Battery replacement?

bassin butch · Post by **bassin butch** » Fri Oct 03, 2003 9:56 pm

I was wondering how often most people change their deep cycle batterys? I do understand that this is question that can have multiple reply's. A hydrometer or battery load tester is used to test battery's condition correctly. But generally how often do you replace yours?

Bassin
Butch :rolleyes:

johnnie crain outdoors · Sat Oct 04, 2003 3:46 am

Butch, I generally replace my trolling batteries every 2/3 years. Due to fishing many small lakes with horsepower restrictions we rely heavily on our trolling motors. In any case, I wouldn't go over 3 years on any trolling battery. My outboard cranking battery should last 4/5 years if kept charged. Batteries vary greatly as do conditions, but these are my guidelines. Good post, Johnnie

6.54BASS · Post by **6.54BASS** » Sat Oct 04, 2003 6:03 am

Butch, I agree with Johnny. All batteries are not built the same, two years ago I changed batteries twice, I guess I got bad ones or something, but no matter what I did, I couldn't get the performance I thought I should have, so replaced them. That helped, but they just didn't seem to last. I do know that they require maintenance too, make sure the water stays up, use the right water also. If the water level is low, the plates can warp which decreases the life of the battery.

catt951 · Post by **catt951** » Sat Oct 04, 2003 10:55 am

Johnnie & Bryan nailed it, if I feel the battery isn't pulling or it doesn't charge right I replace it.

johnnie crain outdoors · Sat Oct 04, 2003 11:15 pm

Butch, if you do add water use only distilled water. Also tap water has impurities that erode battery plates. Also, check your battery terminals for corrosion and the cables and clamps. Batteries are a huge expence, but better to pay more now than suffer later. Good luck. Johnnie

MMT · Post by **MMT** » Sun Oct 05, 2003 12:58 am

anyone use the optima blue tops? soory for the lower case but i broke my left hand and am having trouble typing. i've used the optimas this season and i love them.

6.54BASS · Post by **6.54BASS** » Sun Oct 05, 2003 3:29 am

Craig, sorry to hear of your mishap, can you still fish? Thanks for the info on the optima, I was considering them, but hadn't heard from someone who actually used them, anyone else have positive words?

brendanc · Post by **brendanc** » Sun Oct 05, 2003 2:13 pm

Butch,

Good advise from all. 2-3 years is about all you should expect from your batteries. With proper care and maintenance, you can stretch that number to 3-4 years, but the true test is always the response you get when you are out on the water.

I will replace mine the first time I notice that they are getting a little weak at the end of a tournament day. This is your first sign that they are on their way out the door.

BC

MMT · Post by **MMT** » Sun Oct 05, 2003 4:35 pm

I'm pretty much done this season, i might get out for some late season drop shotting. the optimas are maintainence free.

johnnie crain outdoors · Tue Oct 07, 2003 4:29 am

Craig, I've heard good things about the Optima-are they heavy or lighter? Johnnie