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Trolling motor batteries? #11620254 05/23/16 05:14 PM
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redmojo Offline OP
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Any opinions on the Optimal Blue top batteries. If they aren't good what would you get, need 3.

Moritz Chevrolet - 9101 Camp Bowie W Blvd, Fort Worth, TX - Monte Coon (817) 696-2003
Re: Trolling motor batteries? [Re: redmojo] #11620272 05/23/16 05:22 PM
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sprigsss Offline
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I have 4 of the Optima Blue Top 31s.

I love them.

I blew a fuse one night in the very back of Little Grape on Alan Henry. Had a spare under the Cowling but had no clue what the problem was at the time and didn't want to waste time trying to diagnose.

Trolled all the way back to the launch in a very stiff headwind most of the way, (after fishing for several hours that evening). Still running full speed when we pulled up to the dock. No way I would have made it back with the original batteries I did have.

Have a Fully Automatic Minn Kota Onboard Charger that always stays plugged in and haven't had a problem yet. (knocking on wood)

Re: Trolling motor batteries? [Re: redmojo] #11620288 05/23/16 05:28 PM
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GIG'EM AGGIES Offline
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Optima or Odyssey 31 are the best hands down, just make sure your onboard charger will charge AGM type batteries. There is a difference.


I am a Senager. (Senior teenager) I have everything that I wanted as a teenager, only 50 years later. I get an allowance every month. I have PU truck and a bass boat, I am blessed.
Conscience never acquits, it either accuses or excuses.
Re: Trolling motor batteries? [Re: redmojo] #11620598 05/23/16 07:34 PM
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SteezMacQueen Offline
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Haha. Been there. But mine was running out of gas. And, no, I didn't have Optima Blue tops....and yes....I BARELY made it back.

I have used Optima batteries in the cars I build for years. I can say, without a question, they can be good batteries. I also know that they are not miracles. Haha. Every battery has to be properly charged and every battery has a finite life span. The Optimas recharge a little faster than some. And CAN last a little longer than some. That said, for the money, give me a regular old lead acid deep cycle and I am ok with it.

If you don't not recharge the Optimas promptly and PROPERLY, YOU HAVE WASTED your money. Same with any battery I guess....you have only wasted more than double the money on the Optima. Haha.

Guys over think the battery debate. IMO

If your life depends on a battery....don't buy the kind I have(Walmart G27's)....and don't buy Optimas either. Buy Deka. Or even Sears Diehard Platinum AGM marines. I, personally with 20'years of using Optimas in hot rods and stuff, would NOT recommend them....not for what they cost. They do look cool though. That is the reason we use them. Not that they are better. They look cool and have a big aftermarket support for brackets, connectors, and stuff.


Eat. Sleep. Fish.
Re: Trolling motor batteries? [Re: GIG'EM AGGIES] #11620599 05/23/16 07:34 PM
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SteezMacQueen Offline
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Originally Posted By: GIG'EM AGGIES
Optima or Odyssey 31 are the best hands down, just make sure your onboard charger will charge AGM type batteries. There is a difference.
those are great batteries too. Very good.


Eat. Sleep. Fish.
Re: Trolling motor batteries? [Re: GIG'EM AGGIES] #11620631 05/23/16 07:45 PM
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Flippin-Out Offline
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Originally Posted By: GIG'EM AGGIES
Optima or Odyssey 31 are the best hands down, just make sure your onboard charger will charge AGM type batteries. There is a difference.


This recommendation is on track in that it proposes Group 31 batteries. That's step 1 no matter what brand you go with, you always get more energy from a larger battery model that a smaller one of like kind. Of course, this assumes your boat's size and storage space can accommodate Group 31 - some can't. Many boats don't start out equipped with Group 31 (or even 29) so it's important to insure that they'll even fit. If moving up to Group 29/31 as a size/power upgrade, new battery trays may be needed also. Boats are rarely originally fitted with trays that size.

Re: Trolling motor batteries? [Re: Flippin-Out] #11620679 05/23/16 08:08 PM
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GIG'EM AGGIES Offline
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Good point Flippin-out, most bass boat are very crowded in the back and battery space is minimal. I had a 94 Ranger once and one of the batteries was positioned so that it took a magician to change it out and a 31 definitely wouldn't fit.


