Is it worth the hassles to add another deep cycle battery to a current 24v system to have 36 volt trolling ?

Is 36v that much better to have?

I think I understand the benefits.....I just can't decide if it's worth the trouble to change from 24 to 36 volt.

Contemplating another used boat and need a new trolling motor and onboard charger........so trying to decide if I would want to go 36 over 24 volt.

Obliviously easier to keep status quot.......but figured now would be the time to decide.

Thanks in advance

I'm no expert but would say it largely depends on your fishing style and how much you're on the trolling motor. I would also factor in the weight factor if your boat is close to being underpowered.

In absolute terms 24 is better than 12 and 36 is better than 24.  That said, it depends on the size of your boat and how and where you fish it.  I'm a casual fisherman and 24V has always been enough for me.  I don't fish big water tournaments and my 24 lasts all day on the lakes I fish.  My 24V TM pulls my 19' fiberglass Triton just fine for the kind of fishing I do.  I don't have to buy/charge 3 trolling batteries, a more expensive charging system, and avoid that 75lbs of extra weight in my boat.  If I lived on Erie, I would consider 35V as a minimum. 

A 36V has more rpms at the max setting.

Using the same rpms with a 24V and a 36V, the 36V is 33% more efficient giving you that extra run time if you need it.

 

I use a 36V on a 16' Tracker. I fish several electric-only waters. When I push the GO button, I want to GO>

INMO your boat size, lake size, fishing style, wind conditions and time on the water should help you make that decision. 

 

My friend and I fish the same water.  We both have 20+ foot glass boats.  He has always had a 36v and I have always had a 24v.  His is the 106 MG and mine is the 82 MG.  Neither of us has a problem with power and we both fish windy conditions on Stockton and Table Rock lakes as well as the current on upper Bull Shoals in the early spring.  I have been running 82s for 12 years and currently have 3 year old Optimas in mine.  They are holding up all day long so far.

Is it worth the hassles to add another deep cycle battery to a current 24v system to have 36 volt trolling ?

Is 36v that much better to have?

I think I understand the benefits.....I just can't decide if it's worth the trouble to change from 24 to 36 volt.

Contemplating another used boat and need a new trolling motor and onboard charger........so trying to decide if I would want to go 36 over 24 volt.

Obliviously easier to keep status quot.......but figured now would be the time to decide.

Thanks in advance

Are you asking if you can make your 24 volt motor a 36 volt just by adding another battery?

In absolute terms 24 is better than 12 and 36 is better than 24.  That said, it depends on the size of your boat and how and where you fish it.  I'm a casual fisherman and 24V has always been enough for me.  I don't fish big water tournaments and my 24 lasts all day on the lakes I fish.  My 24V TM pulls my 19' fiberglass Triton just fine for the kind of fishing I do.  I don't have to buy/charge 3 trolling batteries, a more expensive charging system, and avoid that 75lbs of extra weight in my boat.  If I lived on Erie, I would consider 35V as a minimum. 

 

 

I live on erie and do fine with 24V system.

Are you asking if you can make your 24 volt motor a 36 volt just by adding another battery?

 

No.

 

Thanks for the replies...............

I've never had any problems with my 24volt system/motor on my current boat (18'-6")

I was just thinking this one would be 20'-9" and about 200# heavier and might benefit from having the extra thrust 36volt trolling motor.

 

Appreciate the input everyone.

Personally,  If I had the room in my 20'6" boat I would have went 36v when I bought the 24v.  Do I need it.  Most of the time no.  But fishing the Detroit river or a few other places it would be nice for that extra power and longevity.

If I had the room for the extra battery on my 18' Lowe aluminum, I'd have a 36 volt trolling motor

I easily have the room or a third TM battery, I have a heavy 20'6" Dual Console Javelin with a 225.  Three years ago, I upgraded my electronics and TM  because I wanted one with a built in transducer.  I got the Minn Kota, Terrova 80 / i-Pilot in a 24 volt, and would get a 24 volt again because I see no need to haul around the extra weight of that third battery when I've never once had a need from any more than what I have.  The motor I have has plenty of speed, even when chasing schooling bass and stripers, and I've never run it down.

 

If you have trouble with a 24 volt system lasting all day on good batteries, or go for the weekend and need that extra battery to go the second day, then definitely get the 36 volt.  If you've never had a need for that extra run time or don't think your next boat is going to be the Queen Mary and will need a three hp TM to run all day, then I personally so no need.  

 

However, you do have those that think you need TM as big as the outboard they are running on their 17' aluminum Bass Tracker, if you fit that mold, get the 100+ thrust 36 volt. 

Hell yeah!. I went from a 80 Terrova to a 112 Terrova and it's like night and day.

A 36V has more rpms at the max setting.

Using the same rpms with a 24V and a 36V, the 36V is 33% more efficient giving you that extra run time if you need it.

I use a 36V on a 16' Tracker. I fish several electric-only waters. When I push the GO button, I want to GO>

YELP

36v is the direction I'm currently leaning.......if I can reconfigure battery compartment to add the additional battery.

Thank you for all the info/advice.

Chris

Chris I sent you a pm.

I'd go with a 36V if possible.You can never have too much power or run time.

ran a 24v system for years and did fine in my 18' glass boat.  Upgraded to a new Ranger Z119c and I am so happy I upgraded to the 36V 112 lb fortrex.  I fish the Ohio river a lot and Erie and I like having the power to move when I need to and never have ran the batteries down below 60% even leaning on the trolling motor all day not 8 hour ALL DAY  6am to 9pm in river current or Erie wind and waves.