Any recommendations on a battery and charger for a first time trolling motor user?

[fonnie23]

I am about to purchase a Minn Kota Endura C2 Freshwater Transom-Mount Trolling Motor, 36" Shaft, 55 lb. Thrust, 12V, for my 10' inflatable. I am a rookie at this... Any recommendations on a battery size/brand and charger?

I will probably only be using this motor 5 - 10 times a year.

Thanks!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Any recommendations on a battery and charger for a first time trolling motor user

It doesn't matter how often you use it. It matters how long you use it at any given outing. Batteries are buckets of electricity. A bigger bucket holds more electricity and will run the motor longer than a smaller battery. Batteries are rated by their Amp/Hour capacity and there are several physical sizes to consider. For your application a group size 24 would likely be fine. When you compare prices however, make sure you look at the label and make sure you are buying a MARINE DEEP CYCLE and not a MARINE STARTING battery. The label will usually have a number such as Reserve Capacity: xx minutes @ 25 amps (or 23 amps in some cases). The bigger the XX number is the longer the battery can supply power. For a charger you need any of the smart chargers by Guest, Pro-Mariner, Schumacher, or a host of others. The charger will be automatic and can be left connected to the battery indefinitely. You DO NOT want to leave the battery in a discharged state for any length of time. Charge it immediately at the end of your trip. If you have room in the boat, a group size 27 would be a good choice as well. When you shop for batteries, avoid the sporting goods stores. Try a farm store even you need to drive a bit to find one. You should find a group 24 Deep Cycle for around $60. You do not need the high tech and high priced AGM or Optima type batteries (unless you have a thick wallet and can afford one that may or may not last as long or perform any better than the "low tech" batteries).

 

[Harbor Hopper]

Re: Any recommendations on a battery and charger for a first time trolling motor user

I ALWAYS use group 31 marine batteries. You get a lot of capacity for around $100 (NAPA has good ones). If you're looking for an onboard charger, I LOVE the Genius smart chargers. I have a 3-bank in my cruiser and a dual bank in my fishing boat. I think I got mine on Amazon.

 

[DLaMar]

Re: Any recommendations on a battery and charger for a first time trolling motor user

3 thoughts, the 1st of which is you tend to get what you pay for in terms of batteries, and AMP / Hour rating is king - the more the better. I use the Wal*Mart Marine Deep Cycle which are serviceable for 4 to 5 years for me. The key to battery life is maintenance. If the battery is not maintenance free you just got to keep the fluid level up using distilled water; keep the terminals clean and connections tight, and; recharge immediately after use. A 10 or 12 AMP "smart" charger made for deep cycle batteries is ideal. The "smarts" in a smart charger will usually automatically lower amperage as voltage increases starting with a lower voltage, higher amperage bulk mode and ending with a tapered higher voltage, lower amperage finish. And the better smart chargers will include a de-sulfate mode, and if left connected to the battery after charging with automatically enter a maintenance mode to keep the battery fully charged when not in use. It's all simple stuff. Keep battery fluid level up, keep battery clean and connections tight, and recharge after use.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Any recommendations on a battery and charger for a first time trolling motor user

I ALWAYS use group 31 marine batteries. You get a lot of capacity for around $100 (NAPA has good ones). If you're looking for an onboard charger, I LOVE the Genius smart chargers. I have a 3-bank in my cruiser and a dual bank in my fishing boat. I think I got mine on Amazon.

A group 31 is a good choice but you forget this is 10 foot inflatable. Just a little overkill don't you think?