Battery questions

[jdaniels]

As I'm new to boating and spent the winter restoring my 1978 14' jon boat, I need advice on batteries. At this point, I will only be running a Minn-Kota 30 lbs thrust trolling motor. There are currently no other accessories that will be running off the battery (maybe in time some nav lights). Can someone please advise me as to the best type / size / amp battery I should buy so that I may spend several hours on the lake without fear of a dead battery? I appreciate any advice! Thank you!

 

[wifisher]

Re: Battery questions

You can look at the batteries for capacity. Of course the more you spend, the longer it will last. Generally speaking. Look for the AH (amp/hour) rating or the RC (reserve capacity) They are the measure of how much electricity the battery "holds" Any of them will last for several hours, but if you spend a little more, it will last all day. Be sure that the battery is rated as deep cycle.

Also, remember that the faster you run the motor, the faster you will drain the battery.

If you search the forum, you will find a lot of discussion on batteries, and brands.

 

[jdaniels]

Re: Battery questions

Thank you for the info. Would you suggest having two batteries on board (a cheaper backup for emergency only)? Also, what brand would you recommend for a portable charger? Thanks again! As a former Marine I spent a lot of time around Sailors but never did learn too much about boats!

 

[wifisher]

Re: Battery questions

Thank you for the info. Would you suggest having two batteries on board (a cheaper backup for emergency only)? Also, what brand would you recommend for a portable charger? Thanks again! As a former Marine I spent a lot of time around Sailors but never did learn too much about boats!

I would not worry about two batteries. I would take oars, just in case. If you are running the motor a lot and feel better with two batteries, go for it.
As far as chargers go, I don't even know what name brand mine is. Just go to your favorite store and see what they have. Mine is a 20A, but i usually charge at 2A and just leave it on overnight after I get home. They shut off automatically when the battery is charged. It is nice to have a little more charging capacity for those times when you realize that you are ready to leave and forgot to charge the battery!

 

[steelespike]

Re: Battery questions

Generally the heavier the battery the more storage capacity.
Get a Deka group 31 deep cycle battery.I believe it is 105 amp hour. Allways charge as soon as possible after use.
Never let it stand for extended periods partially discharged.
Get an automatic charger, at least 10 amp. that will indicate when charged and maintain the charge during storage.They have them at Harbor freight. A Jon is probably the worse boat to try to push efficiently.Try trimming the boat bow to stern for the best speed If the bow is too deep it will drag,
if the stern is too deep the water trying to flow around to try to fill behind the stern will create drag If you can trim so the stern is about flush with the surface you could eliminate that drag.Whether that puts too much bow in the water you'll have to evaluate.
If you have a gps you could move around to trim at speed and it will show the results.
The faster you can go the less time to get there.Obviously carry as little weight as possible.
try to reduce wind resistance especially going into the wind.