Trolling Motor

OneMoreCast · 03-30-09, 08:43 PM

I am using a MinnKota 55lb thrust trolling motor for my 13'3" Square Bear Canoe. I am finding that I am loosing power fairly soon after a full charge? I am using a 24volt deep cell battery. I use it pretty consistent the whole time I'm out, but I only turn it on "high" (speed 5) when I am going from spot to spot. Other then that, it usually is only turned on 3 or 4 speed. I question why when I am out with my club why their trolling motors last all day with plenty of power?

Any help would be appreciated!

MIbasser · 03-30-09, 09:30 PM

Is your TM a 24V system? It seems a little small for thrust. Are your batteries hooked in parallel?

But, as a first thought your batteries are dead. If hooked in parallel, you could have one dead as well.

OneMoreCast · 03-30-09, 09:41 PM

Actually, it's a 12volt... not 24volt. My bad on that one!!

WTL · 03-30-09, 09:46 PM

How old is the battery?

OneMoreCast · 03-30-09, 10:03 PM

That's why I'm concerned... it's only 1yr old. The first hour I have plenty of power, but then if fades off fast! I picked it up at Wal-Mart... cost about 60-70 dollars.

bamabassman · 03-30-09, 10:27 PM

there is your problem pal. wally world batteries ain't the greatest, i got 2 of em. they will drain a 12 volt, 55# troller REAL quick.

WTL · 03-30-09, 10:42 PM

I'm not certain its his problem, its just that would be the first guess. Cant forget the charger though, that could be a problem too.

bamabassman · 03-30-09, 10:51 PM

you are right wtl. hey pal. take the battery and have it tested. it might still be under warrenty. then check the charger.

1FASTLASER · 03-31-09, 06:17 AM

You can test the battery yourself if you have a hydrometer. After a session where your charger says your battery is fuly charged. Check it with your or a borrowed hydrometer. If the specific gravity is not up to par either the charger is not doing its job or the batt is on its way out. Using a amp meter will tell ya whether or not the charger is doing its job. If that passes the test you ave a batt that is going out. Also be sure to check behind the prop and make sure that it is clear of weeds and line etc.etc.. and that the prop is spinning freely.

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03-30-09, 08:43 PM	#1
OneMoreCast BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Bridgton, ME Posts: 19	Trolling Motor I am using a MinnKota 55lb thrust trolling motor for my 13'3" Square Bear Canoe. I am finding that I am loosing power fairly soon after a full charge? I am using a 24volt deep cell battery. I use it pretty consistent the whole time I'm out, but I only turn it on "high" (speed 5) when I am going from spot to spot. Other then that, it usually is only turned on 3 or 4 speed. I question why when I am out with my club why their trolling motors last all day with plenty of power? Any help would be appreciated! __________________ ~ One More Cast ~

03-30-09, 09:41 PM	#3
OneMoreCast BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Bridgton, ME Posts: 19	Actually, it's a 12volt... not 24volt. My bad on that one!! __________________ ~ One More Cast ~

03-30-09, 09:46 PM	#4
WTL BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Huntsville, Al Posts: 7,466	How old is the battery? __________________ Selling live waterdogs for less since 2005.

03-30-09, 10:03 PM	#5
OneMoreCast BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Bridgton, ME Posts: 19	That's why I'm concerned... it's only 1yr old. The first hour I have plenty of power, but then if fades off fast! I picked it up at Wal-Mart... cost about 60-70 dollars. __________________ ~ One More Cast ~

03-30-09, 09:30 PM	#2
MIbasser BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Okemos, MI Posts: 1,447	Is your TM a 24V system? It seems a little small for thrust. Are your batteries hooked in parallel? But, as a first thought your batteries are dead. If hooked in parallel, you could have one dead as well.

03-30-09, 10:27 PM	#6
bamabassman BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: cedar bluff, alabama Posts: 15,292	there is your problem pal. wally world batteries ain't the greatest, i got 2 of em. they will drain a 12 volt, 55# troller REAL quick. __________________ so many lures, so little time.

03-30-09, 10:42 PM	#7
WTL BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Huntsville, Al Posts: 7,466	I'm not certain its his problem, its just that would be the first guess. Cant forget the charger though, that could be a problem too. __________________ Selling live waterdogs for less since 2005.

03-30-09, 10:51 PM	#8
bamabassman BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: cedar bluff, alabama Posts: 15,292	you are right wtl. hey pal. take the battery and have it tested. it might still be under warrenty. then check the charger. __________________ so many lures, so little time.

03-31-09, 06:17 AM	#9
1FASTLASER BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: crossett,arkansas Posts: 2,777	You can test the battery yourself if you have a hydrometer. After a session where your charger says your battery is fuly charged. Check it with your or a borrowed hydrometer. If the specific gravity is not up to par either the charger is not doing its job or the batt is on its way out. Using a amp meter will tell ya whether or not the charger is doing its job. If that passes the test you ave a batt that is going out. Also be sure to check behind the prop and make sure that it is clear of weeds and line etc.etc.. and that the prop is spinning freely. __________________ Laser's rule with Merc's doing the pushing..........KEEP THE WETSIDE DOWN AND THE DRY SIDE UP!!!!!!

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