Trolling motor battery question...

[BIGGEORGIADAWG]

Any recommendations on trolling motor batteries? I know the differences in AGM vs traditional lead-acid batteries. Not sure I can afford the upper end batteries. What's the best bang for my buck? I have a 15.5' aluminum boat so it's not terribly heavy. TIA

[Way2slow]

Walmart is about the best place if you want inexpensive, big battery.  Deka if you want a good, not so inexpensive. 

[tander]

For about $100 you can get a pretty good battery from Auto Zone. Use one on my 17 ft. boat.

[Goose52]

X2 on Walmart.  I run a Walmart EverStart Maxx Marine battery as the power source for the 55lb TM on my canoe. Relatively inexpensive, and in the event you need to replace it, there are Walmarts all over the country.  I run the battery three seasons, and just replace it before the 4th season - not because it's worn-out...just because...

[AQUA VELVA]

I feel your pain on those AGM batteries.I'll bet they are sweet but more than I can justify spending that kind of money on. I have been using a pair of lead/acid, group 27, Die Hard's on my 55 lb. Motorguide for years without any problems.

[Snakehead Whisperer]

Hard to beat Costco, if you're a member.

[jbw252]

X3 on the Walmart EverStart Maxx Marine battery.

[Robeng]

Deka deep cycle for trolling motors.  

[scrutch]

I have three Deka group 31's powering my trolling motor.  They're on year four and still going strong.  The only thing I had to do is keep the water filled up over the plates. I'm happy with my Dekas!

[Catch 22]

I won an Optima battery 10 yrs ago.I would not call it good  as new ,but it is still going strong.

Very pricey and I may not have it except for the win.

Walmart powers most of my stuff.

C22

[stfreed]

I am on the Walmart Everstart Maxx band wagon.  I use the 30 series and due to the 36 Volt system I run, I need three but for the price of one AGM I get all three and am good to go.  I fish ALOT 3-4 local trips a week in spring-fall with 2-4 week long trips a year) and these usually last me 3 seasons and then I move them over onto my RV for another couple of years.  I do run one big AGM for the main motor/aerators/electronics.

[kjfishman]

Costco had the best deal last time I checked. Usually Costco, Sams or Walmart have best deals.

[markinny]

i bought a die hard deep cell marine battery at sears. about 115 bucks.used it one season and still cranks out like new.

[Puggz]

On 2016-01-18 at 10:51 AM, BIGGEORGIADAWG said:

Any recommendations on trolling motor batteries? I know the differences in AGM vs traditional lead-acid batteries. Not sure I can afford the upper end batteries. What's the best bang for my buck? I have a 15.5' aluminum boat so it's not terribly heavy. TIA

I installed 2 Everstart Maxx group 29 batteries in my boat last year and i'm extremely impressed. I'm running a Terrova 80 (24volt) and I use a Minn Kota Precision 15 amp Charger.  They are flooded cell and ran about $150 each.  Also note that the Maxx line is a much better battery than the standard Everstart Deep Cycles.

To get the most out of your flooded cell batteries you must to the following:

• Regularly check and top off electrolyte levels using only distilled water.  Especially if you've been out on rough water (splash out)
• Always keep the batteries fully charged and charge asap after use.
• Use a good battery tray and make sure the batteries are very secure
• Fully charge and remove the ground (negative) cable during extended storage (> 1 month)
• Invest in a good onboard charger. They are much nicer to your batteries than cheap units and having it onboard is a great convenience.  The top models are the Dual Pro Professional or the Minn Kota Preceision.

Good luck and PM me if you have any other questions.