And interestingly enough, an alternator is not a battery charger ...
meaning, if you were to run the deep cycle right down, then attempt to
charge it using the alternator, you would likely find the alternator getting
very hot and possibly failing ... my understanding.

I myself use a starting battery (450 amp) and a deep cycle for trolling.
Last season I tried charging the deep cycle "on the way out" and "on the way
back" using jumper cables ... every canadian has a set of these, somewhere
:-) ... to the starting battery after starting the engine (3.8 litre V6, 70
amp alternator). Seems to work, so this year I'll install appropriate wiring
and a switch.

But I will be careful not to discharge the deep cycle to far. If I do, I'll
charge it when I get home.


"me" wrote in message
.. .
You were all such great help when I built my kayak and canoe, I thought
someone might be able to help me on this. I bought a small 16 foot boat
last month with a 60 4 stroke Yamaha and wanted to install a 12 volt
trolling motor for fishing. My question is, should I install a seperate
deep cell battery for the trolling motor and charge it when I'm done
fishing, or replace the battery that's on the boat with two deep cells. I
figured the motor would recharge the batteries but I wasn't sure if they
could handle starting the motor, running the trolling motor, bilge,
lights,
and my son's Game Boy. And would the motor be able to recharge both
batteries. Any suggestions or opinions?