Happy Holidays to you all!!! Just curious what type batteries you guys are using for your trolling motor systems. I’ve got a 24 volt system and the last batteries I had were deep cycle batteries from Napa. Kept them charged with my bank charger and was not impressed with the life of the battery. I’ve seen on here that some use a good ole Walmart battery and have great success. Just wondering what others used. Many Thanks!!!
Wal-Mart brand Marine Maxx Group 31’s … Don’t believe what the online stocks show … They keep them in the back so you have to ask for them … My last set lasted almost 7 years … They start off as either starting or trolling motor batteries for the first 4/5 or so years and then once they can’t hold up the big/trolling motor I drop them down to the bait tanks … I’m still using a battery on my boat tagged in 2005 … It’s kind of hard to beat that for $99
… it’s my Wife’s fault we HAVE to fish !!!
2005 Sea Pro 2100cc / Yamaha 150hp 4-Stroke
There are many, many good batteries out there. Lifelines are probably one of the best available, but they are pricey. http://lifelinebatteries.com/products/marine-batteries/
Optimas always rate fairly high in any battery comparison, but pricey, too. Just not as pricey as the Lifeline’s.
https://fishingpicks.com/best-marine-battery/
A battery on that same list that has caught my eye is Vmaxtanks. I don’t have any first hand experience with them nor do I know anyone that uses them. The reviews just have me interested. https://www.vmaxtanks.com/Trolling-Motors_c_36.html
EverStart from WalMart are a less expensive option, but unlike others, I’ve not had very good luck with them. When I used them, they seem to only last me a couple of years.
Sam’s sells a Duracell branded AGM battery that is economical and seems to hold up well for people that I know who use them.
I, personally, am running X2Power batteries from Batteries Plus.
https://www.batteriesplus.com/battery/marine-and-boat/deep-cycle/bci-group-34m
They have performed flawlessly for the 4 years that I’ve had them. They last me all day trolling, but they are on the pricey side as well.
You may or may not be surprised to learn that many name brand batteries are made by the same manufacturer in the same plant. Here’s a link to all current battery manufacturers and the batteries they make.
http://jgdarden.com/batteryfaq/batbrand.htm
For every brand, there are those that will say they are terrible and those that will swear by them. Best advice that I can give you is to read reviews, decide how much money you’d like to spend, and buy what you want that has a good warranty. For trolling, I’d definitely get AGMs, though.
-The size of a fish is directly proportional to the time between when it’s lost and the story is told. - Me
-What’s the best eating fish, you ask? I’ve found that for a lot people, its the ones that they happen to be able to catch, clean, and cook. - My Dad (1/13/37 - 9/27/16 I love you Pops)
-Until you have
I bought 3 AGM duracell at sams 2 years ago they are heavy about 70 lbs each but they work great I can troll for 4-5 days before i plug in the charger thats like 25 hrs of use
I agree AGM’s from Sams.
As Bowhunter pointed out, there are only a couple battery manufacturers and a lot of different stickers.
I run all Interstate Group 27 or 29 standard wet cell batteries. 50% of these only last 18-24 months. This is completely unacceptable, but I get them at a good price so I deal with it.
I was going to swap to Everstart. Then I realized they were exact same as Interstate with a different sticker.
AGM would probably be best if you got the extra cash. But I can buy 2-3 standard wet cells for price of 1 AGM. Not sure I will get 2-3 times the life.
Well Hung
Nautic Star 2000 Offshore
200 Suzuki
I use the interstate black top batteries. I got 6 years out of my last set. Use group 29’s for my 24 volt system.
Joby
Got a flyer from Sams Club today stating that I could receive a $25 discount on up to 5 battery from 12-1 tru 25. Now that’s a deal!