Batteries

I think we got us a combo deal here.

Can't read the label, but I'm guessing that's a group 27...if so, I'd step up to a 29 or 31, whichever will fit.

Trolling Motor....44 lbs on a 16' decked tracker is fairly marginal. I'm guessing even in moderate winds, you've had to run mid range speeds or higher, which draws higher amps and in turn shortens available run time. If 12V is your only option, I'd go with a Minn Kota Maxxum 55 lb if cable steer or a Terrova 55 if you want to. Both will have the digital maximizer which is a pulse width modulator to extend battery life. Basically, how it works is it cuts the TM on and off hundreds of times a second which translates to about 33% more battery life since it's only actually on about 2/3 of the time. MG's Digital Tours have something similar, but I just don't trust 'em and basically only gewbers run 'em and I don't want you to be a gewber.

Wiring - It looks undersized....from the pic, I'd almost say 10 guage, but it's probably 8. If it's 8, it'll do, but if it's 10, replace it. If it's 8, it's the least of your issues, but still will provide some additional resistance over it's length, if it's 10, it will be a great deal more and it's a hazzard. At 12V with a 44lb TM, it would probably get warm to the touch in wind. If you step up to a 55 lb, it'd prolly get hot...if you jumped to 24V, you'd have a fire hazzard. In any event, I'd look into it a bit more. Won't be easy to replace, not cheap with good wire. You'd be looking at maybe $75 for good Marine tinned 6 guage and if you're lucky 2 to 3 hours of labor...If not, maybe 6 hours. But it is peace of mind. Total off the cuff guess, but with you set up as described and 8 guage, you're probably loosing 5% of your battery.....if it's 10 guage...maybe 15%....again, a guess.

Charger - I see it must be a portable one, but you didn't say what kind/model. I'm dead set against automotive chargers without automatic cut offs and maintainers. I've used a Shoemaker ship and shore with good results, but those little shop ones that are 2/10/whatevers are battery killers. That said, if you were over charging, you'd be having water issues...since you aren't, that probably isn't the case, but thought I'd mention it.

If all of the above does not address your problems, you could always wire 2 batteries for 12V and double your troll time, but here's how I'd prioritize your issues:

1) Wire - if it's 10 gauge, replace immediately.

2) Battery...you obviously need a new one now....go with as good of one (flooded cell) as you can afford....maybe an Interstate or if you're a rich man, a Trojan SC225...which IMO is the best flooded cell out there (about $180)...keeping in mind, if you have to lay in a 2nd battery, you'll need to be able to afford a 2nd one of the same size and brand shortly.

3) Trolling Motor - This is most likely your biggest source of power loss.

4) Charger - If I had to bet, I think you're OK here.

Wannabe...

Wait....G might be on to something I missed....That does look like an automotive battery.

I now ammend my list above.......ONLY USE MARINE DEEP CYLCE BATTERIES FOR TROLLING. There is a difference in how they are made. Deep cylcles have more and thicker plate areas which allow for the storage of more power and the loosing of it over time. Starting batteries have less and thinner allowing for max power for a shorter time...basically.

If you've been running starting batteries....this is why you've gotten bad service life and have had to cut so many trips short. Whatever battery you replace with, make sure it says "Maring/RV Deep Cyle on it".

All of the above still apply though as far as other things to look at to maximize troll time.

Wannabe...

I actually have 2 batteries and the other is a Duralast marine battery that I just took back to Autozone and have them test and it was good to go. As you say, I think the wiring and connections might be an issue. Maybe I'll get some of my maintenance friends to help me out since I obviously lack in technical expertise. Since I use a hand controlled t/m I might just go back to connecting direct to the battery. Thanks for the help.

Now I'm all confused....is the battery in your pic above your cranking or trolling battery? And are the clips attached the charger or the TM leads? And is that coiled wire part of the run to either or something else?

Wannabe...

Sorry to crash the thread but im buying batteries today and was wondering are the trojan batteries worth the extra money.I understand I should get a longer run time but what about lifespan of them? How do they compare to group 31's? Thanks.

Well, ok. Look at the pic. I have it set up so my connection from the trolling motor connect where the arrow is. That connection has wires going under the floor about 4 feet away and connect to the battery with the clamps in the original picture I sent. Since the battery in only a few feet away from the actual connection, I can just move the battery up to the corner of the boat and connect the trolling motor direct to the battery. Longer story as to why its set up the way it is. I just liked the clamps because its easy to change out batteries if necessary. I think I'm going to break down and buy a 55 lb motor and connect direct to the battery. Having to run on high speed too much I think compounds the battery issues. Thanks for all the help.

Trojan SC225s are 31s. SC200s are 29s. IMO, they don't design nor make a bettery battery. I've heard of bass guys getting 7 years out of a set.....that said, they don't use them as hard as we do and there's not a lot of Crappie guys running them due to cost...in the $180 range. I would fully expect to get 4 or 5 years from a set as long as you're not pulling cranks nor fishing 200 days a year, basically, 2.5 times the longevity as a Wal-Mart special albeit at 2 times the cost.

Wannabe...

Too Seben, we need to have a boat cleaning party. That's just trashy right there. :) Heck, there ain't no point in fishing atall if you can't look good while doing it.

OK, that's more better then. The trolling plug probably is not the issue as long as it's tight...the aligator clamps could be if they're not seated and the spring is loose. But with that short of a run, I'd go ahead and swap to 6 guage and use nylocks and ring terminals. If you need to switch out, just keep and adjustable wrench on board. More better and solid non slip connection.

At the very least, I'd encourage you to screw down some battery trays and strap that battery down. Dang near a hazzard to you and the boat to have it loose in the boat and not good for the battery to bang around like that, worse still while trailering. Lot of internal plates get busted out from banging around like that too and that'll kill your battery immediately most times.

I think you're on the right track here. Go for a good marine deep cycle replacement, look at a new TM and check your wiring and connections. All of this should solve your problems.

Make sure if you go with my Minn Kota Maxxum that you go with the models that are non "SC" which are 5 speed motors. You want the variable speed 0 to 10 deals. Same is true of the Traxxis if you're going for a transome mount that you'll put on the front like some do.

Wannabe...

Thanks. Im looking at the 1275 theyre on sale for 141 with core these are bigger than the 225s sorry for not saying which i was looking at. Also pulling cranks was the main reason i am leaning towards them for the run time because of the cost of gas. But still my main concern would be lifespan. Thanks again for your input.

From what I understand, if you cant fit those 1275s, you won't find a better rated battery at at $141...I think it's a no brainer. I can't swear the life span of these will double or tripple or anything, but I'd bet some of your money that it will be as good as it gets. :)

Seriously, IMO, I truly believe that Trojan knows what it's doing and does not cut corners on what goes into them. I'd bet just the opposite on Johnson Controls and it's myriad of branding arrangements that basically change the design and slap a store label on it for Wal-mart, Exide, blah, blah, blah. The trouble is with store brands is that you're never really sure who makes it and how well it's made. I'd say if $141 is in your budget, heck yeah...got for it.

Wannabe...