What's a Good Battery Indicator

cadroncreek

Cadet
Joined
Feb 6, 2008
Messages
11
I have a 14 ft flatbottom with a T34 trolling motor. I use it to troll around a large creek close to my house. My question is..is there a battery indicator i can hook up to my marine battery to monitor the performance and it be able to tell me when the battery is about done for the day. Keep in mind it would be something that connects directly to the battery.
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,758
Re: What's a Good Battery Indicator

There are lots of battery condition meters on the market and they are generally calibrated with a green area for "good", yellow area for "be thinking about quitting" and red for "ok I'm toast". However, they are nothing more than an overpriced voltmeter. So buy any voltmeter you happen to fancy -- just like the one you likely have on the console of your boat.
 

Barnacle_Bill

Admiral
Joined
Feb 8, 2004
Messages
6,469
Re: What's a Good Battery Indicator

I agree with ST but get a good one that is easy to read between 11 and 13V. Here is what you are looking for.
 

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mthieme

Captain
Joined
Oct 6, 2007
Messages
3,270
Re: What's a Good Battery Indicator

There are lots of battery condition meters on the market and they are generally calibrated with a green area for "good", yellow area for "be thinking about quitting" and red for "ok I'm toast". However, they are nothing more than an overpriced voltmeter. So buy any voltmeter you happen to fancy -- just like the one you likely have on the console of your boat.

I had to put one of those on the (electric) golf cart for the wife.
I told her it was the fuel gauge!:)
She's blond.
 

Shizzy

Ensign
Joined
Aug 5, 2007
Messages
984
Re: What's a Good Battery Indicator

my $100 depth finder has a volt meter built in to it. its wired to the same battery as the trolling motor. I always have my eyes on the finder so I see where im at with the voltage all day.
 

TerryMSU

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 31, 2007
Messages
743
Re: What's a Good Battery Indicator

I agree with ST but get a good one that is easy to read between 11 and 13V. Here is what you are looking for.

BHile is mostly correct, but two possible comments.

1. these are almost certainly for when the trolling motor (and everything else) is off.

2. I believe that some sealed cell types have a slightly different curve than traditional wet (automotive type) cells. (Not certain though...)

TerryMSU
 
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