Trolling Mtr Battery Problem

[stratos185]

Have noticed late this year that my trolling motor batteries are running out of juice before the day is over. Not on the pedal
all of the time but occasionally put the switch on full and keep the control on number "1" for short periods of time. When batteries were new (2 yrs ago), they would last a full day of fishing and I would recharge immediately after putting boat away.
Used a battery load type tester and both showed ok. I am wondering if there is such a thing as the batteries getting a "memory" and not supplying enough juice for all day. ANYBODY have any ideas?

[bassfish606]

Check your water levels on the battery's. if they are low charge your battery's to 100% and then refill with nursery water. Make sure you use water without minerals in it b/c it will damage your battery's.

[jrunger]

Hi -- I've noticed that when mine start doing that it is usually because the connections are not clean. I try to remember to clean them at least annually, maybe even two times a year if I think about it. And like others have said, check the water level (and use distilled water),

Good luck,

Jeff

[Atomdata]

I would also check the output levels of your charger. In the late spring I had the same issue of running out of power before the day was over. Changed the batteries twice....charger lights all showed good.

Turned out that bank 2 on the charger was only putting out half the voltage to the 2nd battery.

[stratos185]

Have noticed late this year that my trolling motor batteries are running out of juice before the day is over. Not on the pedal
all of the time but occasionally put the switch on full and keep the control on number "1" for short periods of time. When batteries were new (2 yrs ago), they would last a full day of fishing and I would recharge immediately after putting boat away.
Used a battery load type tester and both showed ok. I am wondering if there is such a thing as the batteries getting a "memory" and not supplying enough juice for all day. ANYBODY have any ideas?

(UpDate) Checked charger output this weekend and all 3 banks putting out 12+ volts which is ok per the instructions supplied
with charger. Battery cables are clean and tight as I use stainless nuts with the plastic inserts to keep them tight. Checked water level last week before going to the lake and water level was OK. Anybody have any more ideas?

[GeoFisher]

(UpDate) Checked charger output this weekend and all 3 banks putting out 12+ volts which is ok per the instructions supplied
with charger. Battery cables are clean and tight as I use stainless nuts with the plastic inserts to keep them tight. Checked water level last week before going to the lake and water level was OK. Anybody have any more ideas?

Get a Hydrometer and check the acid level of each cell in the batteries. 1 cell that is low/dead will cause this.

AND if you're not good at making sure there is water at the correct level in the batteries, you will cause damage. THE minute the plates are exposed you start damaging them. Even a little exposure will cause serious sulfation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead%E2%80%93acid_battery

Later,

Geo