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[Humpy]

I have a 12 ft inflatable boat and I would like to get into trolling. I have the mounting system and a trolling motor. I know I will need a deep cycle marine battery, any recommendations? I think I will just pick one up from Costco. I will need something stable to put the battery on. Am I missing something?

[Novabonker]

Look for a battery box, Davidson batteries on Broadway is pretty good.http://www.davidsonbattery.com/

[HOOK]

grab yourself a milk crate outside a local grocery store for FREE

I just use a Group 27 DC and didn't bother getting a more expensive "marine" stamped one. I don't troll but it lasts me a couple days and I do move around a lot. I think the next step up is a Group 29 which will last longer of course

If you want good battery consumption then buy a good trolling motor like the Minnkota Traxxis or Endura Max models. I own the Endura C2 and it does not have the digital maximizer which is what helps burn less juice

[Damien]

The milk crate is a good idea.  I would bolt or goop on chunks of foam of some sort.  Maybe like a swimming kick board think or something similar.

The edges of the crate with the added weight might prove deadly for your inflatable.  I use a throwable floatation cushion for mine.  Does double duty, satisfies the minimum boat safety equipment and is a nice place to rest my deep cycle battery.  Make sure anything with any kind of weight to it is clean of grit, gravel, dirt and debris before putting it your boat. 

I even kick my shoes into a plastic bag and go shoeless in my Maxxon inflatable with high pressure air deck floor. (http://www.ballardinflatables.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=21&ParentCat=6).  Care means a longer lasting boat.  I don't have a hypalon boat, but it is a relatively quality PVC boat.  I would recommend you take the same precautions.

[Humpy]

I have a Minn Kota Endura C2 40 Freshwater Transom Mounted Trolling Motor (36" Shaft), I have never used it.
Anything else I am missing?

[dflyer]

I just took out my 12' aluminum, first time, on the weekend.   Pretty much same set up as Hook described.  Marine battery 29 from Polar Battery in Bby and 40# Minnie Kota Endura Max motor.
Trolled the lake all day probably +/-6 hrs.  Had some wind as well at times.  I was happy with the set up.  Good luck.

[Damien]

Anything else I am missing?

Cervezas.

[Ambassador]

Anything else I am missing?

Cervezas.

And a hottie with a rad hat!

[firstlight]

WalMart is a decent battery.
I heard Costco doesn't sell them any more? Not sure if true or not.

Allmost as important as a good battery is a good charger.
There are many smart chargers out there that really work well.
I bought the Noco from Canadian Tire and it has been great so far.Pretty tough to beat the Xantrex chargers though.

I would stay away from Canadian Tire batts and there Nautilus batts and chargers.

[Spawn Sack]

Some things I was told about marine batteries:

-They like to be charged in a similar manner to how they were discharged - low and slow! I've always charged mine on 2A and the "deep cycle" setting on my charger.

-They like to be recharged soon after being discharged. I try to get the battery on the charger soon after getting home from fishing.

-They like to be kept on a trickle charge (2A) when not in use.

I've followed these guidelines and my battery seems to hold a charge\last as long as it did 3 years ago when I bought it. I also check the water level from time to time and top up with distilled water.

The battery I have is a deep cycle from NAPA and I only got it there as it was on sale. I'm sure any quality battery will do just as well.

I put my battery on a approx 2x2 foot piece of plywood on the floor of my 12 foot aluminum. It sits nice and flat/level. I then put a plywood box I built over the battery which has rod holders on both sides (I built it, pretty simple, I'll try to snap a pic of it).

[Ambassador]

l

I heard Costco doesn't sell them any more? Not sure if true or not.

Costco off Willingdon does sell them and for a decent price. You really cant go wrong as they are good quality and the no hassle return policy is hard to beat should you have issues with it.

[Humpy]

I was thinking about buying a Minn Kota Trolling Motor Power Centre for $69, is it worth it?

[wonder]

I was thinking about buying a Minn Kota Trolling Motor Power Centre for $69, is it worth it?

yes