When to charge trolling motor batt

[jtexas]

I use a deep cycle battery exclusively for the T/M. After most outings even high winds & a lot of use it usually measures around 12 to 12.5 volts, rarely under 12. Should I charge this battery before every trip, or should I discharge it more between charges?<br /><br />Also, is there some advantage to using the 2-Amp setting vs. the 15A on the charger?<br /><br />thanks,<br />jtw

 

[gaugeguy]

Re: When to charge trolling motor batt

I always charge after every use. You don't want lead acid batteries to be discharged for long periods of time as the plates will fail sooner. Battery voltage really doesn't tell you much, a near dead battery can put out 12 volts, it's the amperage you need to be mindful of.

 

[jtexas]

Re: When to charge trolling motor batt

I been charging before each use, too, but wondered about how to get the longest life from a deep-cycle. Thanks for the feedback.<br /><br />You're right about amps vs. volts, gaugeguy, you can measure plenty of voltage on a "dead" battery - but with a brand-new batt & new (to me) boat I've been monitoring voltage just to get an idea of usage. My multimeter don't go over 400 mA & I'm too tight-fisted to buy another just yet.

 

[TexSkeeter150]

Re: When to charge trolling motor batt

jtexas, charge your deep cycle batteries after every use. I would suggest on getting a good quality on board battery charger, I have the Dual Pro SE charger (dual bank). It is a plug and forget charger, and insures a full charge at all times. Deep cycle batteries are made for this type of use, unlike the battery in your vehicle. Fully charging the battery after every use with a quality charger (very important, do not want to over charge or over heat, a good charger will protect both of the things from happening) will give you the best battery life.<br /><br />By the way jtexas, I am from Arlington, too. I usualy head out to Joe Pool lake every Monday to do some fishing, would love to have a partner.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: When to charge trolling motor batt

The Ultimate FAQ For Deep Cycle Battery Basics And Information is available here:<br /><br /> http://www.windsun.com/Batteries/Battery_FAQ.htm#Industrial deep cycle batteries <br /><br />In a nutshell:<br /><br />-Deep cycle batteries should not be discharged below 50% capacity, measure in amp hours.<br />-Recharge as soon as possible; keep a maintenance charge applied when not in use.<br />-True deep cycle bats are good for about 700 cycles (discharged to 20% or more).<br />-Maintain the electrolyte level (battery water).<br />-Recharge with a multi-stage charger.

 

[Boatist]

Re: When to charge trolling motor batt

jtexas<br />I agree with everyone, charge as soon as you can. I belive 10 to 15 amps AUTOMATIC better than a 2 amp. Many think a trickle charger is better but from what I have seen most trickle charger are low cost slow charger with no voltage regulation. Besides taking too long to charge will over charge. The real key is to fully charge without over charging. If you got two big trolling deep cycle battery it will save you money in the long run if you buy a good multi stage charger for your type battery. Do not discharge a starting battery below 80 percent or a deep cycle below 50 percent. Do not charge when very hot. Charge at least once a month weather you have used battery or not as all lead acid battery self discharge. Here is another site with good battery info.<br /><br /> http://www.uuhome.de/william.darden/carfaq.htm

 

[jtexas]

Re: When to charge trolling motor batt

Thanks for the advice everybody. On-board charger not really practical for me since the boat stays at a storage yard, but the batts are in the garage. I use an automatic charger with a deep-cycle setting. My guess is that the 2A setting was invented so you could charge at night without getting up to check on it - then when automatic shut-off came around the demand for trickle-charge didn't go away.<br /><br />But if you leave it on all the time be aware that the battery will drain through the charger if your power goes off - enough to ruin it if the power is off long enough. Seems like a diode in the circuit would prevent that.<br /><br />BTW, my cranking battery is also deep-cycle. I probably wouldn't have picked it out but it came with the boat.<br /><br />Skeeter, I believe I can break away from here on a Monday for a fishing trip at Joe Pool. My email is john20000@aol.com<br /><br />jtw