nathanielrthomas
Well-known member
So I had a stupid idea that I should go fishing Saturday. I went, first time out in about a month. I was out there about 2 hours, fighting through the ice on the lake, and my trolling motor got a little weak. I said the hell with it since I hadnt got so much as a bite, and went back to crank my motor to go back to the ramp. This is where the fun begins....
I just bought my first electric start motor, a 1992 Evinrude 25hp. It has no rope.... And I learned the hard way, about a mile from the boat ramp, that electric start motors dont crank if you have a weak battery. I had no rope to tie to the flywheel, and I was the only person stupid enough to be on the water in this weather. I tried trolling back, but that lasted about 200 yards before the battery completely died. Paddling was an option, but its not that effective on a 1448 trying to fight through sections of ice.
So there I am, stranded in 30 degree weather, with no way of moving my boat. Thought about calling a buddy that could tow me back, but his boat is jacked up right now. Then I though about calling 911, but I was too embarassed at the time. Then my mantelligence kicked in. I cut about a 6 foot section of ground wire that I had ran to the front of the boat for my switch that controls my livewell, tied a knot in it, tied it to the flywheel, and proceeded to try not to tear my arm off while awkwardly pulling on the flywheel. Luckily the motor started right up, and I was able to get to the boat ramp. Close call, but I made it home safe.
So I have a few battery questions:
I have one interstate marine battery that needs replacing. I have a 12V 55# Minn Kota Edge, two fish finders, a livewell that rarely gets used, and an Electric start motor that needs cranking power/amps or whatever. I also have a 5 amp BPS onboard charger. I mostly use the trolling motor on the lake I fish, anywhere between 6-10 hours.
Should I replace my one battery with two in a parallel setup?
What kind/brand of batteries are the best value for the money?
Where is the best place to puchase batteries?
Any other advice would be greatly appeciated. Thanks guys.
I just bought my first electric start motor, a 1992 Evinrude 25hp. It has no rope.... And I learned the hard way, about a mile from the boat ramp, that electric start motors dont crank if you have a weak battery. I had no rope to tie to the flywheel, and I was the only person stupid enough to be on the water in this weather. I tried trolling back, but that lasted about 200 yards before the battery completely died. Paddling was an option, but its not that effective on a 1448 trying to fight through sections of ice.
So there I am, stranded in 30 degree weather, with no way of moving my boat. Thought about calling a buddy that could tow me back, but his boat is jacked up right now. Then I though about calling 911, but I was too embarassed at the time. Then my mantelligence kicked in. I cut about a 6 foot section of ground wire that I had ran to the front of the boat for my switch that controls my livewell, tied a knot in it, tied it to the flywheel, and proceeded to try not to tear my arm off while awkwardly pulling on the flywheel. Luckily the motor started right up, and I was able to get to the boat ramp. Close call, but I made it home safe.
So I have a few battery questions:
I have one interstate marine battery that needs replacing. I have a 12V 55# Minn Kota Edge, two fish finders, a livewell that rarely gets used, and an Electric start motor that needs cranking power/amps or whatever. I also have a 5 amp BPS onboard charger. I mostly use the trolling motor on the lake I fish, anywhere between 6-10 hours.
Should I replace my one battery with two in a parallel setup?
What kind/brand of batteries are the best value for the money?
Where is the best place to puchase batteries?
Any other advice would be greatly appeciated. Thanks guys.