Battery Options

[cavman138]

I still haven't bought my batteries yet and after checking out the prices of optima batteries I think I want to get one. I have been planning to have 2 group 27 batteries, due to space, in the boat, but I can get 2 of those for $140 or pay anther $15 and get 1 optima 34. By getting one battery I would save myself a lot of weight and free up a little space in the back of my boat. I have a 55lb Thrust Minn Kota PD V2, livewell pump, depth finder, led compartment and deck lights, running lights, and a bilge pump. Would I be ok getting one optima or should I stick with my original thought of getting 2 group 27s?

 

[cavman138]

anyone?

 

[Hanr3]

Up to you.
I have 1 deepcycle group 27 for my trolling motor, livewell pump, accessory outlets, and courtesy lights.

I have a riding mower 12v battery for my fishfinder, nav lights, and bilge pump.

I can troll all day and not worry about safety. All my safety type circuits are on the riding mower battery.

You could buy one battery, however if it dies, then what?
How long do you typically stay out on the lake?
What are you going to do if your motor wont start and your trolling motor battery dies while your on your way back to the boat ramp? I ahve a paddle, however if Im stuck out after dark you need nav lights too, or a lantern, something so you dont get run over. And what if your battleing a new hole in the boat from a stump you didnt see. See where Im going with this? You could use a manual bilge pump and row, however you need to make sure you have the gear before you hit the water.
Safety first.

https://www.tinboats.net/forum/download/file.php?id=5893&mode=view/4-07-09 007.jpg

Pic of my group 27 and riding mower battery.

 

[cavman138]

Yeah I see where you're going, but I was thinking with the reliability that Optima batteries are known for, I might be able to get away with just one

 

[Hanr3]

you probable will be able to get buy with just one for 99% of the time, and may never need that 1%.

 

[cavman138]

anyone else have any thoughts?

 

[KMixson]

If you are unsure of your needs get one and try it out by itself. If you find it is not enough you can always get another one. I do not have a trolling motor myself. I do have a fish finder and running lights running off of my battery. I also have a charger that can tell me exactly how many mAh it takes to recharge the battery after a day on the lake. I can subtract that from the total Ah of the battery and see how much reserve I had left in it for that trip.

 

[Paul S]

Cav,
Are you running an outboard too? If so, I'd have a second battery for that. I have a 55 lb PD too and I keep it on one battery with everything else on the cranking batttery.

I just compared prices and specs on batteries a couple weeks back. I ordered a Cabela's AGM brand. They are a better price than the Optimas with more CCA and RCA. Just a thought. Good fishing. Paul

 

[brmurray]

I am not that adventerous. I would go with 2. More weight yeah, but more insurance against paddling.

 

[cavman138]

Cav,
Are you running an outboard too? If so, I'd have a second battery for that. I have a 55 lb PD too and I keep it on one battery with everything else on the cranking batttery.

I just compared prices and specs on batteries a couple weeks back. I ordered a Cabela's AGM brand. They are a better price than the Optimas with more CCA and RCA. Just a thought. Good fishing. Paul

my outboard is a pull start, not an electric start so I don't need a battery for that. I think I'll just go with 2 batteries

 

[redbug]

the cabelas agm batteries are nice and will hold up for several years my friend has had the same 2 running his 24 volt trolling motor and is on his 5year
but it only has the reserve mins listed the agm batteries will not give you that much extra time on the water I would go with the 2 27 group wet cells