Ever use a motorcycle battery?

[FishermanSE]

I have a 12' aluminum johnboat and I traded my 70lb 27DC180 battery and trolling motor for a little 7.5 gamefisher (38lbs). As soon as I get the motor running I'd like to take it out. I have a little 360gph bilge to clear the water that seeps in through the rivets and wakes I take on from @$$holes. Now that I don't have a big deep cell I'm looking for options. Would a motorcycle battery or lawnmower battery work? Only weigh about 10lbs, would maintenance be simpler than a deep cycle battery? I'd like to maybe run some lights off it or a fish finder perhaps. I don't really know anything about motorcycle batteries and how they differ from automotive or lawnmower batteries.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Ever use a motorcycle battery?

The answer is yes of course you can. The question is how long it would last, Its a starting battery so the capasity would be lower than a deep cycle and because of the smaller size that also would have a lot lower capisity, so it would depend on what you run and how long. It would run a fish finder for several hours their a very low power draw and it would run a bilge pump for short pumps. The only way to know is to give it a shot.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Ever use a motorcycle battery?

Fixing the leaks would help reduce your electrical load.

 

[dwparker99]

Re: Ever use a motorcycle battery?

Motorcycle or lawnmower batteries are not made for frequently charge/discharged cycles plus they do not have the capacity to do what you require. Buy a small dual purpose or deep cycle marine battery and you will be much happier.

 

[labawg]

Re: Ever use a motorcycle battery?

I'm only going to mention this because your 7.5hp can be pull started if the battery failed. A single purpose Deep Cycle battery would probably be fine. The smallest size would be a U1 which is designed for small scooters like our grandparents used. 35Ah and very small. Use a battery box so the terminals don't short out on your hull. If using lights LEDs would be good and stopping your leaks would be better. Check amp needs in your manual (trolling motor) to ensure the battery is big enough. I see them (the battery) around for $54. I really doubt you'll be able to troll for more than 30-45 minutes if your TM is small enough. After saying this a group 24 would be better at not much more cost and have 6-7 times the capacity.

 

[FunInDuhSun]

Re: Ever use a motorcycle battery?

I've used a lawn tractor battery on my 14 foot Jon for many years due to its light weight. With normal care I get 3 or 4 seasons out of 'em. My current rig has an electric start 25 'Rude with an alternator. I installed a fuse block under the console and run nav lights, horn, fish finder and a bilge pump. I even put in a 12V cigarette lighter.

 

[FishermanSE]

Re: Ever use a motorcycle battery?

I don't have electric start on my 7.5. So
No alternator to charge the battery. I don't really want to put out the money for a deep cycle and 3-stage charger. I don't have a fish finder, so I won't worry about running one right now. Basically I'd like a good way to run the bilge if/when it's needed. If I can pick up a lawnmower or mc battery on the cheap and only use it for a minute to run the bilge and then charge the battery with a trickle charge maintainer, I could have it all for cheap and very light weight.

For lights I can use led nav lights with their own batteries, or tap into the lawnmower battery since the draw will be low and only for a few minutes pre-dawn or post dusk. Hooking a horn up is a good idea too. I can find an old horn for nothing and it won't draw any amps just sitting there.

I've tried to fix my leaks. I've put JB weld over each rivet and inspected the whole hull, but it still leaks a little. But that's an aluminum johnboat for you. I'm thinking about getting a couple cans of that rubber in a can (as seen on tv). They have them at a store near me for $12/can. I would spray the inside of the hull, it would cut down on the noise, but I don't know how long it would hold up.

 

[FishermanSE]

Re: Ever use a motorcycle battery?

I think I found a solution.

This battery:
https://m.northerntool.com/northern...Id=349918&categoryId=&path=&productName=false

with this charger:
https://m.northerntool.com/northern...Id=457807&categoryId=&path=&productName=false

to run the bilge pump when it's needed, led nav lights and a horn. I probably wouldn't draw more than a couple aH on an outing, and probably much less, so that battery should last a long time.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Ever use a motorcycle battery?

I think your plan will work just fine. Even when you add the fishfinder, your current draw will be quite modest.

 

[dlngr]

Re: Ever use a motorcycle battery?

I'd go for it. If it doesn't last long enough,the lawn mower battery only cost you 20 bucks,and you can sell it on CL.