Batteries

**27458** · 03-27-2011, 01:24 PM

Seems like I'm always having to purchase new batteries. I was wondering if anyone uses the Optima batteries. Supposedly from what I read on the battery itself its supposed to last twice as long. But then again it cost about twice as much also.

**Jigsoaker** · 03-27-2011, 01:31 PM

Interstate batteries for me brother! Going on four years this may and still going strong. Two batteries will last me all day with a 10 to 15 mph wind.
Good luck

**Release to the Grease...** · 03-27-2011, 01:34 PM

I have a couple of yellow tops in my boat that are 5 years old and still going strong, my cranking battery is a blue top that is 4 years old and no problems yet. As far as run time on a full charge, it's hard to say because I haven't run my current setup on any other kind of battery but I get 5-6 hours of crankbait trolling on the 2 yellow tops. Others may have different results but for me the high price tag has been worth it. If you do a search you will find a ton of battery threads to look over.

**Wannabe...** · 03-27-2011, 03:46 PM

Think we need to find out why you are chewing through batteries so fast.

How do u fish most often?
Under sized tm for your boat?
Good charger?
Always recharge as soon as u get home?
Do u check water in batteries often?
Always use distiller water and never tap?
What size wire is in your boat?
Undersized batteries?

All of the above or a combo could be your real problem.

Wannabe...

**DonDon** · 03-27-2011, 04:21 PM

If you.use a portable charger it will cause the water in them to.evaporate so like WB.said check.the water

**Hook One** · 03-27-2011, 05:04 PM

U straighten him out WB.

**cevans** · 03-27-2011, 05:33 PM

Sears is now carrying a new deep cycle gel battery,,bought mine last fall,,and used them,,then winterized the boat,,put the batteries in garage with full charge on them, and checked them 2 months later,,and they wouldn't even take a charge as they held the charge better than my yellow top optimas in my Jeep. However,,they are 200 a piece just like the yellow tops. just thought I would let yas know.

**satdoc1** · 03-27-2011, 05:50 PM

If them GEL batteries ever go all the way down you may as well junk em cause they wont charge back up.

**27458** · 03-28-2011, 08:06 AM

How do u fish most often? Single Pole.

Under sized tm for your boat? 44 lb for 16 ft crappie bass tracker. Thinking about moving up to larger trolling motor motor though. I had to keep it on high speed just to keep from going backwards in the wind last week.

Good charger? Brand new charger.

Always recharge as soon as u get home? Yes.

Do u check water in batteries often? Yes

Always use distiller water and never tap? Haven't had to add water but didn't know this made a difference. Will keep that in mind going forward.

What size wire is in your boat? See pic. Maybe this is the problem??

Undersized batteries? Not the problem.

I'm thinking the wiring set up might be the issue and maybe a larger trolling motor needed. Thanks for the help.

**"G"** · 03-28-2011, 08:24 AM

That looks like a car battery instead of a Marine Deep Cycle battery. Also you need good mechanical connections rather than those clips....they just do not make a good connection....your wire looks small also. I reccomend you go with two group 31 deep cycle marine batteries and run some new larger wire.

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