If you can afford it an AGM (advanced glass mat) deep cycle battery, great. If not a standard deep cycle will work well. I would steer clear of the walmart/costco etc.. I have had good experience with Napa auto parts batteries. A deep cycle battery is designed to handle a long steady draw and be run until almost dead, where as a starting battery is designed to put out more amps quickly and not be drawn down.

 

Joe - thanks for the reply. I just sent you a follow-up email for some more info. A couple people have suggested an AGM deep cycle battery too. I was honestly hoping to keep the purchase under a $100 but it seems that may be a bit difficult to do if I want something to decent that is going to last a while.

Thanks!

 

I recently went battery shopping. I ended up with Pepboys 27 series deep cycle. They seem to be working great and carry a 12 month warranty.

 

sears diehard makes a good deep cycle battery. also you will need a charger to keep it in good shape. charge after every use.:thumbsup:

 

I'm no expert, but

I've been told it is important to have a trickle charger with auto shut off to maintain it. Was told the slower you charge it the better. although it's been some years since I was told that. Anyone have any suggestions for him on charging and maintaining?

 

I use a guest onboard charger. If you have one battery and can get electricity to the boat the single output 5 or 6 AMP version is perfect. Plug it in as soon as you get home from fishing and forget about it. If you have to remove the battery from the boat the shumacker marine speedcharger is also good. Again charge it and leave the charger on when you get home until you go out again.

 

walmart batteries work just fine just bought 3 and u can return them at the end of the season with receipt. and yes trickle charge . or get whats out now called a smart charger thats does it with a built in computer.

 

walmart batteries work just fine just bought 3 and u can return them at the end of the season with receipt. and yes trickle charge . or get whats out now called a smart charger thats does it with a built in computer.

Walmart is no longer carrying a warranty on their deep cycles. Too many people returning them at the end of the season is my guess as to why. Their "old stock" still has the warranty stickers and they will honor those, but the ones made recently lack such a warranty.

 

i have the same trolling motor...used it for years on a basic deep cell battery from k-mart cost me 50 bucks never failed me fished all day on it. cant remember the brand name but it was worth it...30lb thrust does nothing to a battery

 

I use a deep cycle battery for my 55lb motor. I've been out about 4 or 5 times before I even needed to charge it. I also do the trickle charge overnight when it needs a shot.

 

Thanks for all the replies guys - this was very helpful!

 

Even when walmart honored the warranty it was pro-rated on a steep curve for the deep cycles.

 

Go with a DEEP CYCLE. It will give you many years of trouble free service as long as you recharge it after every use. And remember to always keep it charged even in the off season. DO NOT LET IT COMPLETELY DISCHARGE!!!!!:thumbsup: