looking to get a new battery for my trolling motor. Anyone have any advice on what kind / size of marine battery to get? These bloody things are so heavy!
Skeeter, There are many good battery brands out there. Do some research. I am sure that Jimmy is satisfied with Optima. Everyone will have there favorites. I currently use Trojan batts. I have had them for one season and so far they've done everthing I have expected them to do. I have also had good experiences with AC Delco and Excide gel cells.
I would reccomend that if you count on your batteries don't skimp on price. http://www.dcbattery.com/submarine.html
got_A_way, It was my understanding that you need a charger with a specific gel cell setting. My minnkota charger has 2 settings. deepcycle & starting/gel cell.
The optima instructions said best to charge at 2 amps "trickle", and use a charger that has a deep cycle setting. I got the battery first then found a charger.
My charger has 2 switches 1) 2 or 10 amps, 2) deep cycle, regular, starting.
Two seasons and the battery still works great.
I guess its like anything you want to buy - do your homework first.
My gel cell went for 6 seasons. I was very happy with it.
Most manufacturers recommend charging them to at least 13.8 volts, but no more than 14.1 volts. Standard marine chargers routinely reach higher voltages, so chargers designed to include gel batteries or those with a gel setting must be used.
I have a Guest Charger and am going on my 3rd year with my original INTERSTATE batteries. I find them to be very reliable and always get me through an 8 hour tourney with power to spare.....and I'm hard on my trolling motor.
If and when I have to replace them I would either get new Interstates or like Woody go with Delco Voyagers!
My '98 Ranger has a pair of Delco Voyagers in it, and they are still working great. BUT, those batteries are ORIGINAL to the boat. Going on 6 years and still strong.
Oh yeah, I have a Dual Pro that I put on it last year. Before that, the previous owner did not have an onboard charger at all.
Thanks everyone for the imput, I'll do the homework.
I haven't been online for a month or so due to computer problems and the first website I viisited to after getting back online was this one. All the responses above are confirming my decision.
thanks
Skeeter
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