electric trolling motors ?

[sidelock]

Finally got my 80 lb Riptide I Pilot and I'm wondering what size battries to buy. Minn Kota recommands 115 amp/hour minnimum & when I went to look @ battries I was surprized to find that running 115amp/hr battries would require group 31 & they are huge & very heavy .Since I intend to put them in the front fish box of my 18 S F & need two of them , I'm very concerened about the weight.
Does anyone know if the smaller, lighter group 24 battries will work ?

[DonV]

Go with AGM deep cycle batteries. Spend the extra $$$ up front, you will be glad you did.

Wally World's big brother, Sammy Club, has them at a good price. I think they are 27 series, maybe 31. Oh yeah....now you'll really need an on board charger.

[sidelock]

Originally Posted by DonV

Go with AGM deep cycle batteries. Spend the extra $$$ up front, you will be glad you did.

Wally World's big brother, Sammy Club, has them at a good price. I think they are 27 series, maybe 31. Oh yeah....now you'll really need an on board charger.

Picked up a pair of AGM from Sam's Club on your advice/suggestion & rigged them & the I Pilot . Had the boat out & I'm very pleased with the set up but it's going to take a few outings to get used to all the features of the I Pilot with confidence.
Now as you said, all I need to complete the set up is a decent charger. I have been looking @ the Charles 30 or 40 amp 5000 series 3 bank chargers but man they are costly.
Know of any other good quality affordable 3 bank chargers ?

[strick]

Originally Posted by sidelock

I'm very concerened about the weight.
Does anyone know if the smaller, lighter group 24 battries will work ?

I would not worry about the weight it will most likely make your boat ride better. You can put some weight in there first just to see how it will handle.

strick

[sidelock]

Looked @ Duracell Grp.31 AGM @ Sam's Club for $166 , can't beat that price with a stick however Minn Kota reccomands 115 amp/hr & the Duracell are only 105amp/hr. Flooded batteries of the same group are 125 amp/hr and cheaper.The question is , are the AGM a better choice over the flooded even though the amp/hr rating is less ?