I use a jonboat and push it with a trolling motor only on small waters. I have a charger that has a 2amp, 8amp, and 12amp setting. If I'm in no hurry, is it true that the 2amp charge rate with be best on my batteries?

I've been using that for a while, but I seem to go through 2 or 3 of those wal mart marine batteries a year.

I've always been told to use the lowest setting also. Something must be wrong because I've had WalMart batteries in my boat for 3 years. Even when they say "NO Maint." you have to check and add water as needed. Also when you come home from fishing put your battery on the charger first thing. They last longer being fully charged

I didnt think it was a problem w/ the batteries. Really, I work them to death, pushing a boat up and down a 300 acre lake a couple times a week.

First, the lower amp setting will bring the batteries to a full state of charge most efficiently, but it takes longer. How long are you charging them? Second, how new is the trolling motor? Older models use more juice and would require more from the batteries.

dp

It takes a battery usually all night and half a day to get back to 100% on 2amps. But when it gets full I cut it off pretty quick. The motor is a minnkota, 1 year old. I burned one up last spring and had to replace it.

As far as checking the water, how often/under what conditions would I need to be checking it? How low is low? Just normal tap water ok?

Do not put tap water in any battery, use distilled water only. Tap water will ruin a battery, just as it will corrode your radiator.Remove the battery caps and make sure the plates are covered with acid/distilled water. Always wear eye/hand protection around batteries when filling, and be aware of splash hazards, batteries can and will explode if conditions are right.

You might want to step up to a better brand of battery, too. I've used too many to remember but Interstate and Stowaway will probably do a better job for you. Three batteries in one year sort of indicates maybe that brand is lacking.