The battery is a critical element of your electric motor system. A high-quality deep cycle marine battery should always be used. Unlike automobile batteries, deep cycle marine batteries are designed to be run down to a discharged state and then recharged.
Can I use a regular battery for a trolling motor?
Yes for a short time. You need a deep cycle battery simply because it will take a longer time to draw the battery down. A regular car battery will work it just won’t work for as long as a deep cycle battery would.
What’s the difference between a marine battery and a regular battery?
Car batteries, which fall into a class known as starter batteries, consist of lots of thinner plates. Marine batteries are made up of a combination of these same thinner plates, as well as thicker, heavier plates that are traditionally found in what are known as deep cycle batteries.
Can you use car battery in boat?
Not necessarily. The variety of marine applications is about as broad as automotive applications. Some boat engines don’t need much power to start, while others are fire-breathing monsters that require the cranking power of multiple batteries to turn over.
Do I need marine battery?
Once a boat’s engine has started, it no longer needs the same quick and powerful bursts of energy that come from a starter battery. Instead, the boat needs continuous, reliable power for trolling—including running electronics like sonar, GPS, and radios.
Can I use AGM car battery for trolling motor?
AGM batteries also tend to have lower internal resistance. That means they can accept current faster (recharge) and deliver current longer (running your trolling motor longer) than a typical flooded lead-acid battery.
Can you use a dual purpose battery for a trolling motor?
A dual-purpose battery provides enough power to start the engine and turn it over, while also providing enough energy to keep your trolling motor running consistently. As the name implies, dual-purpose batteries can be used for both purposes.
What size battery do I need for my trolling motor?
Most trolling motor batteries fail due to lack of proper charging. We suggest selecting a 12 volt deep cycle marine battery with at least a 110 amp hour rating, usually a group 27 size battery. The higher the amp hour rating, the more run time you will receive.
Is a marine battery a deep cycle?
A marine battery typically falls between a starting and deep cycle battery, although some marine batteries are true deep cycle batteries. Often, the labels “marine” and “deep cycle” are used interchangeably or together, which causes some confusion.
Can you use a marine deep cycle battery in a car?
If the marine battery is a 12-volt battery, then you can use it for your car. This will enable it to be both a starter and a deep cycle battery.When looking at using a marine battery for your vehicle, the orientation of the terminals and any dimensions need to be the same as a regular car battery.
What kind of batteries do boats use?
There are four different chemical types of marine batteries for your boat: wet cell (flooded), gel cell, absorbed glass mat (AGM), which are all lead-acid batteries, and lithium.
Can I use a deep cycle battery to start my boat?
Yes, a deep cycle battery can be used to start your motor in a pinch, but a two- or three-battery system is highly recommended to separate the engine battery from the accessory (house) batteries.
Will a boat battery recharge itself?
Yes, they charge. Most outboards with an electric start will re-charge the battery as they run. Deep cycle batteries can be used for things like pumps.
Do I need a deep cycle battery?
For the uninitiated, a deep cycle battery is essential for providing power over a sustained period of time. It’s designed to withstand constant discharge and to then be recharged, ready to use again. You might be wondering why you’d choose a deep cycle battery over a regular automotive battery.
Are marine batteries AGM or gel?
Marine batteries are available in three chemical types: Flooded, Gel, and Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM). Regardless of chemical type, they’re rated by energy output, generally expressed as ampere hours, and categorized by how many charges (cycles) the battery is likely to withstand in its lifetime.
Can I charge a marine battery with a regular charger?
Use a regular charger
Regular battery chargers use high amperes to recharge your battery quickly. It is fine for flooded-style batteries. But fast charging may shorten the life of your AGM or GEL battery, and it’s not recommended.
Is a gel battery good for trolling motor?
A Gel battery is superior to an AGM battery when used in long, slower discharges. Gel batteries might be the optimal choice for a trolling motor or running electronic equipment for a longer period of time. Gel is also better at withstanding external heat, making it more attractive in the warmer areas.
What size battery do I need for an 80 lb thrust trolling motor?
Best Trolling Motor Battery For 80 Lb Thrust: Interstate Batteries. This is a deep cycle battery of 12 volts from Interstate Batteries. It is a rechargeable Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) battery for various purposes.
Are lithium batteries good for trolling motors?
Lithium Ion batteries maintain higher voltages for longer periods of time than lead acid. Therefore, running a Minn Kota trolling motor at speeds higher than 85% for a prolonged period could cause permanent damage to the motor. The LiFePO4 Lithium batteries can be used with our motor.
Is a dual purpose battery the same as deep cycle?
Dual purpose batteries are ideal for applications that require starting and deep cycle service. They deliver powerful cranking amperage for easy starting, and low amp draw service for reliable auxiliary power.
Can AGM batteries be used as starter batteries?
While a popular choice for deep cycling, as an AGM battery has a depth of discharge (DoD) of 80% versus a standard flooded battery which has a DoD of 50%, it is also a popular choice for starter batteries. This is because it has low internal resistance and can provide high current loads quickly.
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