Electric motor charging?

[huntercam]

Looking for some ideas for recharging the battery for the electric motor i am told not to hook it into the main charging system on the boat i have a 1700 DC with a 115 optimax it has a 55lb Minn Kota Bow mount what sort of time should i expect on the motor and the best ways to set up recharging.

Thanks for any ideas you have

[sheep hunter]

You need a deep cycle charger to ensure long life from your deep cycle batteries. You can get an on-board one that mounts permanently in the boat or just pick up a portable from Canadian Tire. Using a regular charger or charging off the outboard alternator will shorten the life of deep cycle batteries. Depending on how much you use the electric motor, the condition of the batteries and the power draw, you should get a full day of fishing out of it. Is it a 12V motor or a 12/24V or a 24V???? Two batteries are a good idea even on 12V motors if you plan on using the electric lots.

[battery]

Any suggestions on batteries, sheephunter?

[sheep hunter]

I've actually had good luck with the Canadian Tire ones. They are cheap and have a decent warranty. I think all the deep cycles are pretty good these days. The gels are awesome but really heavy and expensive. I'd get the largest battery that will fit in the space you have for them.

[Adam]

I got a 30# electric for my canoe this Christmas. I'm thinking of getting this battery.

www.canadiantire.ca/brows...6843908582 (http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444327 1697&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396672456&bmUID=1176843908582)

I bought this charger for it when it was on sale this winter.

www.canadiantire.ca/brows...6843975469 (http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444327 1698&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396672454&bmUID=1176843975469)

I can't wait to get it out and see how it works.

See ya
Ace

[huntercam]

Hey Sheep thanks for the comments have you or anyone else had anything to do with the small solar chargers from Crappy Tire??

[sheep hunter]

I haven't tried them no.

[huntercam]

If your out for the weekend and no power waht should a guy do carry 2 deep cycle batterys?

[sheep hunter]

I always carry two but you can usually find a place to plug a charger in.

[bagwan]

I don't know how good a small solar panel would be but I switch batteries with the trailer and it has a 75 watt solar panel and this keeps them up and ready to go when one runs flat. i used to carry a small generator but the solar panel is a lighter and better way. Check with Can tire on what size would work. It would still probably need two batteries, though.

[huntercam]

is 75 watt enough? how much did you pay? are they difficult to rig in?

[Battery]

I use a 15watt Soloar panel for my two RV-batteries and it works great in the late fall/winter for my camper furnace, when camping. Don't forget to hook the panel up to a regulator.
Princess Auto has a need 13 watt briefcase Solar panel on for $100.00.

[cnizalik]

I always had success running 2 deep cycle batteries.
My boat had electronics and instrument guages etc.
When the boat was'nt in use for extended amounts of time I would disconnect the batteries until I went back to the lake.
I always carry a charger/inverter with my trailer for emergencies,something or someone always needs a boost or charge.

[bagwan]

75 watt solar panels for campers etc, with regulators are about $1000. You can get deals at RV shows in the Spring. They're not cheap but if you camp away from regular sites they're the way to go. A furnace in cold weather draws the battery down so we back the themostat off when abed and crank it up in the morning.

[huntercam]

Thanks everyone there is some very good info here now to take a look at the best way for me to go

Cam

[Home Wreaker]

I am on my 8th year on my deep cycle battery,in my boat !
But then again ,Its only for starting the boat

[eyes4fun]

Hey guy the best bang for your buck is the energizer battery from Walmart I know its sound funny but these batteries Im told are actuallt trojan batteries ( THE BEST!) they just put the energizer sticker on them try and use the size 31series battery huge run time onthe and the warranty is super good! I use the energizer my self and I use 5 energizers/trojans batteries on my boat for tournaments! To buy that same battery with the trojan name would be $150 per walmart sells them for $93.88 so good luck to ya!

[bagwan]

I was in Cosco in Red Deer yesterday and they had a solar kit that put out 54 watts.I think it was $259 but regulator and eveything was in it. It comes in three panels and you build the frame to adapt to your usage. I could see the potential for hunting and camping if one has the room to mount it.