Trolling motor batteries

How can I tell if my batteries are shot. I took my boat out of storage and the batteries seemed to still have a charge in them. enough to run the trolling motor. I put them on the charger yesterday and now today they have no power at all. They also are making a noise that sounds kind of like bacon frying. They were low on water, so I fixed that problem, but the frying noise continues and I cannot get them to take a charge. I am trying to fiquire out if they need to be replaced or if I am doing something wrong. any help would be appreciated. If I need to replace them does anyone have any good advice on who sells the best batteries cheap.

Can you check them with a digital meter? Did you add distilled water? The sounds you are hearing can be normal but it can also indicate a bad cell. A meter will tell you for sure or a hygrometer. Is your charger showing any amp draw?

I’d suggest taking them to a “Batteries Plus” or “Sears” store. They can check the capacity of the battery and see if it matches the rated CCA.

I just bought some deep cycle AGM type batteries direct from Dual-Pro and got a heck of deal. These aren’t cheap lead acid batteries but last much longer. If you are interested PM me and I’ll tell you more.

I am taking them to a batteries plus store tonight to get them looked at. I will need new batteries for this weekend so I need to be able to replace these fairly quickly.

HAd the same problem, check mine out with a volt meter one was reading 12 volt the other zero, looks like I need a new battery

Be sure to check your connections as well, that bacon frying sound you hear could be arching inside some loose connections from the high amp draw from the trolling motor. Sears has a 180 amp reserve battery for about 60.00 when on sale. Just a thought

I had them checked out last night. One is shot and the other is close to done. I will be replacing both it looks like. Thanks for all the input.

Charge them when not in use and they will last a long time.