Batteries

what batteries do you use?

Starting battery(electronics)
Trolling Motor Batteries

I have been running interstates series 27s on my trolling motor and they need replacements(24v)
I also need a new starting battery and will be upgrading to the Helix 10.

recommendations?

By all means, for the trolling motor, use the biggest you can fit in the space provided. I use 29’s and would use 31’s if the battery boxes were big enough. For my starting battery, I believe the boat originally came with a 24 but I changed it out to a 27.

AGM deep cycle for all locations. Biggest you can fit.

I just came through the same dilemma. Bought two new Interstate replacements @ Costco for 80. each

My last two sets of Interstate didn’t last. I had gotten 3 to 4 years of use from prior. Now, I’m lucky to get an entire season. I’
m currently shopping for AGMs

I recommend getting 3 of the biggest batteries you can fit. They’ll last longer because they won’t drain as much. Get a deep cycle for starting as well. They have more than enough cca to start your motor and are best for running your electronics.

I use interstate batteries and typically get 4-5 years out of them even with heavy use.

I second getting an AGM deepcycle battery for the starting battery. It has plenty of CCA and can handle other slow draw loads without damage. Never get a lead acid “dual purpose” battery. Biggest con I have ever encountered. I run a GP31 AGM deepcycle for my starting battery. It runs my electronics and everything else. HB 12 helix, 959 di, 1198 si, livewell pumps and a stereo with an amp and powered sub. I have never even come close to not being able to turn over my F250. Never seen my voltage dip below 12v on the HB which reads low compared to a good multimeter.

AGM group 31 for all 3 if they fit. Just like they said ^^^^

I’m in the same boat (pun intended), needing to put new trolling batteries in my boat this spring. I see a lot of guys recommending the agm’s and I’ve been looking at them but know as it gets close I’m starting to question it. I don’t get on the water near as much as a lot of you on here, but at the same time I don’t want to have to hang it up with an hour of daylight left when I am out because my batteries are done.

The question I have is for a more casual user like myself the agm’s may be the best, but are advantages of them WORTH spending 2x the money on them or am I better saving that money and expecting the lead batteries to need to be replaced a little sooner? Looking at 2 of the 31’s either way I go.

I will never buy a lead-acid battery again. And if you don’t use them often that’s even a better reason to go AGM. They hold up better with infrequent use. So yes they are worth the money.

How much are you guys paying for AGM 31 group batteries?

Also what brands?

I use 31 group Deka lead acid batteries and get 5 yrs easy and they only cost $100-120ea? How can AGM’s be twice as good? What’s so great about them? Not saying they’re not, I’m truly asking why are they better than what I’m using.

My lead batteries are doing just fine in the boat and in the camper. Granted, I had to replace the boat batteries last year, I did get 7 years of dependable service out of the old ones with proper maintanance prior to the new ones. I’ve only had the camper 4 years but those batteries are doing well also.
AGM maybe a better battery than lead but hey 7 years is prety darn good.

Been using Fleet Farm AGM 31 in my boat for 3 years. $170.00 each but worth it. With a good onboard charger they will last a long time. No maintainace, long run time and long storage time. I disconnect the positive for winter storage and they are fine in the spring. I run a 12 and 2 9 inch HDS on the starting battery along with lights live well and more.80 lb. I pilot on the front and 80 lb. Vantage on the back run off 2 AGM 31. My buddy has to replace his lead acid batteries every 2 years. In the long run I think they are cheaper.

without dragging the battery out of the store and putting it in your boat how can you tell how big of a battery your battery holder will hold?

ClownColor wrote:

Cabelas AGMS are on sale…

I will say these have been Great for me!!

they also change the post on them I believe looking at the picture of them
I got the 27”s and run a 24volt system, on my v177 warrior, I never run out of juice until they were NINE years old!
No fluid to mess with and never took them out of the boat.
I’m on another set now in my v1898, forth year. and I got a good friend I turned on to them and he likes them also.

good luck on what ever you go with. VOTE here go to AGM’s!!!!

I run 2 optima agm 31’s for the trolling motor , and a 27 for starting and electronics . Just the second year with these batteries , so I’m still unsure if they are worth the extra cost ,but I was only getting a couple years out of my lead acid batteries before they started to decline in duration . Hopefully get alot more out of these optimas.

Sounds like I’m probably just second guessing what I know is the right choice (agm’s). Can’t complain on the flooded cell batteries I had, got 4 good years out of the and forced a 5th year out last year, but I have had on more than one occasion gad to cut the day short due to batteries being drained.

Those were 27 so even staying flooded amd jumping to 31’s is going to be am improvement, but I think I will go AGM.

crappie55369 wrote:

without dragging the battery out of the store and putting it in your boat how can you tell how big of a battery your battery holder will hold?

Crappie I’d use a tape measure.

Randy Wieland wrote:

My last two sets of Interstate didn’t last. I had gotten 3 to 4 years of use from prior. Now, I’m lucky to get an entire season. I’
m currently shopping for AGMs

I concede that a guide would go through batteries much faster than the average fisherman, but if battery life goes from 3-4 years to 1 year, something has changed. Interstate batteries are pretty common and lots of guys use them with no problem. I’d say either your usage or maintenance has changed.
1. Do you draw your batteries down below 50%? That’s not good.
2. Do you maintain the water level? AGM’s will eliminate that chore.
3. Do you plug in the charger as soon as you get home?
4. Is your charger working properly?
5. Is all your charger wiring and connections clean and corrosion-free?

Hope this helps.