Charging batteries

[Troller]

Hey guys and gals,
I have two batteries in my boat. One is a deep cycle for the trolling motor, and the other battery is the cranking battery. For the trolling motor the indicator test feature on my Min-Kota is telling me to recharge the battery. When I go to charge the battery the charger is showing me that the battery is fully charged The motor still seems to worlk all right any suggestions on why this would be happening
Also, for my cranking battery; is it okay to charge the battery for a few hours of could this harm the battery I am going on vaction soon and I would like to make sure both batteries are fully charged.

Thanks
Daver

[jj-da-fisher]

My first ? always when I think something is up with a battery is how old is it? The life expectancy isn't as long as you would think on a deep cycle battery even with proper care in the off season. They will only usually last 4 years tops. How many pounds thrust is your trolling motor? If it is not that strong of a motor it would run quite a while on a older less powerful battery. As for your cranking battery it doesn't hurt to charge it for a couple of hours but if you drive your boat often your alternator should be keeping it topped up for you. I pretty much never put the cranking battery on the charger unless it has sat for quite some time.
I hope this helps. You could always take the deep cycle in to a reputable battery shop for a load test. They would be able to tell you if you need a new one or not. Good luck on your trip.

[pikeonthe fly]

As an aside to your post, I got caught the other day with a discharged cranking battery while out bassing. First time its happened but fortunately I was able to jump from the trolling motor battery with jump leads I carry as a matter of course. Something I was advised to do by an 'old hand' some time ago...and glad I did.

Main cause was working on the bow mount for a time, or trolling with the kicker. All the time using the GPS/sounder, recirc for the livewells, Radio and at dusk, such as the Navigation lights. Main motor did not do that much running so not much charging going on. Over a few days it all caught up with me. Being a relative 'newbi', it was a learning curve. Passing this on in the hope others may benefit too.