Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Trolling battery

I have a small plastic boat and the spot the battery fits into will not hold a large deep cycle battery, can you use a smaller regular 12 volt battery?

Hosty,

Why don't you just get a smaller deep cycle battery? A regular battery that is not deep cycle may not last very long. However if that is not necessary you're probably O.K.

Regular car batteries are met to have a quick surge of power to get the cars going. The are not designed for a slow draw down like the deep cycle batteries are designed for. Even though they will work I would suggest that you go and get a smaller deep cycle battery. Let your fingers do the walking and call some battery stores listed in the phone book and what they have to offer.

Look for a Trojan golf cart battery.

If you have a small pond and small boat, you shouldnt need a big battery. Only big bass boats on reservoirs with lots of wind and big trollers need big batteries.
Suppose you have a motor drawing 10 amps at full trottle, and a 40 amp hr. battery. You can get 2 or 3 hrs. out of it. Dont overdo it.

you can buy a smaller deep cycle battery that has just as much power as the larger ones but it will cost you more because of the way they are made. Instead of having metal plates that are in a line they have poles that have copper wound around them. I bought one at academy sports.

Speaking of batteries mine is about four years old and has swelled up, the sides are bulged out. What causes this and is it dangerous. It does not seem to hold a charge like it used to
I've been worried about it so I have my wife charge it up.

Bill, that is caused by overcharging. Are we talking about a battery in a vehicle? The battery may not be capable of properly accepting a charge, which may contribute to the swelling/bulging. It is probably gassing a lot and giving off a smell, too. Be carefull about acid overflow when handling this battery. You may need to thoroughly clean the box/holddown areas. At 4 years, this battery is getting pretty long in the tooth.

Thanks it is the battery for the trolling motor. I will get another one

Have you ever seen a car after a battery exploded? They make Hydrogen gas which is why you should always connect to the dead battery first when jumping &/or connect the leads to the dishcharged battery before turning on the charger.
I would not use a bulged battery.

Bill, after what Ric said, I think you are right about not handling it yourself.

Thanks Dave I knew you would understand