My lake is switching to only AGM batteries this year so I will have to replace my old ones. I have a WaterQuest Basstender 11'3" which can hold 2 batteries which I have wired in parrallel to provide 12v. The boat weighs about 350 lbs, is on a 126 acre lake and I can recharge it at the dock after every trip. I'm trying to come up with the best option of either 2 smaller batteries or 1 big one. I think 2 smaller ones equivilent to size 24 Walmart types will be cheaper than one big one but I really don't know if the output will be the same, better or worse. I don't want to spend money I don't have to spend, but I also don't want to undersize to the point of limping back to the dock after a day trolling the shorelines. Does anyone have any experience or knowledge about this topic?

I have switched over to AGMs in my Champion. I am using the Optima D-31M batteries on my trolling motor and the Sears Die Hard AGM with 1150 CCA for my starting battery. I couldn't be happier with batteries than I am now.

I bought my Optimas at an Auto Zone because they had the best price and an easy 3 year warranty. When I told the mgr I wanted 2 of them he cut me a better price.

Jigman,

just did the exact same thing. Optimas for t motor and the diehard to start. Only used it once so far, but seems good. Also put a new 3 bank minn Kota charger in. Those things charge in no time.

Smoke,

BTW, Optimas have a $25 rebate per battery going on.

Try to find out if you have any friends or relatives that work for Johnson Controls Inc. JCI makes both the Optima batteries (which are the leader in my opinion) and also all the batteries for Sears along with several other brands. If you sweet talk a JCI employee, they can actually get the Optima batteries at about 1/2 price over stores (I bought 4 while I was employeed by JCI) and they will ship to your friends house. Great warranty and superior duration, make sure your battery charger is for AGM batteries, old ones aren't and it makes a difference.