battery newb needs advice

[MikeW]

I'm in the works to purchase a trasform mount trolling motor(minn kota 40lb) for use on rental jon boats.

I know i need to purchase a deep cycle battery and a charger for it, but other than that I'm pretty clueless on a lot of the terminology and other things to be aware of.

I'd like to keep costs down for the battery and charger($100 or cheaper) if possible, but I don't really know the going prices.

Can someone kinda point out what I should be looking for when buying a battery/charger, and some suggestions?  I live pretty close to major stores(walmart, sears, dicks etc) but can stop by a bass pro shop if necessary.

Thanks!

[Big B]

The deep cycle batteries from wal mart get pretty good reviews for the most part. I don't think you will be able to get a battery and good charger for under $100 though. Get yourself a good charger and it will last a long time and help your battery to last a long time too. Probably looking at $60-90 for a good battery depending on what size.  I just bought a group 31 from academy for $90.  It was the biggest that I could fit in my boat.  I also picked up one of their 2/10/15 amp digital chargers for $60.  It's fully automatic so it will never overcharge the battery.

[KC Bass Fanatic]

I blogged about this last winter:

http://weekendbassangler.blogspot.com/2010/02/marine-battery-selection.html

hope it helps

[zerofivenismo]

I blogged about this last winter:

http://weekendbassangler.blogspot.com/2010/02/marine-battery-selection.html

hope it helps

Good helpful info.

[MikeW]

Thanks for the info everyone.  The blog was helpful in highlighting "reserve capacity".  I'll be going strictly for a deep cycle battery, but i assume terminology stays the same.  I'll stop by walmart and take a look at what they offer.

any advice on chargers or what to look for?

[Jig Man]

You better talk to someone at Wally world.  They have had so many problems that many of the offer on warranty on deep cycle batteries.

[bass or bass ?]

I've been using 2 Everstart Maxx batteries from Wal-Mart for almost 4 years now with no problems whatsoever.

[Team_Dougherty]

There is a place that rents boats on a reservoir near me. They use two huge *** 6v batteries. That maybe an option for you as well.