Batteries Minn Kota

What kind of water should I use to fill my batteries?

What are MCA's (Marine Cranking Amps)?

What are Amp Hours?

What is Reserve Capacity?

What makes "deep cycle" batteries different from "starting" batteries?

Are "Deep Cycle" Batteries Constructed Differently?

Can I use my starting battery as one of the batteries for my 36V trolling motor?

How do I determine the state-of-charge of a deep cycle battery?

How long will a deep cycle battery last?

Can you overcharge a deep cycle battery?

Will placing my battery on concrete drain the charge?

Will adding aspirin to my battery prolong its life?

Is my marine battery "maintenance free"?

In an emergency, can a deep cycle battery be used to start an outboard motor?

What is the proper way to store marine batteries when they are not connected to a charger/maintainer?

Who do I call if I have a question?

What kind of water should I use to fill my batteries?

Only distilled or purified water should be used to fill batteries. Tap water, drinking water, softened water, or well water should not be used because of possible impurity and mineral contents that can negatively affect the performance and life of the battery.

What are MCA's (Marine Cranking Amps)?

MCA is the commonly used rating for marine starting power. It is the number of amperes a new, fully charged lead acid battery at 32 degrees F (0 degrees C) can deliver for 30 seconds and maintain at least 1.2 volts per cell (7.2 volts for a 12-volt battery). This lets you know how much power you have to start your boat's engine.

What are Amp Hours?

This rating applies to deep cycle marine batteries. Amp hours are simply a unit of measure for a battery's electrical storage capacity. This is obtained by multiplying the current in amperes by the time in hours of discharge. For example: A battery delivering 5 amperes for 20 hours, delivers 5 amperes X 20 hours = 100 Amp Hr of capacity. Put another way, this rating lets you know how many amps, for how long, you can draw from your deep cycle battery.

What is Reserve Capacity?

Reserve capacity is the time in minutes that a new, fully charged battery will deliver 25 amperes at 80 degrees F and maintain a terminal voltage equal to, or greater than, 1.75 volts per cell (10.5V for battery). This rating represents the time the battery will continue to operate accessories if the alternator or generator of a vehicle fails. Put another way, reserve capacity is a battery's ability to sustain a minimum electrical load in the event of a charging system failure.

What makes "deep cycle" batteries different from "starting" batteries?

Deep cycle batteries are designed to provide deep cycle power - and that makes them very different from ordinary starting batteries. A deep cycle battery supplies a relatively low amount of current for a long period of time. On the other hand, a starting battery supplies a high amount of energy for a short period of time (about 5 seconds), so only a small amount of the battery's capacity is used. Once the engine starts running, the starting battery is recharged quickly by the alternator, which carries the basic electrical load. Deep cycle batteries are specially designed to power electric trolling motors and other electrical accessories in boats and RVs. Unlike ordinary car starting batteries, deep cycle batteries can be run down and recharged (deep cycled) repeatedly with minimum loss of capacity.

Are "Deep Cycle" Batteries Constructed Differently?

Yes. Deep cycle batteries are specially designed with denser active material and thicker plates to withstand deep discharge-recharge service. They are also reinforced by envelope and glass mat separators to reduce shedding of the active material and damage from the jolting vibration of a boat on choppy water. Starting batteries, on the other hand, use porous active material and thin plates so that high-amp energy can be quickly delivered for maximum starting power. Repeated cycling weakens the positive plates and makes the active material shed from the grids. Thus, in repeated deep discharge-recharge applications, the starting battery will fail. They are not built to withstand the heavy buffeting experienced by marine batteries. They are simply designed to do a different job.

Can I use my starting battery as one of the batteries for my 36V trolling motor?

No, the starting battery will lose capacity after 50 cycles or less. Whereas dual purpose batteries are designed to be used for both deep cycling and starting. Thus, the dual purpose should be used if a battery must be shared for deep cycling and starting the outboard.

How do I determine the state-of-charge of a deep cycle battery?

A voltmeter will display the battery's level of charge. A fully charged lead acid battery will have a voltage of 12.7 or better across the terminals. If the battery is being discharged during the voltage test, you will read a much lower voltage than is actually available. On the other hand, during charging or up to 24 hours after charging, the battery may have a much higher voltage reading. If you are checking a sealed battery, the state of charge should read: 12.4=75%, 12.2=50%, 11.9=25%, 11.6-0%. A graduated-float hydrometer will display a battery's level of charge more accurately. A fully-charged, flooded electrolyte deep-cycle battery will have a specific gravity of 1.265 to 1.280. Keep in mind that some hydrometers require temperature correction.

How long will a deep cycle battery last?

Deep cycle batteries routinely last several years. Your expected life will have everything to do with how well the batteries are maintained and usage conditions such as water conditions, temperatures that you boat in, length and number of boating outings, etc.

Can you overcharge a deep cycle battery?

Yes. Overcharging a battery occurs when the battery remains on charge after it has reached full charge. Overcharging causes excess heat that can cause the plates within the cells to buckle and shed their active material. Also, the battery will react to the overcharge by producing excess hydrogen and oxygen as the water within the electrolyte breaks down. The water that is lost due to overcharging can be replaced in a non-sealed battery; in a sealed battery the water loss is permanent and will negatively affect the battery's service life. Minn Kota's chargers will not overcharge batteries. However, it is important to check the electrolyte level approximately every 30 days.

Will placing my battery on concrete drain the charge?

A battery will not lose its state-of-charge strictly from placing it on a concrete surface, but will discharge it over a period of time, due simply to neglect.

Will adding aspirin to my battery prolong its life?

Aspirin will shorten the life of a battery because it forms acetic acid which attacks the positive grids and the active material.

Is my marine battery "maintenance free"?

If your battery is low maintenance, there still is access to the electrolyte reservoirs. For optimal performance the electrolyte level should be checked approximately every 30 days. The electrolyte level should be maintained between the top of the plates and the bottom of the vent cap openings. If your battery is maintenance free, then water can not be added. Overcharging a maintenance free battery will result in permanent water loss.

In an emergency, can a deep cycle battery be used to start an outboard motor?

Yes. But only in an emergency! For maximum battery life, a two-battery system is recommended. Repeated starting applications can damage a deep cycle battery.

What is the proper way to store marine batteries when they are not connected to a charger/maintainer?

Clean battery case and terminals with baking soda and water, being careful to make sure the solution does not get into the battery. Always check to ensure the battery is fully charged before storing. Check the state of charge every 45-60 days, recharge if the state of charge falls below 75 percent and add distilled water if needed. Batteries stored in a discharged state are susceptible to freezing and an increased rate of further discharge. Additionally, allowing a discharge battery to sit for an extended period of time will shorten its life and decrease its performance. Store in a cool dry place (not next to a furnace or other heat source) and out of reach of children and pets.

Who do I call if I have a question?

Trojan Battery Company's Technical Service Department can be reached at 1-800-423-6569.