Basic Bat/Wire Setup

[logart00]

1) Can I run my FishFinder off of my starter battery (DuraLast Marine)?
2) Can I install some sort of switch to turn off the battery instead of unscrewing the wires from the post each time I park it?
3) Is there some sort of "bus" I could use to run the lights and FF to, then run single leads to the switch and/or battery?
4) Can I use the DuraLast for trolling or does it require another battery? I have a 12v rechargable battery I use for field-charging my R/C Airplane batteries, can I use that one for the troller?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Basic Bat/Wire Setup

1 = Yes
2 = Use (called a battery switch)
3 = Yes - its called a fuse or circuit breaker panel.
4 = Depends. How big is the trolling motor. They take a lot of current and may leave your start battery dead, especially if its not a deep cycle. As for the rechargeable battery -- how big is it and what type. If its a gel-cell or other small battery it won't have the capacity to run a troller for very long.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Basic Bat/Wire Setup

fishfinder, lights, bilge pumps are fine on the starting batt

but the trolling motor:
deepcycle used for starting - ok
cranking used as deepcycle - not ok - it'll shorten the life of the battery by about 75%

what kind of 12v we talkin bout? You need a battery that can deliver big current (20 - 30 amps) for a long time. Like a lead acid.

hint: click on "marine store" above, search for "fuse panel"

 

[logart00]

Re: Basic Bat/Wire Setup

Not sure what type of bat the 12v is, but it is a smaller batter that I had in my field box as a portable lithium battery charger. Probably too small?

 

[logart00]

Re: Basic Bat/Wire Setup

So, I should get a full sized Deep Cycle battery for my troller then? It is a 36lb.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Basic Bat/Wire Setup

By all means you need a deep cycle battery for the trolling motor. A starting battery will live a short life when used for a troller. Remember, you can't have too much power for your troller, only too little. Buy the largest capacity deep cycle you have room for. Use a smart charger to charge it. Unless you run very long distances your outboard will not be able to charge it fully.