Leaderboard

Although I do keep my batteries indoors, I thought the "keep off the concrete" rule was no longer necessary. My understanding is years ago this was important, but the way they make batteries now it is no longer relevant.

There is a big difference between the known and the unknown.

as a rule of thumb I wouldnt stray from Minkotta, Marinco, Pro Mariner or Noco if you are looking for a new charger. Noco's are readily available on Amazon at competitive pricing. I love mine, its very low profile and fully sealed/waterproof. They also have the function to recondition batteries. They also specifically are designed to charge both flooded and gel and AGM batteries if you have them. Apparently each battery type has a "most effecient" way of charge cycle and the genius knows how to do it.

Many guys that say they get 7 plus years on their batteries probably only fish 6-10 times per season. My boat goes in the water in March and comes out in December. My average run time on the trolling motor is 8 hours straight while trolling. I crush batteries in 2-3 years no matter how much I pay. It all depends on the level of use.

If you don't have side guides, I would invest in them

That merc has great customer service

Buddy of mine used to fish the PWT, back in the 90's. He fished many of the tournaments across a number of states. At that time many were running Optimax's on their boats. I found it interesting that Merc would travel, along with the tournaments, to each site, dragging along with them two transport trucks full of parts, tools and mechanics. Guys would be blowing the power heads on the Opti's on a regular basis, so much so that Merc kept a stock of them in the rolling shop. Contestants would limp in in the afternoon with a blown head and the Merc guys would have it replaced on-site for the next days fish. What does that tell you about the perceived reliability of those motors by both the manufacturer as well as the owners? HH

Not sure where you live, but Great Northern Battery (Hamilton and Toronto) is worth a look. I picked up two type 27 US Battery brand (they sell all kinds of brands) from them. Lots of power for the size. 105 amp/hour and 205 reserve capacity for $184 ea (no core charge, must have been in the price). They'll have a good cranking battery too I'm sure. https://www.gnbsystems.com/

On board Minn Kota charging system for 24 volt. Religiously drain and recharge as best I can but have to admit don’t get out as much as I used to. pull batteries and keep indoors all winter off concrete. My dad told me this and will forever keep the faith. Two Canadian tire 27 705 cranking amps. These are now 4 years old and hooked up to winter battery tenders noco genius 2 battery chargers/desulfator. fingers crossed for season 5 and more

Lead acids are just fine, go as big as you physically can.

And there's no point in "poking the bear".