Re: Battery Recommendation-12v 42lb trolling motor
Cheap, batteries, and trolling motors do not go together. A 42# trolling motor at full load draws nearly 40 amps of current -- somewhat less at slower settings. So instead of "cheap" you need to look for "capacity". Capacity is the AHr (amp/hour) rating which may also be expressed as Reserve Minutes: xxx @ 23 amps. An 80 AHr battery for example can provide 80 amps for one hour or one amp for 80 hours. That same battery therefore would run your motor at maximum load for about 2 hours (40 into 80 = 2). A battery with 180 reserve minutes at 23 amps means it can deliver 23 amps for three hours (180 divided by 60 minutes = 3). But since your motor at maximum load can draw 40 amps (almost twice the 23 amp rate) the battery would last one half the 180 minutes or 90 minutes (an hour and a half). So you need a deep cycle battery. You need one that will last the amount of time you will be on the water. You then look for a battery that meets your requirements and you buy the one that meets those specs for the least amount of money. Check your local farm store. For your use you need at least a group size 24 or preferably a group size 27. Then chose one with the highest ratings. Batteries of the same group size do not have the same ratings. You don't need a $200 high tech battery. My local farm store has group 27 deep cycles for $69 - $89 depending on sale or not.
