I have two blue top optimas and i love them never had any problems.

 

GO to cost co and get a 120 amp hour deep cycle $60.00 last for years. I'm not down with the Opti max I bought one and thought it was over priced.

 

Ditto on Costco

 

I use the Walmart Batteries. I have one starting battery and one Trolling,both are deep cycle. I know, I know their cheap, but I have never had any problems with them. I took the batteries out of my old boat and put them in my new one, and they were already two years old. They now are under a harder load than they used to be and they still run without problems.

It makes me wonder if it really is the battery that is the main concern, or how you maintain it. I personally think it is the maintenance that is more important.

 

I use the Walmart Batteries. I have one starting battery and one Trolling,both are deep cycle. I know, I know their cheap, but I have never had any problems with them. I took the batteries out of my old boat and put them in my new one, and they were already two years old. They now are under a harder load than they used to be and they still run without problems.

It makes me wonder if it really is the battery that is the main concern, or how you maintain it. I personally think it is the maintenance that is more important.

Wal-Mart batteries work just fine and you can always find a Wal-Mart when you’re out of town with your boat if you have trouble. Get the big yellow maxx 29's....

 

I've had 2 Everstart's, deep cycle for trolling motors/RV's from Wal Mart. 46 lb thrust minn kota. After a 1 year, they they won't last all day. I'd stay away from those. The one that Red is referring to may work better.

 

I like the idea of getting a battery from Wal-Mart...they are everywhere so replacing one if needed should be no problem. When looking for a battery that is being used only for a trolling motor, is there anything more important than the Amp Hour rating in determining run time?

 

seeing as you're getting a battery for your trolling motor, don't worry so much about CCA or MCA but get a high reserve capacity.

I like redhammer's suggestion of getting a group 29 or even a group 31 if you want for run time longevity with your 12v motor.

 

WalMart group 29.Thats all I ever use anymore.I use one for my starting battery too. As much as I fish they last about 2-3 years.

 

As much as I DONATE they last about 2-3 years.

That ain't no shit..............

 

Fish420 makes a good point about maintenence and care. Probally determines at least 50% of the outcome. I screwed the battery I have now, but that's my fault. (lettin it sit sometimes before re-charging) I even knew better, I still got almost 2 yrs out of it. STILL works, just barely holds for a day. I work it hard (46lb 12v 3-5 all day) pullin' too heavy a boat for the TM lb's. I'm about to get a bigger one.

Anyone interested in a 1.7 yr old 46lb Motor Guide? GREAT SHAPE, I just need a bigger one. PM me. Thanks, Brandon

 

Remember there is only 3 battery makers in the world and one of the is Exide so, no matter where you buy it or who's sticker is on it they can only last as so long. I would expect down here good for 3 years and getting weaker for another 2. the killer is the heat.

What about hooking two 24 group in parallel or series (I dont remember which) instead that way you have the 12 volts but way more juice for the days of fishing between a charge....

 

Thanks guys. It looks like I am probably going to get a group 29 Deep Cycle Interstate battery from Sams Club for $70. 125 amp hours and 210 minutes of Reserve Capacity. Thanks.