One of the reasons I didn't question the setup is the fact that I don't know
how he's going to be using the rig. If he were to actually use the trolling
motor for trolling, a typical 12 volt system isn't going to cut it for a
full day of fishing. I'd rather be overpowered than under any day of the
week.

Now, if he's strictly going to be positioning the boat, then I agree, 24
might be overkill and a 12 volt might be enough. As far as the motor
selection, maybe it's what he already has and he doesn't want to buy a
different trolling motor.

As to a charger selection, I picked up an automatic battery charger at
Wal-Mart for $39.95 and used it for quite a while, until I got a boat with
an on-board charger system. I always had full batteries overnight and had
good battery life.
--
Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com
G & S Guide Service and Custom Rods
http://www.herefishyfishy.com


"Bob" wrote in message
news:Razlc.25112$I%1.1681173@attbi_s51...
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