Get the Most Out of Your
Trolling Motor
Knowing some battery basics will pay off with extra time on the water
March 5, 2009
Trolling motors offer anglers tremendous flexibility. They enable a variety of specialized fishing techniques and provide an alternative to using gasoline-powered motors and expensive fuel. However, getting the most out of them requires a little know-how. By understanding several battery fundamentals and some pro angling techniques, a fisherman can spend more time on the water and get more enjoyment out of every fishing excursion.
The Key to Successful Trolling: Know Your Batteries
“There are two keys to successful trolling,” says Edwin Evers, OPTIMA-sponsored professional B.A.S.S. fisherman. “Have the right batteries and know-how to use them.”
Batteries serve as the only power source for a trolling motor. Good marine batteries should provide enough power for an entire day on the water; but many cannot. It’s easy to assume that all “marine” batteries would be essentially the same and capable of long-day fishing applications, yet there are differences that affect performance.
“Anglers should expect their batteries to last as long as they’re out on the water,” says Josie Cline, marine product manager for OPTIMA® Batteries. “On a long-term basis, you also want a battery that can be repeatedly discharged and recharged time after time and still deliver a high percentage of its original capacity. That’s what determines its true lifespan.”
How Batteries Differ
Traditional batteries suspend lead plates in an electrolyte solution to create an electrical current. This is less than ideal for marine applications where constant vibration leads to a quick breakdown of components and shortens battery life. High-performance marine batteries typically use a gel or an absorbent glass mat (AGM) to hold the electrolyte solution between lead plates better immobilizing the acid.
OPTIMA® Batteries has improved on AGM technology for even better performance. With its Spiralcell® technology, OPTIMA® rolled absorbent glass mats and lead plates together into tight spirals, essentially locking the electrolyte solution in place. Not only does this create a battery with a much longer life – up to two times longer than traditional batteries – but the tightly rolled spirals are much more resilient against vibration. “Even on the roughest waters, OPTIMA® batteries are over 15 times more vibration resistant,” said Cline. “Additionally, all OPTIMA® batteries are maintenance-free and completely spill-proof, which helps prevent acid-related injury, corrosion and boat damage.”
The spiral-wound construction and high-purity materials enable a higher level of power output over a longer period of time. Batteries are able to withstand up to 350 discharge/recharge cycles, even when discharged to extremely low voltages. Traditional flooded batteries, by comparison, typically hold their power for only 40 cycles.
“There have been times when I’ve been fishing in tournaments with 40 mph winds or very strong current and I’ve had to operate my trolling motor on high,” says Evers. “Doing this drains batteries very quickly. In clutch situations my OPTIMA® batteries provide the power I need over and over again in a way other batteries can’t.”
Fishing Techniques from a Pro
“For me, my trolling motor is my lifeline when I’m fishing,” says Evers. “I can’t position my boat or maneuver quietly or approach a structure without it.” Evers recommends using the trolling motor to speed up between pieces of structure and then slowing down and moving quietly when you reach them. “Varying the speed this way is a great way to move quickly and quietly between pieces of cover. I typically cast in front of the boat and rely on my fish finders to indicate where they’re lurking.”
“When you’re in areas where you believe fish to be, I also recommend staying off the trolling motor completely or keeping it at a constant speed to minimize any noise in the water. Varying speeds or repeatedly turning the motor off and on is a great way to scare off fish. Also, when using your trolling motor, be aware that running it at full throttle drains the battery much faster than running it at a slightly slower speed.”
Trolling Efficiently
Excessive electronics may drain a battery and shorten your day of fishing. One way to get even more performance out of your battery and trolling motor is to reduce unnecessary electrical draw in your boat. You shouldn’t necessarily feel a need to limit your electronics, but identify every item that runs off your battery and evaluate whether it is worth the electrical draw. If you are not actively using a piece of electronic equipment, turn it off.
Weight also impacts how efficiently a boat runs, so the power-to-weight ratio of batteries is an important consideration. Choose the lightest, most powerful batteries available. You should distribute the load evenly throughout the boat and leave unnecessary equipment on shore. One source of weight people often overlook is fuel. If you only plan to be on the water for a short time, it might not be necessary to haul the weight of a full fuel tank. Lastly, consider the weight of your live well and refrain from filling it until absolutely necessary.
Installation: Series vs. Parallel
Cline reminds anglers that there are two ways to install a bank of batteries: in series or parallel. Linking batteries in series, you create a chain with each positive terminal connected to the next battery’s negative terminal. This multiplies the voltage of the batteries, but maintains the same capacity. “For example,” says Cline, “By connecting three 12-volt batteries in series, you create 36 volts that can be used for a 36-volt trolling motor.”
The other way of linking batteries is in parallel. In this configuration, all the positive terminals are connected to each other and all the negative terminals are connected to each other. This keeps the voltage of the batteries the same, 12 volts no matter how many batteries you connect, but gives them greater capacity. Linking batteries in parallel is a great way to get longer usage out of your bank of batteries, such as multiple days on the water without the need to recharge.
Proper Recharging
No matter how long your batteries last, they still need to be recharged. Under normal conditions, most 12-volt automatic battery chargers will work on an AGM battery, but the battery will only be charged to about 80 percent of its full capacity. To ensure a full charge, you should select a charger that is specifically designed for AGM batteries or one that has an AGM setting, which can also be used on traditional flooded batteries.
Also, remember that gel and AGM technologies are not the same. If a charger offers different modes, be sure the correct one is selected. If an AGM battery is charged on a gel setting, it won’t fully charge and, over time, it will actually damage the battery.
Lower amperage over a longer period of time is ideal when charging a battery. A low-amp charger (1 to 10 amps) is always the best choice for charging any lead acid battery. Remember, an AGM battery is still a lead acid battery. It’s quicker to charge at a higher amperage, but it also generates a lot of heat, which reduces the life of a battery. And since all lead acid batteries can experience sulfation –the formation of lead sulfate crystals during discharge – a charger with a de-sulfation mode will help condition the battery and keep it performing at its best.
About OPTIMA® Batteries
OPTIMA YellowTop®, RedTop® and BlueTop® batteries are available through leading battery distributors throughout the globe. Consumers should look for the unique colored top and six-pack design for which OPTIMA is known throughout the world. For the nearest retailer, consumers can also call 1-888-8OPTIMA (1-888-867-8462) or visit www.optimabatteries.com.