Joseph Stachyra wrote:

Dear Marty: You say weight is a problem, and you say your use is only
your local reservoir.
and your boat is very small, thus meaning, your not going into deep or far
away waters.

1. response Car Batteries are lighter than deep cycle and cheaper, why
not. Your not going to sea.
2. Or go to Sears and get two deep cycle batteries they have many sizes.
3. open that wallet, let the moths out of it, and buy a bigger boat and do
it right.


"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 --

Marty S.
Baltimore, MD USA


Aww, rig a wire from your auto battery, and plug your boat into it.
You might have an extra circuit in your towing harness you could
use. Your car should be able to charge the batteries, if you hook
them up in parallel for charging, and /or you can continue / start
the charge in the boat in the driveway after you get home, if the
trip back doesn't do it. Rig a charge harness for the boat, so you
don't try to charge 24 v battery from 12 v vehicle or charger, or
you could engineer a switch arrangement, but I would not reccommend
that, as it only takes once if you hook your 24 v setup to the 12 v
vehicle by forgetting the switch before connecting the wire. You
could do serious damage to your entire vehicle electrical system if
you got it wrong.

Your alternator may not be able to handle the extra charge current,
but you can check that with your auto dealer. If you have a heavy
duty alternator, it should be OK.

Why lug them around?

Check the state of charge with a hydrometer, and top up with steam
distilled water if needed.

Terry K