deep cycle batteries

[Hoser]

Time once again to tap into the vast wealth of knowledge out here. I'm in the market for a new battery for the trolling motor and would like to know what to look for rather than just grabbing the first one I see that says deep cycle at CT. Any suggestions?

[Xenos]

I'm now using, Spiral wound (AGM) batteries. Too early too know what their like yet. I do like the idea of them being fully sealed and 17 times more shock resistant. Bill, know's I dont stop fishing for waves. Thats what life jackets are for.

[big-o]

I think the best guys to answer this Question is the bass tourny guys...as they rely heavly on there electrics....Hey Toobinator here is a good one for you...or any tourny guys



BIG-O(Phil)<*!!!!><

[furious]

I use Group 31 Power Source batteries in my boat. My first pair lasted 3 years, and I replaced them last year. I use my Maxxum alot each season between Club tournies, CFT and anything else I can fish and if I couldn't get this brand I would try Minn Kota. I have heard a lot about those AGM batteries and would be interested to hear how they've worked this season.

[Tomcat]

TheHoser:

The most important consideration when buying a deep cycle battery is the Reserve Capacity (RC) or Ampere Hour (AH) rating that will meet or exceed your requirements. An approximate conversion of RC to AH is to multiply RC by 0.6.

Buy the biggest RC or AH rating battery you can afford because shallower discharges mean longer battery life.

For the trolling motor scenario, I would think that you would want the biggest RC you can afford. Another way to have a lot of RC is to connect two 12 volt batteries in parallel. Yes, that's more expensive but you'll have oodles of power over time.

Assess your average power requirement per hour and multiply by 8 or 10 hours to establish the RC/AH you require. A visit to a battery store could pay huge educational dividends. According to online Canadian Tire, their best deep cycle only has an RC of 55 minutes. I telephoned a local battery store and their biggest capacity deep cycle had an RC of 225 minutes.

Lastly, I've heard that it is important to purchase the proper recharger for specific batteries. Your battery store expert can probably help out there.

Good information is available on-line at http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow ... attery.htm

[Hoser]

Tomcat: Can you hook a regular and deep cycle together in parallel?

[Tomcat]

No. When connecting batteries in parallel, be sure to use the same type of batteries (i.e. 2 deep cycle batteries). The age of the batteries should be the same as well.

[bass ackwards]

I'd be real tempted to go with AGM style batteries, because of the shock resistance, but these batteries are still going to sulfate just like all other lead acid batteries, and this is what ends their life cycle. So if you are not exposing the batteries to extreme vibration, then regular deep cycle batteries will do. Yes get the largest capacity possible. I am using two batteries in parallel, for a 12 volt trolling motor. Works great but seems to take a little longer to top up with a single charger, may have to use two seperate chargers.
In regards to sulfation, there is a charger that is supposed to break down the sulfate that forms on the plates and should theoretiacally extent the life of the battery. Haven't seen any real proof of this yet.
Has anyone tried these type of pulsed charger???

[Stealth1Technology]

bass ackwards... You can go to our web and see the technology in the Principle section. www.stealthcharging.com

Any questions just let me know

Danny

[Hoser]

Tomcat

You forgot to mention the 220 RC weighs 61 lbs....sheesh, that's hernia country. I settled on the Minn Kota 180 RC at a mere 44 lbs. Thanks for the advise

[Rideaufish]

61 lbs thats less than your turnouts air pack and a set of irons and thats work 61 pounds to fish no problem.

[Xenos]

If I’m not mistaken there is a coloration between weight and quality in batteries. I seam to recall for trolling motors to buy the heaviest battery you can afford.