2 batteries?

[AGUS]

I know it's common to use separate starting and trolling batteries, but is this necessary? It would be nice to eliminate one.
Thanks. Aaron

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: 2 batteries?

depends on what you are using and how.
Any motor under 25 can be pull started and doesn't need a battery, so there's little risk from running the battery down.

How far down the battery will drain while trolling depends on a dozen factors, none of which are revealed in your question, so to answer yours, you get the best answer to every boating question: it depends!

Starters require a certain threshold of voltage to work, so sometimes a weak battery will work other things but not the starter. Also a motor that has been run starts easier than a cold one and thus requires less of the starter.

Experiment but have back-up while you do.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: 2 batteries?

Another thing to consider is that the construction of trolling motor batteries and starting batteries is different, they're optimized to fill different needs. Starting batteries have to supply a large surge of current for a short amount of time and. Trolling motor batteries need to supply a relatively constant draw for a large amount of time, and be able to withstand being discharged to a much larger degree than starting batteries.

Plus, when you have a separate trolling motor battery you have a second source of energy to get you home in case of an engine problem (or running out of gas).

 

[AGUS]

Re: 2 batteries?

Thanks
I seldom run the trolling motor battery very far down at all. Guess I don't fish long enough LOL So I think I'll give using one a try.
Aaron

 

[Don S]

Re: 2 batteries?

Since you didn't really say what you have for a motor, why don't you just disconnect one of the batteries (keep it on the boat for a few trips) and use the other and see how it works out. If you do run the battery down low enough you can't start the motor, you at least have it with you.

 

[JB]

Re: 2 batteries?

I used the troller for working banks and structure at low, intermittent speeds. I never used two batteries. I used the Everstart Marine Maxx dual purpose batteries and never had a battery problem.

 

[AGUS]

Re: 2 batteries?

Thanks again!