BATTERIES

Im looking for some advice on trolling motor batteries. What brand/type have you guys had luck with. My current interstate batteries didnt last or do well. I have a 24v 87 lb minn kots. Dont think I can pony up the $$ for gel cells

also have any of you guys tried this product
http://seasense.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=194&category_id=22&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=26
. my batteries are tough to get to and this would help me charge them without removing them etc etc etc

thanks in advance

I have had interstates for abut 3 years on my trolling motor with no problems. I believe you have to do some simple maintenance with any batteries to make them last. I check water levels every couple months. Charge them up when I get home and the night before I leave again. Also keep the terminals clean.

i normally pull them out of the boat do all the things you suggested. I also keep them inside..also charge on a maintainer when not in use. for some reason these batteries were the worst i have ever tried

Hey I don't what the best batteries may be but I do know where to get one at a pretty good price. Or at least I think so. If you you live near Baton Rouge there is a battery warehouse off Montery that sells what they call a blemish. I bought three deep cycle marine batteries for about $30.00 a piece and they come with a year warranty. I've had mine for over a year and I haven't had any problems. As far as the charging, I bought a on board charger from bass pro for $149.00 and it charges all three, just plug up the extention cord and it does the rest.

thanks ill look them up

I always used NAPA deep cell batts. They would last 3-4 years and had a good warranty, were competetive in price .

I HAVE USE AC-DELCO FOR OVER 20-YEARS AND HAD TWO THAT LASTED FOR 6 YEARS ONCE. M-27MF ALWAYS FOR ME.

effective solar has some gel batteries for @200 bucks. they can be layed down on end or on side.give them a call. the number is 985-532-0800.

FYI, there are only 3 major battery manufacturers in America, making many many brand names. Napa batteries are made by Exide. Actually, Napa is only a reboxer. Napa makes not one single part. Anyway, thats a whole different topic. There are many reasons why quality batteries dont last. Your post did not indicate how much life you got from your Interstates. Interstate batteries are high qualilty also. Made by Johnson Controls. Here are 2 major reasons for premature battery failures.

Discharge without recharge — When a cell is nearly or fully discharged, you must recharge it within 24 to 48 hours or you'll damage it. As a battery discharges, the electrolyte starts changing from an acid solution to almost pure water. Lead dissolves in water, and some of the plate material mixes with water to form lead hydrate, which forms a short circuit between the plates, irreversibly damaging the battery.

Over-discharge — This causes abnormal expansion of the active material in the plates and leads to recharge problems and permanent damage. It can happen in a lightly loaded UPS system that experiences an extended outage.

Another factor is vibration damage. If your batteries are sitting on the floor of your boat, the pounding from traveling on the trailer and from rough water can play a major part. Make sure you have your batteries secured in place where they cant move around and bounce. If the roads you travel with your boat are rougher than our typical Louisiana highways or if you bounce your boat on the water often, consider buying a battery tray with cushion to place your batteries on. Either way, make sure they are strapped down securely. Hope this helps out.

I know it might be a little pricey but it's worth it in my opinion. I go with Optima yellow top. Built for rough vibration and you can't overcharge. They come with a 1 year replacement warranty and are pro-rated after 1 year. I can charge it on Friday and not use it for a week and it keeps it's charge. Just my opinion.

(Earth tech products.com are harbor freight) Get a solar panel. For $36 it's a charger and it maintains voltage when batter is not in use. I trilled for 6 hours and hand depth finder on battery never dropped lower than 12 volts. Just keep solar panel in sun light. When part at the house or on the water. Works great!

I like the Exide Nautilus batteries

Optima yellow top. a little pricey but you can stay on them all day long. I fish a 18 ft champion 56lb 24 volt and have two that i am more than pleased with. Main thing, like the earlier post, get an onboard charger and plug in after use.

That would Be
Wholesale Batteries
9266 mammoth Ave
Baton Rouge
225-926-4693
1-800-673-5512

AC-Delco for me!

i agree with itsjeaux....do you work interstate? we run 3 optimas in our bass boat at toleda bend never had problems u pay for them but you get what u pay for

Optima Blue top for me. Bought my first one last year, and will probably never buy any other brand again, even for my autos. Holds a charge forever. Will last all day. Can be mounted upside down or on its side if needed. They are exspensive, but worth it. as mentioned B4, charge right after use.