Batteries and what we hook up to what?

[Kal-Kevin]

     Okay got to get a new battery for my big motor and I have heard a few things lately but since they are from salesmen I wonder what is true. Right now everything is hooked up to the battery that starts the big motor except for the trolling motor. I have not had any issues in the past with this set up so I was thinking of leaving it that way but the salesmen said everything should be hooked to the trolling battery and only the big motor by itself. I also heard that if I hook up the fish finder up to the battery that the trolling motor is hooked to it can make the fish finder act up.

     I run an old tracker so it is a basic set up nothing fancy what would you do?

Thanks

[BIGSHOW]

Thats a good question. I had the lowrance on the main battery and had two issues. Not sure if their related. One was when I used the charger plug in my dash my fish finder died. Not sure if it was just its time but it didn't work after that. They traded me up to a current model HDS-5. Then when I had the lowrance turned on my RPM's would sometimes run higher on the meter by about 1000. Just the reading, it didn't rev any higher. Always wondered about the battery..

[Waterfoul]

If you have room for a group 27 I know the perfect battery.  High reserve starting battery made by East Penn, marketed by Deka.  Due to some restrictions you'll have to call me for details.  616- 954 -9822  I'm there till 3:30 tomorrow.

Mike

[mikesmiph]

The conventional way is just how your boat is now. Same way mine is. I've never had an issue. And, the batteries that Mike is talking about are fantastic. Call him.

[thedude]

that setup sound fine. if you run some of the bigger lcd graphs, its sometimes recommended to have a dedicated battery for the graphs. I always carry jumper cables in case i drain my battery and can then jump it from a trolling motor battery and let the big motor put some charge on it.

[BIGSHOW]

I'm with ya on the jumper cable thing

[Lightningboy]

TM on it's own battery is right, as you will get interference if the electronics are hooked with it.

If you've got more than 4 items hooked to the starter battery, it's a good idea to run the accessories to a power distribution block wired to the starter battery.  Multiple rings on a battery post can lead to poor conduction from bad contact/corrosion.

Keep the posts & terminals clean, and coat with bulb grease.  You can get it at any auto store in small packs.

Small jumper cables are a good idea, I've run down my starter batt. by running my pumps all day & not needing to change spots.

I'm running Deka's for my TM.  Three years old, and still going strong.  Good batteries in my book.

[BIGSHOW]

Some people cut corners and get cheap batteries that balance out on price in the long run. But all it takes to make a bad day on the lake is to have your battery die at the wrong time. Deka is my choice. And isn't to much more than the cheap ones In my findings..