Hi all, 

 

I am in the market for a battery to power a 45lb thrust trolling motor that will be pushing a 12' inflatable. I have done some research on the various types and am still hung up between choosing a flooded/wet or AGM deep cycle. I am leaning towards 100AH+... so either Group 27 or 31 (unless someone can argue I will not use this much). I typically will only be out on the water for 2-6 hours on large pond type settings... and paddling is not the end of the world. As far as the AGM vs wet debate is concerned, I do not mind the battery maintenance but I am worried about the battery acid spillage during usage in an inflatable boat. The dealer I found for a WET battery mentioned something about it being contained? Would this negate the spillage?

 

The best prices I have found so far are:

$375 for 105AH Group 31 AGM - Canadian Tire

$177 for 105AH Group 31 WET - Local Dealer

*Prices are CDN with taxes in

 

In short... some insight towards the AGM vs wet debate as well as sizing 80-110AH (Group 24-31) for my application. 

 

Thank you in advance 

I'm not an expert being fairly new to this but I have a 10 foot Basshunter with a 55 lb Minn Kota.  I upgraded to a AGM size 27 and tooled around a smaller lake for about 3 1/2 hours.  Some with slow trolling along the shores while I fished, some going full speed to get to another spot.  At the end of the fishing I was still almost at full charge. 

 

I'd save some weight and go with the 27.

I used Walmart deep cycle for a number of years with little problem. 

 

But last couple didn't last near as long as older ones.  I changed to Interstate and could NOT be happier.  One size 27 will troll me around (MK 35) 8 hrs or more with NO perceived loss of power.  Maintenance has always been a non-issue.  Other than keeping them on a charge when you aren't using them.

I believe you have both Costco and Walmart is Canada.

Group 31 size battery maybe over kill and too heavy for your inflatable boat application with 12V, 45lb thrust trolling motor needs. group 27 gel* cell maintenance free marine deep cycle battery may be a good choice for you. Wet cell Evergreen Walmart battery are decent and 1 year warranty replacement. AGM's are clean and fairly expensive, group 27 marine deep cycle should work. 

Whatever you decide on get a battery box with carry handles for easier loading in and out of your boat. You will also need a good automatic shut off 10 to 15 amp charger.

Tom

*ACDelco Voyager