Spare trolling motor battery alternatives

[skronky]

I've heard of people using riding lawn mower batteries for backups. I have a 10 foot two man, two normal size batteries add a lot of weight (plus they are expensive). Anyone else have any ideas? It would just be for emergencies, like enough juice to help get back to the ramp.

[done]

Just relaying from the marina I got my boat from, The guy there said you can use the riding mower ones. I have even used them as primary batteries for a small jon boat's little 12 volt trolling motor.

The one caveat he threw in there was, they will not hold a charge as long (go figure) and they will die much sooner than would a full size marine battery.

If you are using it as a backup, I would just be sure it will actually be able to perform the job if it is needed before relying on it.

[Muddy]

I have an 11 footrer. I use a 30# Min Kota on it with a Wal Mart Everstart group 27, and it pushes us around all day. The battery is 3 years old and still holds a full charge, Our lake is trolling motor only, so if you go to this you may not need a spare.

 I did use it once with a 55 # and it drained it in less than a day. What trolling motor are you using?

Dominick

[done]

I actually use a 12 volt Syvlor motor. I has the benefit that my bud gave it to me for free. After just buying the boat, any purchase I do not have to make right away, is good for me.

I figured I would give it a try and after building a weird little contraption to hook it to the boat good, I gave it a go. Actually pushes the boat REAL well.

[Jig Man]

If you have the right battery to start with, then you should be able to go all day.  Batteries come in different series sizes 24/27/29/31 etc.  If you have room in your boat get a 29 series deep cycle battery with 200 or more reserve amps then be done with it using only one battery and adding a few extra pounds.

What ever you do be sure it is a deep cycle battery made for trolling motors and has at least 185 reserve amps.  Then you should be good to go all day long.

[BASSX08]

I use one batt from wally world for three years now to troll and start  my motor its been great some time i will throw my charger on it after a long day of fishing my motor does charge but not alot.

[skronky]

I have a 39# motor and everstart marine battery. I forget the number but it has 75 amp hours. Its about 4 years old and I don't know if it was charged properly after being used before I bought it. After paddling for two hours against the wind last night AGAIN I decided to buy another battery. Its another everstart, but has 115 amp hours and 150 reserve amps (I think). I couldn't afford the 200 amps one.  Hopefully that should be plenty.