Upgrade to 36V Advice

Hey Guys-
I am looking for some insight. I have a 2015 Nitro Z7 with a 175 pro xs. It came with the 24v maxxum 70. I am looking to upgrade to the Ultrex, but not sure if I should go with the 24v 80 or the 36v 112. I know the 80 will pull my boat around fine. Battery life is what I am after. I have days where I am moving slow at the end of a fishing trip. So any advice would help. Especially from other Z7 owners who have upgraded to either motor.

Main questions--
What will the added weight do to my boat for the third battery?
Would upgrading to group 31 from group 29 batteries for the 24v provide a lot more life?

I'm sure I have more questions, but I'm still on my first cup of coffee....not thinking straight yet.

Thanks guys.

You don't need more trolling motor; You need better batteries. Get some with at least 200 reserve capacity and you will be fine.

First that is a small boat. 36 volt is not required with the upgrade. The 24v 80 will do the job everyday all day long form daylight to dark. Go with the best biggest batteries you can find to go in there and it will be what you are looking for. You get what you pay for and battery life during the day is very important to everyone.

Type of batteries you choose is determined by the amount of space in the back compartment to check them and add water. These type of batteries in my opinion are just as reliable and about $50 less money. You just have to have room to maintenance them easily. If space is a problem then get the GEL batteries so they do not have to be removed but once a year to clean connections, post and etc..

I have a Skeeter ZX225 and I use a 24v/80 Ultrex with no issues. The Ultrex uses less battery than my Maxxum did. Spent 13 hours on the lake Saturday with no slow down.

That said, I did add the extra battery in January just for my electronics though. I didn't have any noticeable drop in performance or speed, it is a pretty minor addition in weight when you consider all the other stuff on the back of the boat. All 4 of my batteries are Group 31 and were bought between November '16 and January '17.

Squib- What battery would you suggest? I currently have the interstate 29 with a reserve capacity of 210 (based on the interstate website)

Donald-
Thanks for the help. I do agree the 36v is not needed. I'm new to all this battery talk, so your input is greatly appreciated.

Shallow Waters-
This is good to hear. Nice to know the Ultrex will draw less. Thanks.

These aren't bad: https://www.samsclub.com/sams/duracell-a.../prod3590232.ip

I am a fan of Trojan SCS 225 batteries: http://www.trojanbattery.com/pdf/datasheets/SCS225_Trojan_Data_Sheets.pdf

Squib-
Thank you.

Alright guys the 24v is the way to go. I appreciate all the advice. It has been really helpful.

The Ultrex isn't hard on batteries.It will run all day with battery power left.

Like you, i was also faced with the same dilemma a few months back. I have an z8 with the same original trolling motor setup as you with two 31 grp. batteries running it. I was on the fence about upgrading the motor to the 24v/36v Ultrex until i spent a couple of windy days on Falcon. Both days i had the old motor running on 4/5 to control the boat due to wind and both days my battery life cut my day short late in the afternoon. Buddy fishing the same water and same size boat continued with no issue with the 36v foretrax setup. And, although i don't usually fish as hard and long as we did while on Falcon i knew that my order for the new Ultrex would be the 36v 112 version for both the extra power and longer battery life. Regardless, i believe you would be fine with your setup staying with the 24v system. Just insure you have two good batteries, (31 grp size if possible). I have very much enjoyed having the new Ultrex on my boat as i am sure you will.

Champion-
That's what I was looking for. Thank you.

Blackcoal-

I appreciate your insight. I do think the 24v will do what I need. Do you ever have the boat jerk on spot lock trying to keep you in your spot? That was one of my concerns with too much power.

Get the best battery with the biggest reserve capacity. I bought the Sam's club battery so far it's been good.

If you are running out of juice with an ultrex, it would be because your batteries aren't good or you just use high way too much. Pretty efficient trolling motor. Stick with 24v

I had that issue when I tried 36v on my last spot lock. I bet it isn't a problem on the improved spot lock as it doesn't allow you to drift as far away before turning on. That's what allowed the old one to over power itself to re-correct

Coachallentca-
Those are the batteries I'm leaning towards. The reviews have been great, and the price is on point. Thanks!

Bobby Milam-
I think you are spot on. Thank you!

I have the 80lb/24v 45" Ultrex on basically the same Nitro boat. It will jerk the boat...or not...depending on how you have it setup. It is user adjustable as to how much thrust it uses on corrections.

Also, like others have stated...batteries and the quality of them and their charger is what makes or breaks the fishing trip. I have Optima Blue Top Group 31's and a DualPro 3 bank. It's plugged in any time the boat is at the house. I have used the trolling motor for as much as 11 hours at a time and the remote control says the batteries are at around 60-70%. The trolling motor is very easy on batteries during spot lock, only using the very minimum thrust needed to stay on a spot. Usually around 1/2-1 on the speed. The other day I tied a 21ft Skeeter to my boat and it held, and pulled, both boats without an issue. It never got above speed 3 keeping BOTH boats on a spot in 10-12 mph winds. I think it's almost too much tm for the boat, but it is the smallest Ultrex made.


An 80 is perfect for your boat. Don't hesitate.

SteezMacQueen-
This is the exact info I was looking for. Thank you!

No. the unit ramps up in speed. I know what you are asking but so far have not had the issue.