I am a Senager. (Senior teenager) I have everything that I wanted as a teenager, only 50 years later. I get an allowance every month. I have PU truck and a bass boat, I am blessed.
Conscience never acquits, it either accuses or excuses.
Re: Trolling motor batteries? [Re: redmojo] #11620692 05/23/16 08:16 PM
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Texan Til I Die Offline
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I'm running the Optimas for both trolling and cranking. One good thing about them is that they do have a slightly smaller footprint than most other Group 31 batteries so sometimes you can fit the Optimas into a space that wouldn't normally hold 2 or 3 of the 31's.


"If ever time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in Government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin." - Samuel Adams
Re: Trolling motor batteries? [Re: redmojo] #11623527 05/24/16 10:18 PM
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redmojo Offline OP
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The group 31 optima's are dual purpose I believe, is this OK for trolling motor? Also what about the Optima blue top d27m batteries, are these good as well.

Re: Trolling motor batteries? [Re: redmojo] #11623839 05/25/16 12:13 AM
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PaPa@fork Offline
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Just go to Walmart and save some $$$$$


If it was easy, everyone would do it
Re: Trolling motor batteries? [Re: redmojo] #11624533 05/25/16 03:30 AM
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Flippin-Out Offline
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Dual Purpose is serviceable for trolling motor use. Sometimes a pure deep cycle battery may have better specifications than dual purpose when looking specifically at reserve minutes or amp-hour rating, but it all depends on what apple and orange are being compared.

As a personal opinion, I like a strong dual purpose battery such as the D31M as a main battery (starting and boat accessories) because that's exactly what that battery is being asked to do. My use of the D31M is due to having a 250 Pro XS that demands a strong battery, along with lots of electronics that present a notable constant discharge. There are other batteries that can handle that job as well. My choice is not the only one. Not everyone needs a Group 31 either, but I like not coming up short on power.

For deep cycle only (trolling motor) I'm of the opinion that paying for a specialty battery such as the D31M is not warranted, but everyone is entitled to their opinion/choice. I'd certainly use them if free or at same price as some other choices - nothing against the battery itself. Going bigger makes any battery better in that it can hold more energy, so always go big if you can. Some boats are tight and restrict use to Group 27. I look for the most reserve minutes I can get on a battery that will fit, with the price playing a part in my final selection. Right now, those are Marine Maxx 29 batteries, but it's just one choice. I understand these are hard to come by now and heard some unverified info of being discontinued at Walmart.

Re: Trolling motor batteries? [Re: Flippin-Out] #11624541 05/25/16 03:34 AM
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SteezMacQueen Offline
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Originally Posted By: Flippin-Out
Dual Purpose is serviceable for trolling motor use. Sometimes a pure deep cycle battery may have better specifications than dual purpose when looking specifically at reserve minutes or amp-hour rating, but it all depends on what apple and orange are being compared.

As a personal opinion, I like a strong dual purpose battery such as the D31M as a main battery (starting and boat accessories) because that's exactly what that battery is being asked to do. My use of the D31M is due to having a 250 Pro XS that demands a strong battery, along with lots of electronics that present a notable constant discharge. There are other batteries that can handle that job as well. My choice is not the only one. Not everyone needs a Group 31 either, but I like not coming up short on power.

For deep cycle only (trolling motor) I'm of the opinion that paying for a specialty battery such as the D31M is not warranted, but everyone is entitled to their opinion/choice. I'd certainly use them if free or at same price as some other choices - nothing against the battery itself. Going bigger makes any battery better in that it can hold more energy, so always go big if you can. Some boats are tight and restrict use to Group 27. I look for the most reserve minutes I can get on a battery that will fit, with the price playing a part in my final selection. Right now, those are Marine Maxx 29 batteries, but it's just one choice. I understand these are hard to come by now and heard some unverified info of being discontinued at Walmart.
my Walmart has 6 of the 29's and 8 27's.


Eat. Sleep. Fish.
Re: Trolling motor batteries? [Re: redmojo] #11624627 05/25/16 04:37 AM
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Since early spring, I have not spotted a single Maxx 29 in any of 3 stores I visit from time to time. I don't need any, but I do like to stay aware of where I might get some if the need arises.

Re: Trolling motor batteries? [Re: redmojo] #11624863 05/25/16 12:45 PM
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ezbassin Offline
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I got my T/M marine batteries at OReillys. The ones I got are made by Deka.

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