Very good information, but I still dont know what brand of deep cycle batteries I should buy for my bass boat. I know two guides who each swear by two different brands... I guess it just comes down to personal preference (or who your sponsor is). Anyone have any suggestions?

Readily available and warranty

Here's another link that may be useful: http://www.mmbalmainauto.com.au/PDF/State_of_charge_12_volt_batteries.pdf

Many questions and much erroneous information around about battery voltage versus state of charge. This table shows the real facts.

Note that when using voltage as an indicator of battery state of charge,there must be no load on the battery and it must be allowed to stabilize for a couple of hours after the charging voltage has been removed.

C.

You really meant EVERYTHING, good read!

Good Reference...Thanks

Ran across this after seeing these batteries at a trade show floating in an aquarium....Thought this was neat, even though they are still pretty expensive.
I went further into the website and looked @ their 12 volt line and from what I read if you had a 12 volt trolling motor set up you could cut back to one battery to operate the trolling motor, cranking of the big motor, and running electronics and still out perform 2 separate lead acid batteries by a huge margin. Weight savings would be big and would probably translate into a pretty descent fuel savings if you spend a lot of time on the water.......
http://lithiumpros.com/tag/trolling/

Some good reads guys. I have always been told to never charge a lead deep cycle battery because of memory issues. So I was told wrong and have been doing it wrong all this time. I have an on board charger and will be plugin it in after each outing. Maybe this will fix the short battery life.

Thanks for posting.

Anybody know if it is okay to jam the batteries right up against each other? I can just barely squeeze 3 size 27 batteries in the battery compartment. Also, it the plastic battery tray necessary? There is not even 1/16" extra room on thee sides. Plenty of height in the compartment.

The batteries should be fine jammed up next to each other. I believe the trays are for catching acid that might spill out.

they are a great battery with savings over the long run if you our out on the water ALOT

Still can't figure out what's wrong with my trolling motor batteries. Boat and batteries about two years old. Batteries will not hold charge. Have on board Ranger charger. Batteries are charged immediately after coming off the water. Fish about once a week. Before I go fishing I have to recharge my batteries. Takes about 3 hours before batteries fully charged, 5 red lights on charger for almost 3 hours. Fish for about 1 1/2 hours and recharge batteries (usually about 1 1/2 hours before fully charged. I have had the batteries checked at three different locations, even the electrolyte checked and all say the batteries are OK. I even disconnected all wires from both batteries and they still discharge when not in use. Any recommendations?

Yeah, Put them on the charger/maintainer and leave them plugged in.
Unless you're just using one of those car things.
If you can't afford a marine, in boat charger or one of those portable ones from minn-kota or others. Then at least spend $29.99 for a Battery Tender!!

Once the charger/maintainer charges it goes into a maintenance cycle, conditioning your batteries. Unplugging, then let sit, then putting back on the charger is not good.

Great article and info really useful.