trolling motor battery

[SNUFFY]

DHAUN ...I can vouch for the Interstate 27`s deep cycle ability to start a BIG motor in cold weather after all day use. It wouldn`t jump from standard jumper cables probably because the start battery was so drained...it was pulling all the juice available from the deep cycle into the start batt. It was getting dark fast and I wasn`t wanting to wait till the 2 jumpered batts equalized...so I just pulled the trolling batt that had been used hard all day on 12 volt tm and switched it over. The 225 HP Johnson cranked right up.

I had hit the switch for 55 watt driving lite and it had been on about 9-10 hours without me know it was on.. I pulled the start batt down so far it took about 36 hours of 10 amp charge...with a 50 amp Booster Charge for an hour in the middle of it (scary). I didn`t think it (Interstate Starting Batt) was going to come back but it did and has worked fine since, even in 18 degree weather.

I `d give the Interstate`s high marks.. the first set I had came with my boat and lasted a total of 7 years... I had to get Everstarts then because I couldn`t get to the Interstate store due to work hours . They lasted almost 2 1/2 yrs...and I`m back with the Interstates now...3 1/2 years and counting

http://www.uuhome.de/william.darden/ this is the best website I`ve seen for all kinds of battery info....check it out...there`s almost to much info and you have dig a little for some of it ...

 

[flip1up]

Bill, however you took care of those batteries you had for 6 years in a boat, I wouldnt change a thing if I were you. That is great service.

 

[Rivermont Jeff]

I'VE HAD TWO BLUE TOP OPTIMAS FOR 22 MONTHS ONE WENT BAD LAST WEEK. THEY HAVE AN18 MONTH FREE REPLACEMENT THEN IT'S PRO-RATED. I RECEIVED A $50 CREDIT FOR THE 22 MONTH OLD BATTERY. I ALSO RECENTLY BOUGHT A RED TOP CRANKING BATTERY IT LASTED 2 MONTHS THEN IT WENT DEAD. I TOOK IT BACK GOT IT REPLACED AND THE BRAND NEW ONE WAS ALSO BAD!emoAngry SO NOW I THINK I'VE GOT A GOOD ONE. BUT FOR THE BIG MONEY THEY COST I WAS NOT IMPRESSED WITH 22 MONTHS OF USAGE. I WOULD SAY DELCO VOYAGERS ARE THE BEST!

 

[Gunny]

I have a 3-bank on-board charger on my Triton. I plug it in as soon as I put the boat in the garage and let it fully charge (all three green lights).

As a general rule; is it standard practice to leave the on-board charger on all the time or once the batteries are charged should I unplug it?

Thanks in advance,

Semper Fidelis

 

[flip1up]

Gunny, I know some folks leave them on all the time and it probably doesnt hurt a thing. I kinda figure if its charged, unplug it. If its been over a week between trips I sometimes plug it back up the night before to top it off. A good battery shouldnt lose a charge sitting unless its just real cold weather.

Good report RJ. I have a friend who has had the same issues. He didnt want to admit it to me at first because he had really talked them up when he first got them. For me, over the last 20+ years the Interstates have given the best service. When these Trojans go out of warranty and die I'll be switching back to the Interstates.

 

[Buoy-Master]

My experience is that I should carry an extension cord with me. I'll drain any battery in less than 2 hours..LOL

 

[Aries 181]

Per the Voyager charging instructions, DO NOT leave the battery connected to any type of battery charger after it is fully charged.
" Using trickle chargers over long periods of time will shorten the life of the battery. The Voyager maintenance-free design has a very low self-discharge rate in storage, eliminating the need for constant low-level charging. If the battery is stored for six months, recharge it in accordance with the methods shown in this brochure to keep it ready for immediate use."

I use a BPS XPS 5/5/5 onboard charger that after being full charged, goes to a float mode. I don't know if this is a fancy word for trickle charge or not but I un-plug mine after the batteries are fully charged just to be on the safe side.

Bill

 

[Gunny]

Liveliner,

You're experience with the Everstart Dual Purpose Maxx-29 series batteries is very interesting to me. There is a new Super Wal-Mart just down the hwy from me. That three year warranty with no questions asked 24/7 would be convenient.

