I'm in the works to purchase a trasform mount trolling motor(minn kota 40lb) for use on rental jon boats.

I know i need to purchase a deep cycle battery and a charger for it, but other than that I'm pretty clueless on a lot of the terminology and other things to be aware of.

I'd like to keep costs down for the battery and charger($100 or cheaper) if possible, but I don't really know the going prices.

Can someone kinda point out what I should be looking for when buying a battery/charger, and some suggestions?  I live pretty close to major stores(walmart, sears, dicks etc) but can stop by a bass pro shop if necessary.

Thanks!

The deep cycle batteries from wal mart get pretty good reviews for the most part. I don't think you will be able to get a battery and good charger for under $100 though. Get yourself a good charger and it will last a long time and help your battery to last a long time too. Probably looking at $60-90 for a good battery depending on what size.  I just bought a group 31 from academy for $90.  It was the biggest that I could fit in my boat.  I also picked up one of their 2/10/15 amp digital chargers for $60.  It's fully automatic so it will never overcharge the battery.

I blogged about this last winter:

http://weekendbassangler.blogspot.com/2010/02/marine-battery-selection.html

hope it helps

I blogged about this last winter:

http://weekendbassangler.blogspot.com/2010/02/marine-battery-selection.html

hope it helps

Good helpful info.

Thanks for the info everyone.  The blog was helpful in highlighting "reserve capacity".  I'll be going strictly for a deep cycle battery, but i assume terminology stays the same.  I'll stop by walmart and take a look at what they offer.

any advice on chargers or what to look for?

You better talk to someone at Wally world.  They have had so many problems that many of the offer on warranty on deep cycle batteries.

I've been using 2 Everstart Maxx batteries from Wal-Mart for almost 4 years now with no problems whatsoever.

There is a place that rents boats on a reservoir near me. They use two huge *** 6v batteries. That maybe an option for you as well.