On Fri, 13 Feb 2004 10:08:29 +0000, Evgenij Barsukov wrote:

DSK wrote:

Evgenij Barsukov wrote:
I am looking to buy a deep-cycle battery to run a 55 lb trolling motor (45A
max/12V) which will be used as the only motor for an inflatable boat for
fishing.

By far the most bang for the buck is golf cart batteries. Looking at the cost
per 12V amp-hour, they are about 2/3 the cost of car batteries and 1/2 the
cost of marine batteries. Of course, they are 6V so you have the trouble of
wiring them in series, but that isn't difficult.

For our boat, I bought a pair of Exide Gr 31 dual purpose batteries from
Agri-Supply
http://www.agri-supply.com/catmain/1200005.htm I don't know what the reserve
rating is but their amp-hours are about 115 so one of those would certainly
drive your motor at full power for 1 hour, and the cost is about $65

Are you sure it is Ah and not reserve time? If it is really 115 Ah, it would run
my motor for 2 hrs at max power! (115Ah / 45 A ) Well, actually somewhat less
considering the curve you mentioned, as Ah rating is for 20A load.


Actually, if they're similar to the golf-cart batteries I have in Far Cove, the
Ah rating is closer to 230.

But another issue for me is weight. What would be the weight of the 2 batteries
you mentioned?

(picture me pointing at my nose) You got it! These batteries are EACH heavier
than a Group 27, and there's 2 of them. Over 120lb total. Not for carrying
around. I'd say get a good deep-cycle Group 27. Even THEY are pretty heavy - I
use a Group 24 in Near Cove, but that's just a 33-lb thrust motor (runs at
"cruise" all afternoon).

My notes say:
"Golf Cart": weight 120 lb (total), 225 Ah, $250 Cdn (total)
Group 27: weight 50 lb, 115 Ah, $120Cdn
Group 24: weight 39lb, 65 Ah, $80Cdn

(The Ah is the "20 Amp" rate - probably less at higher currents)

Lloyd Sumpter
"Near Cove" Walker Bay 8