone has. The higher the amp hours at a constant voltage, the longer you should be able to run the battery. This is all theoretical, but assuming all batteries perform the same, amp hours should give you a close estimate of how long the motor will operate for.

 

You would need to know amperage draw from that motor in order to get a more precise number for total hours of operation. I would talk to a dealer about it, personally. They will be able to give you a better answer.

[Jim Mac]

Thanks

[Way2slow]

Reserve minutes is a better guide than amp hours. In most cases, amp hours is based on a 20 hour test time and that's only at 4-5 amps. As the amp draw increases, the Ah rating goes down, as much as 35% - 40% under heavier loads a large trolling motor running on high places on one. Figure a 75 Ah group 24 running a MinnKota 30 on max should run for 2 1/2 hours, but in reality, it will only last about 1 3/4 hours because of efficiency loss at the higher load than the 20 hour rating.

The reserve capacity rating is normally based on a 25 amp load. So, if a group 24 has a RC rating of 160, it come a lot closer to the actual run time you should get from that same MK 30. It will still be less because of the increased load over what was used rating it, but will be a lot closer than than Ah rating.

I would suggest getting an AGM if you are concerned about the weight. Yes, they are expensive but are noticeably lighter and can be placed in any position, even upside down if needed.

[Jim Mac]

Thanks. Any idea who has the best prices on the AGM batteries?

[Way2slow]

Can't help you there. I only buy Deka's and get them from one of their distribution centers. Bass Pro shops AGM's are Deka batteries but I don't think I would consider them as having the best price around.