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Message
Minn Kota Ulterra - Losing Battery Quickly
Posted on 5/3/21 at 11:55 am
Posted on 5/3/21 at 11:55 am
The last 3 times I have taken my boat out fishing I have noticed that after 4-6 hours of fishing- my trolling motor battery loses juice very fast. I am a fanatic about charging it after every use and making sure both batteries are charged and ready to go. This used to never be a problem, but it seems to be getting worse.
A few reference points:
- I use spot lock, A LOT, but I always have and am just now experiencing this problem this year
- the trolling motor and batteries were purchased new 2 years ago (2 - 12V deep cycle batteries)
- Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra (80 lb thrust)
- I broke my original prop one of the first time's launching (because I am an idiot) and replaced it with a used one a buddy had laying around at his camp (it is made for the same trolling motor as it fits perfect)
Has anyone else experienced this? Any ideas on how to address this?
A few reference points:
- I use spot lock, A LOT, but I always have and am just now experiencing this problem this year
- the trolling motor and batteries were purchased new 2 years ago (2 - 12V deep cycle batteries)
- Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra (80 lb thrust)
- I broke my original prop one of the first time's launching (because I am an idiot) and replaced it with a used one a buddy had laying around at his camp (it is made for the same trolling motor as it fits perfect)
Has anyone else experienced this? Any ideas on how to address this?
7
Posted on 5/3/21 at 11:56 am to Spookz
If you are using an on board charger, it could be bad.
Posted on 5/3/21 at 12:07 pm to Spookz
Get the batteries tested. It’s the easiest and most likely problem.
Wet cell batteries can go bad quickly and easily even if charged properly. Anything over 3 years of life with a wet cell battery I consider bonus time.
And like the poster above said it could also be the charger. Have it tested to make sure it’s outgoing current is correct when powered up.
Wet cell batteries can go bad quickly and easily even if charged properly. Anything over 3 years of life with a wet cell battery I consider bonus time.
And like the poster above said it could also be the charger. Have it tested to make sure it’s outgoing current is correct when powered up.
This post was edited on 5/3/21 at 12:09 pm
Posted on 5/3/21 at 12:08 pm to Spookz
as already stated your batteries are bad.
Posted on 5/3/21 at 12:11 pm to Spookz
Spot lock motors and 24 volts of power not ideal, you getting all you gonna get 4/6 hrs is tops. 36 volt systems far superior all day performance.
Posted on 5/3/21 at 12:12 pm to Spookz
Make sure the batteries have water(Distilled). Remove top caps to check level.
Posted on 5/3/21 at 12:57 pm to Spookz
Battery make/model?
Posted on 5/3/21 at 10:38 pm to CypressTrout10
I never actually considered that. Will check in to that along with all the other recommendations. Much appreciated - to all.
Posted on 5/3/21 at 10:52 pm to redfish99
I used to fish all weekend on a 24v ipilot. They are great on batteries. Op has bad batteries
Posted on 5/3/21 at 11:00 pm to Spookz
Mine was doing the same on relatively new batteries. Changed them out and all good.
Posted on 5/4/21 at 8:43 am to mtcheral
Bad battery will also cause the breaker to pop when run on high (10). I have had multiple bad Delco Voyager group 27's annually. Moving to group 27's from walmarks.
Posted on 5/4/21 at 10:13 am to Spookz
Are you disconnecting power to the trolling motor after each trip ?
My old Minn Kota (24v, 80 lb. no spot lock) would draw power any time the unit was plugged into the power receptacle on the bow. Even when the unit itself was turned off.
I called Minn Kota and was told that this is common on that series of trolling motor. I was advised to unplug the trolling motor after each trip, and plug it back in the next time I launched.
FWIW my batteries were wired directly to a large round socket style outlet on the bow. The trolling motor had a matching male plug.
My old Minn Kota (24v, 80 lb. no spot lock) would draw power any time the unit was plugged into the power receptacle on the bow. Even when the unit itself was turned off.
I called Minn Kota and was told that this is common on that series of trolling motor. I was advised to unplug the trolling motor after each trip, and plug it back in the next time I launched.
FWIW my batteries were wired directly to a large round socket style outlet on the bow. The trolling motor had a matching male plug.
Posted on 5/4/21 at 10:21 am to Spookz
You can buy a load tester from Harbor Freight and test yourself. I agree that it sounds like you batteries may be bad.
Highly suggest the AGM Duracell’s from Sam’s Club.
Highly suggest the AGM Duracell’s from Sam’s Club.
Posted on 5/4/21 at 10:05 pm to dawg23
This is interesting. I would guess just powering it down via the power button would accomplish the same thing as unplugging... will try this if the batteries check out. Thanks!
Follow up question... after a little research on deep cycle marine batteries; does anyone prefer wet cell to AGM? I currently have AGM.
In my limited knowledge I always viewed AGM as better than wet cell and below lithium.
One other note is I am wondering if it is possible I am overcharging the battery? I typically leave them plugged in/charging the night before I take off for a weekend fishing. I always assumed the 2 bank charger would regulate this once a full charge is read/done. I read something about this in my search and had never heard of such a thing.
Follow up question... after a little research on deep cycle marine batteries; does anyone prefer wet cell to AGM? I currently have AGM.
In my limited knowledge I always viewed AGM as better than wet cell and below lithium.
One other note is I am wondering if it is possible I am overcharging the battery? I typically leave them plugged in/charging the night before I take off for a weekend fishing. I always assumed the 2 bank charger would regulate this once a full charge is read/done. I read something about this in my search and had never heard of such a thing.
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