Why is nobody picking up on this setup?
Let's review your rig;
12' Jon boat with max. capacity of 500 lbs.
24v Minn Kota with 65lb of thrust.
What are you going to be doing with this rig? Towing water-skiers? I'm not
trying to be sarcastic, but this is a LOT of motor for such a small boat.
Usually seen on boats of much larger capacity and hull weight.

My rig;
14' Starcraft utility boat (old style w/ shallow sides) = approx. hull
weight 135 lbs.
2 fishermen = 400 lbs.
All of our gear (including electric trolling motor and battery) = approx.
125 lbs.
Trolling motor is a Minn Kota Endura 12v, 36lb transom mount = $100 at time
of purchase
One (1) marine deep cycle battery from my local farm supply house, house
branded (mfg. by Johnson Controls) = $45 on sale
I can fish the cranberry marshes (NO gas motors allowed, just having one ON
the boat will get you a fine) for two (2), 5-6 hour days without depleting
the charge in one (1) cheapo battery.

Suggestion;
Look into a less expensive setup for this boat.

Standard, portable style of battery charger will work just fine. Make sure
that it has a setting, or is compatible with, deep cycle batteries. I prefer
the Schumacher(sic) brand. With this you can also recharge right in the boat
as long as the charger is kept out of the rain.

Recharge as often as you can. While deep cycle batteries can withstand a
much deeper discharge than automotive type batteries, they will benefit (in
terms of length of life) from being recharged at lower levels of discharge.
Also, keep them charged up during periods of not being used (i.e. the
winter), either with a 1 or 2 amp trickle charger, or plug them into your
regular charger once a month and bring them back up to full charge. All
batteries will self-discharge while in storage, and this will affect the
life of the battery.

Bob

"Marty S." wrote in message
...
Hi all...

I'm looking for suggestions of deep cycle batteries for my 12' jon boat
with
a 65lb, 24volt Minn Kota transom mounted motor. I will be using it in a
local reservoir that only allows electric motors. I'm looking for a good
trade-off between the weight of the battery (I'm going to be needing 2
batteries), the reserve time & amps, and cost. I've ruled out the sealed
gel-type batteries due to their weight and COST! The total capacity of my
boat is about 500lbs (including equipment and people).

Any suggestions? From here I have access to most battery distributors and
outdoor-type stores including Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's.

And -- suggestions for a charger. I'm supposing that I will be taking the
batteries out of the boat at the end of the day and recharging them in my
garage. I've heard not to let the batteries run down too far and that
recharging them after use is the best way to maintain a good charge --
yes??
Is this right?

Thanks in advance!!!

--
Marty S.
Baltimore, MD USA