Are Size 27 Deep Cycle Batteries Enough?

[Cassbass]

Hey guys,I have a 2011 P2. My trolling motor is a 80# MK Fortrex. I run 2 HDS 8s and have a dual Power Pole setup. I have been running two 27 group deep cycle Ever Starts. I have been having to replace the batteries about once a year. I fish about 80 days a year. I fish cypress tree lakes primarily and run around frequently with the trolling motor on 70-100 setting.Does this sound normal for size 27 batteries, or do I possibly have another issue. Im looking at upgrading to size 31s if I have the space.Thanks for any input.Last edited by Cassbass on April 25th, 2016, 2:49 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[ILBassAddict]

Are you running just the trolling motor off your two 27 group Everstarts. I just replaced 3 Everstart deep cycle after 3 and 1/2 years, and that is because 1 of them was dying. From what I have read, the biggest thing you can do to help extend the life of them, is to charge them as soon as you get home.

[Cassbass]

ILBassAddict wrote:Are you running just the trolling motor off your two 27 group Everstarts. I just replaced 3 Everstart deep cycle after 3 and 1/2 years, and that is because 1 of them was dying. From what I have read, the biggest thing you can do to help extend the life of them, is to charge them as soon as you get home.Actually, the Power Poles are connected to the cranking battery. The electronics are connected the deep cycles. I charge them immediately after use and let them charge for 24 hours. Then, Ill plug them back in the night before I go fishing. Were yours group 27s? Last edited by Cassbass on April 25th, 2016, 3:21 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[ILBassAddict]

Yes. Mine were group 27s, but the only thing I ran on them was the trolling motor. All other electronics, and my Talon run off the starting battery, which I just upgraded to a group 31 AGM.

[Cassbass]

ILBassAddict wrote:Yes. Mine were group 27s, but the only thing I ran on them was the trolling motor. All other electronics, and my Talon run off the starting battery, which I just upgraded to a group 31 AGM.Thanks for the info. How many days do you estimate that you fish a year, and do you run around most of the day with yours on higher settings? Thanks.

[Shap from La]

My opinion for whatever its worth is that if you are running a 24 volt troller then you need 2 big strong 31 series AGMs to ensure all day power fighting current and wind. If you fish often and fish from daylight to dark then two wet cell 27s arent going to cut the mustard from my experience. When I was running a 24 volt troller the 27s did not hold up to an all day trip fishing the current from the tide in Venice, La or similar places. Now, if you run a 36 volt troller you can get away with 27s easily and 24s arent out of the question due to having 3 batteries instead of 2. Chris CoupelPaulina, La.Chris CoupelPaulina, La.

[Cassbass]

Shap from La wrote:My opinion for whatever its worth is that if you are running a 24 volt troller then you need 2 big strong 31 series AGMs to ensure all day power fighting current and wind. If you fish often and fish from daylight to dark then two wet cell 27s arent going to cut the mustard from my experience. When I was running a 24 volt troller the 27s did not hold up to an all day trip fishing the current from the tide in Venice, La or similar places. Now, if you run a 36 volt troller you can get away with 27s easily and 24s arent out of the question due to having 3 batteries instead of 2. Chris CoupelPaulina, La.Thanks for the feedback Chris. Thats what I was thinking as well. Looks like its time to upgrade to 31s. Now, time to do some rearranging.

[CoosaCat.basscatowners]

My dad has always been meticulous with the maintenance and care of everything he owns, which has carried over into me, not quite as detailed as my dad, but detailed none the less. I can say from my memories of rigs my dad has owned as well as mine, deep cycle batteries have a long service life if maintained. Maintenance includes more than charging; regularly checking the water levels (if using wet cell batteries), and not overfilling them is critical. I think 3 years of trouble free service should be expected out of any deep cycle battery. I wouldnt mind paying to replace after 3 years, just for piece of mind, but 1 year is definitely premature aging. My dad and I always plug ours up to the charger as soon as the boat is backed in the garage, and left plugged up until it leaves the garage. Another factor to consider is the care for your charger. I dont know the physical differences between the different types of on-board chargers, but I believe it is the pulse chargers that are sensitive to the current coming from their power source. We make our own extension cords that reach from the charger to the outlet. They are less than 10 long and are made up of either 12 or 14 gauge wire, which is supposed to help keep the operating temperature of the charger lower. A faulty charger can be just as detrimental to the life of your batteries as anything else.Just my $0.02, probably all its worth.

[Jstew]

No – if you have a 24V setup and stay on the pedal 27s arent enough. The higher the depth of discharge, the fewer cycles youll get out of your batteries. Use no more than 25-30% of your capacity and the batteries will live long and happy. Use greater than 30% between charges and youll cut your cycle life significantly. Ive switched to grp. 29/31 Deka wet cell and couldnt be happier. It feels like it has the same “juice” at the end of the day as when I started. They recharge a lot quicker as well.

[catdude28]

jstew wrote:No – if you have a 24V setup and stay on the pedal 27s arent enough. The higher the depth of discharge, the fewer cycles youll get out of your batteries. Use no more than 25-30% of your capacity and the batteries will live long and happy. Use greater than 30% between charges and youll cut your cycle life significantly.Jstew nailed it. That 27 series battery of yours only has a reserve of 160 minutes, so it is likely that you are deeply discharging it every time out. The Everstart (JCI) 29 series DC battery has a reserve of 210 minutes. Your depth of discharge will be much less each time out with a 29 or 31 series. Also, as suggested, it is best to have only your troller on those batteries, and not your electronics.

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