Re: Deep cycle battery
All the batteries at Wal-Mart, Sears, Kmart, Interstate and a host of other places are all made by Johnson Controls. Make sure you ARE using MARINE batteries only and not automotive to save a buck!! The marine batteries are built with heavier plates and cases. For your trolling motor battery, buy the group 29 Everstart Deep Cycle in the yellow case ONLY! This is a BIG 120 amp hr battery. Keep in mind ALL trolling motor batteries are rated at 25 amp per hour draw. Johnson only makes two deep cycle batteries in this type and class. The yellow case is the better one. NOT "MAXX" battery or the big deep cycle in the black case...Buy some extra battery acid because Johnson does not fill the batteries to the collar any more for shipping reasons. They do not ship dry anymore, so when the factory adds acid and all the air works out after juggling down the road they end up low on electrolyte. MOST IMPORTANT topping off the battery with water will only dilute the electrolyte unless topped with acid first and give improper hydrometer readings!!!!!!... Only add distilled water AFTER the battery has been used awhile after being previously topped off with acid. This Everstart battery IS a marine battery. It is sugested that you not use sealed batteries for the trolling battery.<br /> As I recall, this "better" battery is available here in south Florida for about 65 bucks plus tax. Been using them for two years before replacement fishing about 40 trips per year. After one year and and overnight charge check with hydrometer for battery condition occasionally. Indication of 50% charge after overnight charge means the battery is on its way out...
