WHICH TROLLING MOTOR BATTERIES.

[WTRDOG]

With all the different batteries out their,which one does everyone recommend to buy.My system is 12 volt and I'll be running 2 batteries like I have always done,just looking to see what everyone else is using and what they think.

[Muddy]

I fish a trolling motor only lake and I have had great results with Wal Mart Everstart Marine Batteries deep cycle group 27 They are HEAVY, and a pain to take in and out of my boat,

Third year with this opne, sees about 80 full days on the water, still taking and holding a full charge. I keep it off the floor and always use distilled water when it rarely needs topping off. A little baking soda and treminal scrub and thats all the maitainance I do.

[Wayne P.]

Muddy, is there some significance to your statement about batteries

"I keep it off the floor"?

[Muddy]

Yes Wayne: Last battery I bought would not hold a charge after one year. It turns out I had left it over the winter ON A CONCRETE GARAGE FLOOR! The fellas here told me not to do that. I know it was a combination of the cold and something to do with the floor.

This battery is in the basement on a thick piece of wood with a rubber mat over it, and I trickle charge it monthly during the off season , and itheis is the third year with it. Why this is, I do not know, I bet Russ does though. 8-)

[Wayne P.]

Thanks, that statement caught my attention since I was just reading about battery maintenance a few weeks ago due to some discussion on another web site. I had heard of it before also. I came across this:

Myth: The old myth about not storing batteries on concrete floors is just that - a myth. This story has been around for 100 years, and originated back when battery cases were made up of wood and asphalt. The acid would leak from them, and form a slow-discharging circuit through the now acid-soaked and conductive floor.

I'll add to that with: 20 degree concrete is not any colder than 20 degree wood and rubber.

[Wayne P.]

It seems storing where the chance of freezing is possible is a good idea:

"A discharged or partially charged battery will freeze much faster than a charged battery. Store the batteries in a cool dry place but not where they could freeze. Batteries in storage will lose a percentage of its charge. Check the state of charge every month and charge batteries that are at or below 70% state of charge."

[Muddy]

Thanks, that statement caught my attention since I was just reading about battery maintenance a few weeks ago due to some discussion on another web site. I had heard of it before also. I came across this:

Myth: The old myth about not storing batteries on concrete floors is just that - a myth. This story has been around for 100 years, and originated back when battery cases were made up of wood and asphalt. The acid would leak from them, and form a slow-discharging circuit through the now acid-soaked and conductive floor.

I'll add to that with: 20 degree concrete is not any colder than 20 degree wood and rubber.

Myth or not , keeping it off a cold concrete floor and in a climate controlled basement on wood works for me , I am not a genius or an expert, I simply listen and try what others tell me. No biggie, I will continue to do what I was taught as it has lasted me 3 years,

[stormrider]

I buy the Bass Pro Shops brand when they go on sale. I don't know for sure but I would bet there are only a couple of manufacturers that make the batteries for a lot of diffrent branding

[w4svc]

I buy the Bass Pro Shops brand when they go on sale. I don't know for sure but I would bet there are only a couple of manufacturers that make the batteries for a lot of diffrent branding

You got that right! A company in St. Joe Mo. makes batteries for several different companies from some of the big name brands to wal mart. From what I'm told the only difference is the casing.

[Jig Man]

The thing to do when looking for trolling motor batteries is to make sure that you are getting a DEEP CYCLE trolling motor battery with lots of RESERVE AMPS not cca.  Get 185-200 reserve amps and they will last all day.  Treate them properly and they will last for several years.

I buy from marine dealers or boat accessory shops because they have knowledgeable people who work there.  Many discount store workers and auto parts guys know nothing about what a trolling motor battery is.

[Team_Dougherty]

I buy the Bass Pro Shops brand when they go on sale. I don't know for sure but I would bet there are only a couple of manufacturers that make the batteries for a lot of diffrent branding

http://jgdarden.com/batteryfaq/batbrand.htm

[thetr20one]

IMO the best and you can get exactly what you need. They will help you decide whats best for you.