How many batteries???

Thats pretty much what I wanted to say but I wanted someone who is running the same setup to respond first. BassCat has recommended you upgrade you starter battery and use it as the third battery in your system, and that should work just fine for most all of us under normal fishing circumstances.Jim EbarbMany, LA (Toledo Bend Lake)2004 Cougar/ 225 OptimaxHumminbird Helix 12 Chirp SI on BalzOut Mount at bowLowrance HDS 7 at bowHumminbird Helix 12 Mega SI on Ram Mount at ConsoleLowrance HDS 8 in dash at console

I have a 2005 Cougar with a 36v Motorguide and a 225 Merc. Opti Max motor. I only have three batteries and I have had some trouble if the starting battery has a problem. I had two different Cabela’s series 24 and both failed to start my big motor within a year of purchase. This was first thing in the morning on a cold morning. The trolling motor worked fine all day so the reserve capacity must have been fine just not the cold cranking amps. Finally I went out and bought a Sears Die Hard Platinum 34 as a starting/third trolling motor battery and that seems to have solved my problems. My other two batteries are wet cell Interstate series 29 batteries. These can last all day.I have a friend that swears 4 batteries is the way to go. If the Sears fails early on me I might just go that route.