Hi All - thanks for all advice, much appreciated. To answer some of the questions asked, my budget right now is about $400. I do have a motor for the boat, that's in the shop currently getting rebuilt/tuned up (1958 Evinrude 10hp - that's where the other half of my budget is getting used up) so the trolling motor won't be the only means of propulsion. It will also be mounted in the back by the motor (tiller). From what I have been reading, the Endura Max definitely seems to be the way to go and I've also read on several occassions about the Walmart batteries being good as well. Thanks again!!