How many batteries and what size!?

[bassman dan]

Currently I am running 3 batteries. 2 for the trolling motor, and the other is the cranking battery. Hooked to the cranking batteries are two lowrance units, talon, led lights ect. Wanted to know how many batteries you guys run, favorite brands, and sizes! Thanks!

[fishnkamp]

I really like the Cabelas AGM in group 30s  I run 3 total, 2 for the 24 volt trolling motor and the other for the engine and accessories. If you have room a forth could easily be installed to support the extra needs of the talons ans electronics.  Today's modern electronics are reliant on a steady 13 volt supply.  it all depends on your boat's ability to store and balance with all those batteries.

[slonezp]

Your cranking battery needs to have enough power to turn over the motor and you need to have room for them. Group 27, 29, and 31 all have a similar footprint and the group 24 is smaller. First question I have, Is your onboard charger adequate and are all the batteries connected to it? A lot of boats come with a charger for the trolling motor batteries, but not the cranking battery assuming the alternator will charge it. I just replaced 4 batteries in my boat. The group 31 trolling motor batteries I got from NAPA which are made by Deka, and the cranking battery the dealer installed when the boat was winterized. I believe it is a Dynamic. i believe Cabelas batteries are also made by Deka.

[WIGuide]

Given space constrictions in my boat my 2 tm batteries are group 24 and I run a group 27 starting batter that runs all electronics and lights as well.

[flechero]

I don't run a true cranking battery, since I have so much stuff running off of it.  (everything in the boat, except the TM runs off the starting battery.)  I've had a true starting battery fail to last the day before and never had a dual purpose batt. fail to last.  Normally that wouldn't be an issue but when you start running multiple recirculating and livewell pumps, in addition to all the electronics, lights, etc.- well you really need another deep cycle that also has plenty of cranking amps.  I use a dual purpose group 29 as my starting battery. 

 

***Always run the largest batts you can fit in the boat's compartment.  Pick your brand but there are many deep cycle batts that will serve dual purpose. 

 

I second the charger for the starting batt...  even an inexpensive dedicated 2a trickle/tender charger is great.  Oh- GPS pucks often draw even when unit is off.  I have a separate power cut off to the GPS and flip that switch when I pull the plug each trip.

[Jig Man]

I only run one battery for the motor 250 Vrod, 3 Low HDS units, Power Poles, live wells, lights, Point 1 antennas, etc.  The other batteries are used for the trolling motor.

 

I have Optima 31 series AGM.  I have AGMs for several years and don't plan to have anything else.

 

[A-Jay]

I used all the room I had available and then some.  Slipped in 3 + 1 Blue Top Dual Purpose D31M's  ~ plenty of juice.

Cranking Battery is also benefitting from the Quad Pro

 

A-Jay

 

[WRB]

On 3/11/2017 at 5:09 PM, bassman dan said:

Currently I am running 3 batteries. 2 for the trolling motor, and the other is the cranking battery. Hooked to the cranking batteries are two lowrance units, talon, led lights ect. Wanted to know how many batteries you guys run, favorite brands, and sizes! Thanks!

With a electric anchor like Talon a group 29 or 31 cranking battery maybe needed depending on how much you use it.

Tom

PS, VMax marine AGM's are excellent. Group 31 are about 75 lbs each!

[junyer357]

2 group 27s for the TM and a group 27 dual purpose for cranking/electronics. 

Noticed several tourny guys i know running 5 batteries. 3 for tm and 2 in parrellel for cranking n electronics.