Problem Motor or battery??

[Yelim]

I have a Minn Kota 55 lb thrust, a Walmart deep cycle 5 years old. Used battery 7 hrs on Gheenoe with 46lb thrust trolling motor, FF and sometimes aerator.
Yesterday on J16 Carolina skiff same battery with 55 motor only last 3 hours. After recent charge had battery tested and was told battery ok but needed charge.
Do I have a motor problem or a battery problem???

[CatFan]

Without knowing the particulars of your trolling motors and chargers, it's hard to tell, but a battery that is 5 years old is going to be the leading suspect.

Post back with some details including how often you fish and how you charge..

[CrappiePappy]

if you got 5yrs use out of that battery, even if you charged it after every use & properly maintained it .... you got your money's worth from it !! It's time for a new one !!

I've had two boats that I ran everything off one battery, and my buddy's boat still does. Best we've managed out of Everstart Marine or Walmart deep cycle batteries, has been around that 5yr mark. And we're both religious about charging the battery after the day's use, and keeping the fluid levels checked & maintained.

... cp

[Yelim]

if you got 5yrs use out of that battery, even if you charged it after every use & properly maintained it .... you got your money's worth from it !! It's time for a new one !!

I've had two boats that I ran everything off one battery, and my buddy's boat still does. Best we've managed out of Everstart Marine or Walmart deep cycle batteries, has been around that 5yr mark. And we're both religious about charging the battery after the day's use, and keeping the fluid levels checked & maintained.

... cp

It has fluid levels? J/K

I think it's time for a new one. Good starting place.
Thanks

[oldgoat188]

I agree. 4 years is a long time for a battery. I just replaced mine thurs.

[jigflinger]

A battery that is fully charged and shows good on a load tester may still be weak as far as reserve capacity goes. 5 years is a long time.

[SeaRay]

The other factor is the difference in the size and weight of the 2 boats and a larger trolling motor. I would expect you to get a good bit more run time pushing the Gheenoe. The fact that the battery is 5 years old and has lost some reserve capacity also contributed to the shorter run time on the larger boat.
SeaRay

[quikcarl61]

It could also be the wire size to the trolling motor, if its a smaller gauge it could cause some problems. But I would also suspect a 5 year old battery, I had two newer ones both less than 2 yrs old, and when I installed my I-pilot it would only last 3 hours tops. 2 New batteries solved everthing.

[skeetbum]

I had a 16' aluminum boat with what you speak of on it and went to 2 identical batteries tied in parallel and my problems were solved. You now have the room for 2 batteries and you'll have to work hard at wearing down even 2 average batteries. Not as expensive as you think for the peace of mind that you won't have to hand start the motor.
I would bet your current battery to be the culprit, 5 yrs is a good long time in this game.

[Yelim]

New battery purchased now I have to tell the war department I need to go fishing. If that dont work I will get another battery for parallel. I have a seperate battery for starting.
Thanks