I am looking to add a second trolling motor battery and don’t know if it has to be exactly the same size as the 1st one? I will be wiring them together. Or is it better to just buy 2 at the same time? The 1st one is only a year old.
If it were me, I’d go with 2 new batteries.
-J.
It does not have to be the same size(group 24, 27, 31, etc). If you are running a 24V system, the smaller battery will die 1st. If you are running them in series (12V), I dont think it will make any difference as both batteries will discharge at the same rate, they will act as 1 battery(90% sure I am right on that).
If you are running 24V, I would recommend running the same battery for consistant performance, there will be a considerable loss of voltage as the smaller battery is losing charge and your electronics will not perform properly.
Buy 2 new batteries. I made the mistake several years ago of taking a “good” battery out of my old boat and using it along with a new battery for my 24 volt motor. The 1 year old battery didn’t last long and it put undue strain on the new battery wearing it out well before it’s time. I have an old walleye fisherman friend who told me just to buy 2 new batteries but I didn’t listen. I ended up buying 2 new batteries a year later. I get 3 years plus out of deep cycle batteries when I buy 2 at the same time.
Eyehunter
In your application you will want matched batteries, it will give both batteries a longer life and you less trouble.
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