36 volt trolling motor with 3 batteries

This topic has 9 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 11 years, 9 months ago by StevenW387.

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August 26, 2014 at 3:45 am #413555

jackandted
Participant

Hi, Planning on ordering my 2015 Cougar soon and was thinking of going with 109# trolling motor with just the 3 battery set up. Anyone running that setup. What kind of battery are you using for the starting battery? Thanks in advance.

August 26, 2014 at 4:05 am #413557

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Use an AGM 31 Series cranking battery and you should be fine.

August 26, 2014 at 3:00 pm #413559

Highcalibercat
Participant

I use 3 AMG 31s and like the 3 battery setup, plenty of power all day long. The only down side is if one battery goes bad then you will deplete the remaining 2 batteries quickly running the TM. I carry some tools and a small set of jumper cables just in case I run the starting battery down to the point it will not start the big motor. You can jump between one of the TM batteries and the starting battery. When you start seeing a power loss with your electronics or TM its time to take action to avoid the outboard not starting. If the 3 batteries in the boat are charged and in good condition you will have no problems.

August 26, 2014 at 3:05 pm #413561

jackandted
Participant

What brand of batteries are you using. Thanks for the info, that is what I am trying to accomplish.

August 26, 2014 at 3:27 pm #413563

spbait
Participant

I have used both set-ups, the 3 and 4 battery systems. For the most part the 3 battery system worked O.K. I did have problems of 2-3 occasions when I fished all day in strong current or wind. The few times I had the problems convinced me that the 4 battery set-up was the way to go. Think about what you will accomplish by using the 3 battery arrangement: the savings of the cost of one battery, and less weight in the boat will give you 1-2 MPH more top end. For my purpose its not worth the risk of being stranded or having to jump or swap out batteries and possibly still being stranded. Peace of mind is priceless! Your choice.

August 26, 2014 at 3:41 pm #413565

jackandted
Participant

Hi, All good info, I fish all day with a 24 volt system and generally have plenty of power however on the long days 6 to 6 it definitely runs low and seems everyone that looks at my used boats likes the 36 volt system, so I guess I am looking for a solution to both with out spending a lot , but of course it needs to be functional. Thanks again

August 26, 2014 at 3:54 pm #413567

Highcalibercat
Participant

I have Odyssey batteries. In 7 years running this system I have had a problem 2 times with a bad battery. Never failed to get back to the ramp but it did cost me the fishing trip. I have learned to recognize the signs of low power and fix it before I have a problem. Most of the time this is a progressive process over more than one outing.

August 26, 2014 at 6:42 pm #413569

1stinLA
Participant

I have been running 3 batteries since I got mine in February 2001 with no problems, and have fished a couple of 2 day tournys without charging (both at Owners Invitationals because the breaker tripped on the dock) without any issues. I am running Optima D31Ms and this set is 7 years old, but am thinking of changing my starting battery this year with a Sears PM1 because of my updated electronics. I carry a set of jumper cables in the boat but (knock on wood) have never needed them.

August 26, 2014 at 7:27 pm #413572

Cape Fear
Participant

I am running 3 dedicated batteries for my 36v troller and a dedicated 31 AGM for cranking the engine as well as running all the accessories. With the large draw that todays big screen graphs demand there is no short cut when it comes to batteries. Add power poles and all the other gadets that are on boats now days you will be cutting it close on a 3 battery set up. Let one battery get a little week or a dead cell and you are in for a long day.

August 27, 2014 at 3:55 am #413574

StevenW387
Participant

Sears PM1(Diehard Platinum Marine) 31 group best bang for the buck and has a good warranty.
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