I bought my boat last year (17' Xpress) and bought a deep cycle battery for the 12v trolling motor due to very little trolling time since the battery would only last about 2 hrs fishing time.

What I discovered is two marine starting batteries were used instead of a starting battery for the motor and a deep cycle for trolling.

I had accessories and motor starter hooked to one and trolling motor on the other. Should I hook up accessories and trolling together or leave the trolling battery only on trolling motor?

Thanks

Billy

Accessories go on the starting battery. A 12v motor is probably too small for the 17ft boat. You have a few options. First, you can try installing a deep cycle battery with a high reserve capacity for the trolling motor. the size will depend on the battery tray. which you can change if needed. Walmart Everstarts 29 series are $99 and come with a 2 year warranty. Second, buy 2 batteries and wire them in parallel to get double the run time at 12v. Last, you can upgrade to a 24v system.

Thanks for the reply. I bought a battery at Academy for $99 that is a true deep cycle battery. Trolling motor should be much better now. The Xpress boats are aluminum. I haven't had any problems with thrust. I'd love a 24v trolling motor though. I've got limited room in the hatch and three batteries won't fit. I'd have to have one or both under the seats. Gas tank is huge and takes up lots of space. Basically my main culprit was the seller sold me a boat with two marine starting batteries and no deep cycle. I should have lots more trolling time now.

I would get another deep cycle and run in parralel. 

 

BTW No more waranty at all on Walmart deep cycles