Just a couple questions to make some points in your post clearer to me:

1. They're called dual purpose because they can be used as a cranking battery AND trolling motor battery?So, with a 24-volt trolling motor system, I would have three identical batteries (one cranking and two trolling)?

2. If I had to jump off the cranking battery; jumping off one of the identical trolling motor batteries would be fine because it is not a deep cycle battery?

3. When you get home and connect these batteries to the charger. Do you leave the charger on after the batteries are fully charged or do you unplug your charger?

Thanks in advance,

 

[Liveliner]

Gunny - 2/27/2007 4:44 AM

Liveliner,

You're experience with the Everstart Dual Purpose Maxx-29 series batteries is very interesting to me. There is a new Super Wal-Mart just down the hwy from me. That three year warranty with no questions asked 24/7 would be convenient.

Just a couple questions to make some points in your post clearer to me:

1. They're called dual purpose because they can be used as a cranking battery AND trolling motor battery?So, with a 24-volt trolling motor system, I would have three identical batteries (one cranking and two trolling)?

2. If I had to jump off the cranking battery; jumping off one of the identical trolling motor batteries would be fine because it is not a deep cycle battery?

3. When you get home and connect these batteries to the charger. Do you leave the charger on after the batteries are fully charged or do you unplug your charger?

Thanks in advance,

1. Yes and yes

2. No need to jump unless you find that more convenient. Just switch your wires around to your hottest battery. They are exactly the same.

3. I have an onboard charger that will trickle charge and go into maintain. On any battery it is always best to slow charge your batteries with the lowest amps. If you have a manual charger set on 10 amps and set the timer for a few hours. Then drop it to 2 or 4 amps and charge for a while to fully charge your batteries.

You may not want to buy the 29 series batteries. They are about an inch longer than the 27 series and quite a bit heavier. I got the 29's becauce I go offshore in the Atlantic and the Gulf. I want the insurance.

The 27's should be more than you need.

 

[Liveliner]

Oh by the way I ran my Dual purpose 29's for two full days of hard trolling with my 70# RipTide in the wind and they still show more than 3/4 full. I do not think that you can run these things in One day or maybe Two.

 

[Gunny]

Liveliner,

Thanks for the info; I appreciate it.

I have a 3-bank dual pro on-board charger on my Triton. Don't know if it trickle charges and then switches to maintain or not (does not have any controls to select amps, etc). I have been just plugging it in as soon as I get back home and unplugging it once all three lights are green (puts out a lot of heat). Then, the night before I go out, I'll plug it back in. All three lights will be green the next morning when I'm ready to pull out of the garage.

Makes since about just switching the wires around instead of jumping off with jumper cables.

I will get the 27's vice the 29's.

Thanks again (I am still learning about batteries as you can tell).

 

[Liveliner]

There was a hugh discussion about all types of batteries a couple months ago that went into some great detail. I learned quite a bit of info from that thread. It linked to a web site that was the most complete detailed discussion in the form of Q & A's for batteries. I will try to find that thread or the website link for you. It will answer your questions.

 

[Liveliner]

Here is a link to one post that I made to direct folks to the answers.

http://www.chattanoogafishingforum.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=6901&posts=1

====================================================================

What you need to know about batteries.

There have been several threads discussing marine batteries and requesting info on certain battery types. Which battery is right for you and your application? How do you care for your battery to get maximum performance? How do you extend the life of your battery? Are the high dollar Optimas really worth the differance? Can I start my enginge with a deep cycle trolling battery? How often should I charge my batteries? Why do some people prefer the dual purpose batteries? ............... Okey that could go on and on.

This is a link to a website that should give to you a good understanding of what your battery is about and how to care for it. I would suggest that you start at the first when you have the time and read the entire artical. You may be supprised what you will learn about batteries. I found it very interesting.

Section #7 - http://www.uuhome.de/william.darden//carfaq7.htm#voltage

Home page with index to the entire site - http://www.uuhome.de/william.darden//index.htm

 

[Gunny]

Thanks again Liveliner. That should answer all my questions.