36 volt troller on only 3 batteries

This topic has 9 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 10 years, 5 months ago by jackandted.

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January 5, 2016 at 3:31 pm #336768

Bradg
Participant

I currently have a 3 battery (blue optima31s) set up running a 24 volt trolling motor.my motor requires a lot of cranking amps 3.0 merc 200.with a merc monitor 1197 and 999Im thinking of adding a 36 volt trolling motor.who has this setup and fishes a lot? Had any problems.

January 5, 2016 at 5:53 pm #336787

pantera296
Participant

In my opinion not a good idea to try this set up with current motors as they require a min. of 1000MCA by themselves.. You mention a 3.0L 200 but is it a Opti or EFI? Either way Id add a 4th battery

January 5, 2016 at 11:43 pm #336806

rlb8s
Participant

You use to be able to do what you are talking about with the old EFI motors. That is how I ran my 00 Jag for many years without issue. However I wouldnt trust it with current motors for the reason pantera296 points out. I recommend either adding another TM battery or sticking w/ a 24 volt TM. Good fishing – Richard

January 6, 2016 at 2:00 am #336825

Jeff W from TX
Participant

I ran a 2005 Cougar with a 225 Opti Max Pro XS and a 36 volt trolling motor (MotorGuide) for 7 years with three batteries. I had two wet cell group 31 deep cell batteries and one Sears Platinum I think 31 (biggest dual purpose battery they have) for the starting and third trolling motor battery and only had one problem when the first Sears battery I had was getting old and it was 25 degrees out (fishing a hot water lake). Had to jump off one of the trolling motor battery. Ran fine the rest of the day. Replaced the Sears battery and all was good again. My new (to me) 2014 Cougar w/ 250 Opti Max Pro XS and 36 volt MG trolling motor has four batteries. I sold my old boat to a club friend of mine and it is still going strong. So it can be done BUT you have to have GOOD high capacity batteries.

January 6, 2016 at 2:07 am #336845

1stinLA
Participant

Been running the setup for 15 years with no problems, the last eight or nine on the same 3 Optima D31Ms running a 998SI at the console, but only a 688DI up front. Fished the OI a few years ago at Norfork in pretty heavy wind and didnt know till the 2nd morning that the outlets at the dock had quit working pretty early and did not get the batteries charged, but still had plenty of power all of the 2nd day.

January 6, 2016 at 2:28 am #336863

bwp777
Participant

my puma was set up this way as I think most come equipped w/ the 24v 82# troller or similar. it has the 101 minn kota now and I immediately put an additional blue top in series for the troller and had the motor/electronics/etc running off the cranking. these big 250 xs motors take a lot to spin and I “HATE” being stranded. my old 95 ranger left me stranded onceONCE

January 6, 2016 at 1:09 pm #336882

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

It is always better to be safe than sorry.Dan

January 6, 2016 at 1:43 pm #336899

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Three batteries and 36 volts will still work fine for some folks, though it is less and less feasible with more power being required for electronics.

January 6, 2016 at 2:17 pm #336917

Bradg
Participant

Thanks guys its an efi but requires 1000mca.no way Im working in the bilge anytime soon.haha

January 6, 2016 at 6:19 pm #336937

jackandted
Participant

OK. Here is the deal. I asked the same question for my new boat a 2016 Cougar with an 1199 and 959 setup which is similar to yours. I got a lot of helpful responses. I settled with a 3 battery setup and different 31 series AGM for the starter battery and electronics. I have run it so far with absolutely no problems and an amazing amount of troller power late in the day. Fished a lot of docks and current so a lot of trolling motor power used. Therefore my preference would be the 3 batteries both for cost and also weight. However like you dont want to be stranded so for an insurance policy I carry a small set of jump cables,just in case. This setup has worked for me.
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