trolling motor batteries

[thedude]

gonna replace my trolling motor batteries for next season... i know there are some great batteries out there, wondering what they are though.

I'm running a 24v system and don't want to break the bank, but would like a good set that will hold up for a good day of fishin....

[Skulley]

I will be replacing my batteries this year too.  The ones I am replacing have lasted me 4 years.  I was using Delcos and plan to replace them with the same.  They run about 80 dollars a battery and you can purchase them at Murray's.  I use my boat 4 to 5 times a week.  So I got great use out of them.  I did notice toward the end of this season that seemed to be getting "tired".  So it is time to replace.  I was looking at the Optima but they are really expensive. 

BD           

[Dan]

I too have used Delcos and last few years I have strayed. Never been satisfied with other brands and next batteries will be Delcos. I usually get at least 3 seasons and then I take them out of the bass boat and use them in my row boats for transom mount trolling motors and they just keep going and going and going.

[djkimmel]

Made in America - Deka batteries from East Penn Manufacturing. I use them hard all in day in the open wind of the Great Lakes and the current of St. Clair and Detroit Rivers with great power still at the end of the day.

I have a 24 - 36 Volt setup, but I mostly use my MotorGuide on 24V.

I have 3 size 31 (flooded) wet cell Deka Marine Master deep cycle batteries in my boat

Things I like about Deka and East Penn - American made by the manufacturer - not made by someone else with a label slapped on it so you're not sure year-to-year if you are getting the same battery;

East Penn Manufacturing is a FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For - happy/satisfied employees make better products;

East Penn makes all 3 types of batteries - wet cell, gel and AGM, and includes good documents that you can download to quickly help you choose the best type of battery for you application. They also make 3 types of wet cell batteries - starting, deep cycle and dual purpose (combination of starting and deep cycle tendencies).

I get mine from Wonch Battery in Lansing. There are location in other parts of the state - I've listed some below. D&R Sports Center also sells Deka Battery.

You might want to call one and explain your setup - they can recommend the best batteries for you to get power and life out of them. 800-444-4148

Wonch Battery
1521 Keystone Drive
Lansing, MI 48911
Phone: 517-394-3600
Fax: 517-394-4423

Wonch Battery
1213 N. Sheridan Street
Bay City, MI 48708
Phone: 989-893-0151
Fax: 989-893-5691

Wonch Battery
26332 Lawrence Street
Center Line, MI 48015
Phone: 586-758-5400
Fax: 586-758-5956

[canvsbk]

I also have Deka size 31's in my boat. I've had zero trouble with them and they are very long winded. When the time comes to replace them I won't even look at anything else.

[Skip Johnson]

I fish over 100 days a year and I recomend dekas also they held up the longest for me(3 yrs) you can get them at colony marine in algonac.
I switched to duralast 1000 amp group 31 deep cycle batteries from auto zone 2 seasons ago and have replaced 2 outa 3 this winter becouse they each lost 1 cell but they have a 3 year no questions asked warranty and were $60 and do run my 101 all day and then some so I dont regret it but recomend the dekas.

[thedude]

the dekas are maintenance free also?
how much are we talking per battery? I'm budgeting this around 200-225$

thanks for the input guys
-justin

[smbassman]

I also recommend the Delco's.  As far as I know, they are the only true maintanance free, flooded cell, deep cycle battery.   All others need monitoring of water levels and adding water a few times each summer.  At $80 for the large M30HMF battery, it is a good deal. 

[REEL_MAN]

I to have the Delco's. Been using Delco since the early 90's. When I bought my current boat it had Interstate's and they didn't last the season went back to the Delco's . I'll be replacing my batteries this year after 4 years  with the Delco's. The Delco's are truly maintenance free and dependable.

REEL_MAN

[Duke]

I also have Deka size 31's in my boat. I've had zero trouble with them and they are very long winded. When the time comes to replace them I won't even look at anything else.

I agree completely! I use 8A27 and never have a problem for nearly 3 years now. Planning on getting another year's use out of them this season.

[BigSmallie]

I've used the Trojans in my Ranger 520 since 2000.    I just bought my second set of Trojans last spring because I'm very satisfied with the performance.   I've only run them down one time......and that was looking for beds....non-stop..... from 7:00 am to 8:00pm..........that's a lot of time tugging around a 21' Ranger!   

[djkimmel]

the dekas are maintenance free also?
how much are we talking per battery? I'm budgeting this around 200-225$

thanks for the input guys
-justin

Maintenance free depends on the battery type. The flooded wet cell batteries should be checked 2 or 3 times a season to make sure the water level is up - your use will determine if you ever have to add distilled water. I've only had to add water much once during a period of really hot weather and a lot of use.

AGM or Gel batteries are different. More specialized and expensive, but that is partly why it can help to run your situation by a battery expert first to make sure you are getting the best choice for you setup and budget.

I've used many of the 'maintenance free' brands over the years - Diehard, Delco, Deka, Interstate - that still sometimes needed the caps pulled off (some looked like the caps didn't pull off, but various battery techs have shown me otherwise over the years) from time to time to manually add water. Very few flooded batteries don't have caps of some kind. They need vents for excess gas created during use.

I'll find out the latest prices tomorrow or the next day on the Dekas to help with your comparison - what size are you looking for - 27 or 31?

[Skip Johnson]

In a pinch distilled water is the ONLY kind of water you can add and not destroy your battery but I use my batteries soo much that I go to napa and buy a gallon of battery acid for $4 and it realy helps to extend the battery life I would highly recomend having some on hand if you recharge often.

[thedude]

Dan - from the sounds of things i should be leaning toward the 31s.


thanks for all the info guys!
-justin

[Genie]

Just like anything else ... you'd never buy a boat that is under powered.  You would always get the biggest motor it is rated for. 

Same with batteries - get the biggest ones you can.  It will never fail you or leave you wondering, "what if ..." or "I wish would have ...".

Can't go wrong with Dekka or Minn Kots (Trojan) batteries.

Just my 2 cents ..

-Genie

[djkimmel]

Size 31 flooded cell Deka batteries go for about $99 and change this year, while the size 27 go for about $84.

[h2o]

Do try this Guy, Robert A Dumas- General Manager of  COMPLETE BATTERY SOURCE. www.completebatterysource.com He's a great guy and mention you know h2o and he should cut you the best deal around. Store's @ 8 mile and Telegraph.  313-532-3462.

h2o<--says he is know as the Batteryman.