Marine battery question

[FischerAngling]

I have a Shoalwater 18 foot flats boat and I'm looking to see what type of batteries I can find for it that are 1) small as there isn't a lot of space in the rear hatches and 2) deep cycle. I have a 24 volt Minn Kota trolling motor, radio/stereo(no amp), GPS/FF combo, then engine cranking(90 HP Yami), trim and jack-plate.

Do they make any small-ish 12v marine batteries? I'd like to shoe-horn two batteries into same area that would hold 1 and a half of the normal deep cycles.

It's either that or I'll have to reconfigure all the batteries to the bow of the boat which might work too. Anyone done that before? Is there an issue having your cranking battery in the bow rather than in the rear(wiring??)?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Chris

[Ibtsoom]

Call Golden Eagle battery in Alvin and ask to talk to the owner. He not only has the best prices anywhere -- he can point you in the direction that you're looking for.

20000 Texas 6 Alvin, TX 77511
(281) 331-9400

[Gulfcoast13]

Call Evans.

I did get my marine batteris from Golden Eagle (for trolling motor) brand new 120.00 total. Good batteries and a good price.

[FishNette]

Optima batteries are smallish and can be mounted at any angle. They are a little costly, but so is fishing/boating.

[FischerAngling]

Optima batteries are smallish and can be mounted at any angle. They are a little costly, but so is fishing/boating.

The Optima's are definitely an option as mounting them at any angle works when there are these tight spaces. They are pricey. Do the Optimas last longer than a traditional flush mount?

[FishNette]

The Optima's are definitely an option as mounting them at any angle works when there are these tight spaces. They are pricey. Do the Optimas last longer than a traditional flush mount?

I don't know if they last longer, but they have a free replacement warranty as long as you have your receipt. I've had one in my Jeep for 3 years with no problems.

[Reef Drifter]

Re: Marine battery question

Walmart marine batteries are pretty small and I've had two for about two years and no problems with them

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[Robalo]

Optima batteries are gel cells-they can take a pounding and are about the best you can buy. Second are Glass mat batteries. Both those will far outlast a lead/acid battery. You could try going for a smaller size acid battery and likely find two that will fit, but I'd run trolling motor off front /forward compartment batteries and use the rear for starting and electronics (radio and gps are not big drains unless you play at max volume all day). The cables will be as expensive as 1 optima also unless wired to front already (trolling motor that is) and they usually are with the trolling motor plug forward on the boat, so shouldn't need new leadas for trolling motor.

[Rollo]

Call Golden Eagle battery in Alvin and ask to talk to the owner. He not only has the best prices anywhere -- he can point you in the direction that you're looking for.

20000 Texas 6 Alvin, TX 77511
(281) 331-9400

X2 Go with them,they are the battery guy's!

[SCHU]

Golden Ealge also sells gel batteries. Don't knw if you can mount in any position, but they are gel and not liquid acid batteries..

[evansmarine]

You should be able to mount the Optima Sideways and get the room you need Chris.