Batteries??

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Apr-14-06 AT 01:39PM (EST)[/font][p]I just replaced my trolling batteries I think not quite two years ago. Went back with Deka's, and I can't hold a charge for a full day of fishing now. They do great for about six to seven hours then fold up like a lawn chair. I use to get almost two full days out of the original two bought with the boat, did I get ahold of a couple or one bad battery or do they just give out this quick. I was at least hoping to get two to three full seasons out of them. The only thing running on these two batteries are the trolling motor.

I'd have the batteries load tested. This should be able to be done where you bought batteries or at most auto repair centers such as Walmart

This test will tell if the battery is holding a charge. Might just be to that they are not getting a full charge to start with.

If batteries are holding charge then I'd have electrical system checked to make sure something is not drawing them down.

When do you charge your batteries? They say that the hardest thing you can do is not charge them when you finish. Come home and put the charger to them as soon as possible. It helps the life of your batteries. Good luck.

I have a pair of interstate batteries and have had no issues out of them for the last 4 years. we troll 8 hour days and still have a charge left in them. biggest thing that will hurt a battery is the cold and low water levels. I usually check the water every 3-4 months to make sure that you arent trying to charge a dry battery this will damage the battery and cause it to hold less of a charge.

Which brand does everyone prefer?

IMO the more TOW and times you recharge determine the life of the batteries. I have been getting Stowaways from Sams Club. I'm usually on the water minimum 2-3 days a week, recharge them immediately and they show wear by the end of the season.

I just bought mine back, told them they are not holding the charge that they did when I bought them and by end of the day they are mostly wore out, (true for the most part). They replaced them, no questions asked.

Their warranty is no cost during the first 12 months, then prorated for 3 years. Me, I just get new ones every year before the 12 months are up and don't have to worry about them.

>IMO the more TOW and times
>you recharge determine the life
>of the batteries. I have
>been getting Stowaways from Sams
>Club. I'm usually on the
>water minimum 2-3 days a
>week, recharge them immediately and
>they show wear by the
>end of the season.
>
>I just bought mine back, told
>them they are not holding
>the charge that they did
>when I bought them and
>by end of the day
>they are mostly wore out,
>(true for the most part).
>They replaced them, no questions
>asked.
>
>Their warranty is no cost during
>the first 12 months, then
>prorated for 3 years. Me,
>I just get new ones
>every year before the 12
>months are up and don't
>have to worry about them.
>

Now that's a plan. I am guilty of not charging them immediatley sometime, you know when you are just wore out and the such.

are they 27 or 29 series 12 24 or straight 24 also check your charger

I never understood why they say to charge them immediately, but I always do it, no matter how tired.

Of course having an onboard charger makes it easier. I just back the obat in, and hook up the extension cord to my boat, and start the charging right away.

However, I notice after two years my batteries start loosing holding power. I use Interstate, but Billy on here, has talked me into trying the brand he sells next time I buy a set.

My set now is just over 2 years old, but did not use them much last year, and they are still plenty strong.

also as mentioned, keep them watered... LOL. Even over the winter I hook my charger up once a month to make sure I have a full charge and I haven't lost any.

Good luck,

Danny