COUGAR/BATTERY QUESTION

I did the opposite and went with 3 27s and a 31. If I was still using two trolling motor batteries I would definitely use 31s.

the short of it is buy the most cca and reserve amps for cranking battery. reserve amps in this case is the what to look for.

In my old 2005 Cougar with a 36 volt TM i used a big Sears 31 (which they do not sell anymore) as the starting battery and third trolling motor battery and two 27s for the other two TM batteries. I had a fishing buddy that always warned me I would be stranded sometime because the Sears battery was too weak to turn over my 225 Opti Max but in 7 years I owned this boat I never had a problem. I did replace the all three batteries a few times in those 7 years. I think the old Sears 31 is still being sold under a different name. Search around and Im sure you will find an answer.My new to me (two years now) 2012 Cougar with 250 Pro XS and 36V TM has four batteries. TM pulls like a mule with that extra capacity.

Ive never run anything but a 3 battery setup in all of my Cats over the years (since 1990), and Ive never had a problem–BUT–I run the biggest 31 series batteries I can find.Im currently running a Northstar 31 series AGM for the 12 volt/cranker, and two 31 series Exide Nautilus wet cells for trolling. Ive run 31 series US Battery and 31 Trojan SCS 225s in the past with great result.If you choose to do this, you must commit to at least three things:1. SS Nylock nuts on all battery connections—tight connections are critical.2. You must plug in and charge all batteries every time you come off the water3. You must monitor and maintain water levels in the two Wet Cell trolling motor batteries. They use more water than most folks think, and if they are allowed to run low, problem will result.Mike Whitten