Should i run a 2nd battery?

[spangler2k3]

I am new to the Jon boat scene and have been modifying my 1436L crestliner (which can be seen in the modification page), and i'm asking all of your pertinent guidance on if i should run 2 batteries or not.. Here is what i'm working with,

Minn Kota Endura C2 30# trolling motor
Interstate Deep Cycle SRM-24 (550 CCA) (690 MCA) Battery
Alumium Switch Panel (12V- 10A per Circuit)
12V Power Socket
(2) 2.5" Courtesy Puck Lights by Attwood (5W per light is all i could find)
Bow and rear lights by Attwood
I'm eventually going to add a cheap marine CD player with 2 speakers.. wattage will be low..

Keep in mind that the trolling motor will be on as i need it. The bow and rear lights, the power socket, and the puck lights will only be on at night when i'm done fishing..

Should i try it with 1 battery and keep a tester on board to see how it drains?

Appreciate your thoughts

 

[spangler2k3]

Here is my wiring diagram.. please advise if this looks like it would work

 

[redbug]

First i would suggest that you go to a 27group battery
the cranking amps are not that important you need to check the reserve mins. the higher the better.
i would see how the 24 group works but think hard about upgrading to the 27 group
if you do get the 27 group don't hook it to the 24 it will hurt the new battery
key to remember when running more than one battery
same size same age it will help them last longer
good luck

 

[spangler2k3]

what if i wire my group24 directly to the trolling motor with nothing else, and then buy a group27 for all of my accesories wired to the panel switch?

i would not jump them together.. been there done that

 

[Butthead]

I would put the 27 on the TM and use the 24 for your other stuff. I'd rather have the radio stop working than the trolling motor while your on the water.

I would also move your batteries forward. If you have the room, I would stick them under that front deck you're building. Having your stern sitting low in the water with all that weight will create a lot of drag that will seriously hinder your speed.

And just a word of advice, don't count on that 30# motor to move you quickly in the wind. I had a MK Endura Pro #32 motor on my Tracker 1436 and it couldn't get out of it's own way when it was windy.

 

[Frogman Ladue]

I would put the 27 on the TM and use the 24 for your other stuff. I'd rather have the radio stop working than the trolling motor while your on the water.

I would also move your batteries forward. If you have the room, I would stick them under that front deck you're building. Having your stern sitting low in the water with all that weight will create a lot of drag that will seriously hinder your speed.

And just a word of advice, don't count on that 30# motor to move you quickly in the wind. I had a MK Endura Pro #32 motor on my Tracker 1436 and it couldn't get out of it's own way when it was windy.

+1...what he said.

 

[redbug]

I would put the 27 on the TM and use the 24 for your other stuff. I'd rather have the radio stop working than the trolling motor while your on the water.

I would also move your batteries forward. If you have the room, I would stick them under that front deck you're building. Having your stern sitting low in the water with all that weight will create a lot of drag that will seriously hinder your speed.

And just a word of advice, don't count on that 30# motor to move you quickly in the wind. I had a MK Endura Pro #32 motor on my Tracker 1436 and it couldn't get out of it's own way when it was windy.

he hit it the big battery running the heavy load

 

[spangler2k3]

thank you for the great advice.. i may message one of you about a battery once i get a price and you can let me know if its a good price or not

 

[New River Rat]

I'm running a Minn Kota Endura 55 with two batteries wired parallel. This doubles the capacity of the battery while retaining the voltage of one of the individual batteries. Mind you, I have to fight river current and a bigger reserve is a given. I tend to come home later this way.