Thread: Batteries

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.

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

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.

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...

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.

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...

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

U straighten him out WB.

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.

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