Deep Cycle batteries; lets hear your preferences

[john from md]

I am nearing the final selection on the brand of lead acid Deep Cycle battery I am buying for my Endura Max 40 powered Trident.

I have narrowed my selection down to 1) VMAX tanks, 2) Chrome Battery and 3) UPG. VMAX and Chrome Battery both advertise their batteries as AGM where as UPG info only says SLA. Some have said that all SLA's are AGM batteries and the only difference is the quality of the lead and the AGM plates. Plate quality is significant as I am only going to use a Group 22 (50 AH, 38 #) to save my back from carrying a Group 24 or 29 (80+ AH, 50 + #).

I have a wealth of knowledge on marine, automotive and aviation STARTING batteries but am just learning about TRUE (not dual rated) deep cycle batteries.

Anyone want to share your experiences with lead acid deep cycle batteries.

[HJS]

John – I side-mount a 40# thrust Motorguide VariMax trolling motor, 30” shaft, on a 16’ Oldtown Camper canoe. To power the motor I bought 2 of the Power Series Deep Cycle 175 from BPS. They weigh about 54# each. They work very well for me. I’ve been using these BPS batteries for years. One of these batteries will last about 4-5 years. But I do take very care of them. They go on the charger the moment I get home. I keep they clean and washed off with freshwater. When I know I won’t be going far, like on Sunday on the Patapsco, I take only one battery and put it up front. On longer days I take two batteries and both go up front, just not quite as far so as to balance out my weight in the back. Generally on the longer days the two batteries will far outlast my tolerance for sitting in a canoe.

BTW, BPS has a decent sale on these batteries every spring, March I think. If I think of it, I’ll give you a heads-up when I get the BPS flier in the mail announcing the battery sale.

Here’s a pic I took on Sunday of the front end of my canoe with one battery in place.

Patapsco, canoe.jpg

[john from md]

HJS

Thanks for the info. My MK Endura max 40 showed up today and tested fine. I installed the mount on the Trident over the weekend and find I will probably have to do some lateral trimming. The motor weighs 17 pounds and the balance weight on the mount is only 10 pounds. I am debating on moving the motor closer to the yak and if that alone doesn't work, I will add some additional weight to the other side as well.

I plan on cutting my shaft down to 20 inches which will give me plenty of water over the prop and still be manageable. As for a battery, I am planning to stay with a Group 22 rather than a 24 or 27 to save weight. I'm looking at getting a VMax charge tank battery as they have a reputation for having purer lead and long life from the audiophile types. Since my motor has he phase width modulator in it, I should be able to get the time I need out of the battery. My arthritis doesn't let me stay out longer than four or five hours and I still enjoy paddling so I won't be using the battery all the time.

[Runnin]

I use the BPS ones. I have two in my Bass Boat that are on 5 years of use. I just keep them hooked up to a trickle charger.