24 v trolling motor batteries

[muskiekid]

Hi guys,<br /><br />I have 2 questions for you knowledgable people:<br /><br />1) I found out that my onboard charger has bit the dust and my batteries were left drained for a week. Are my batteries toast? Is there a simple way of testing deep cycle batteries other than taking the boat out and using the trolling motor? <br /><br />2) This is my first boat with a 24v trolling motor. They guy that I bought it from sold the boat with 2 different brands and size deep cycle batteries to power the trolling motor. Shouldn't he of used 2 of the same brand or at least the same size batteries? <br /><br />Thanks for your help guys/gals.<br />Kirk

 

[LubeDude]

Re: 24 v trolling motor batteries

Originally posted by muskiekid:<br /> Hi guys,<br /><br />Shouldn't he of used 2 of the same brand or at least the same size batteries? <br /><br /><br />Kirk

The answer to this question is, ABSOLUTLY . This may have even damaged the charger. (Maybe)<br />I like Guest chargers, and there customer service is excellent almost to a fault!

 

[Texasmark]

Re: 24 v trolling motor batteries

1. My onboard charger has independent 12v outputs for wiring to my batteries. Each battery is charged (and monitored) separately.<br /><br />2. "Deep cycle" batteries are just that. If it is totally discharged, that is a "deep cycle". Usually they are measured as to how many deep cycles they will tolerate before requiring replacement and the shallower the cycle the more they can tolerate.....so I personally would not be concerned until the battery proved to be bad....if you are just addressing the total discharge issue.<br /><br />3. Agree with "fever" about matching the batteries, especially if the charger wires up such that it charges them in parallel. The weaker battery will keep the charger running while the hot battery gets overcharged. Overcharging boils out the water part of the electrolyte and this results in plates getting too hot and damaging them and their insulators. Once this happens the hot battery now becomes the load and it's just Chernoble....without the nukes.<br /><br />Mark

 

[muskiekid]

Re: 24 v trolling motor batteries

Ok thanks guy. I will need to replace at least one deep cycle battery to "match" them. <br /><br />How long can a drained deep cycle battery be left oncharged before it begins to deteriorate? I left mine drained for a week not knowing they were uncharged.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: 24 v trolling motor batteries

Originally posted by muskiekid:<br /> Ok thanks guy. I will need to replace at least one deep cycle battery to "match" them. <br /><br />

Nope, "WRONG", You need to replace both of them so they are of the same manufacture date. P*ssing into the wind if ya dont. Buy at least group 27s.

 

[muskiekid]

Re: 24 v trolling motor batteries

Thanks Fever,<br /><br />I'll spend a little extra for the peace of mind.