Battery upgrade - what are my options in a MAX II??

[SumpCommander]

Ok today i took an extended run in the river with my Minn Kota electric trolling motor attached to my stock battery in my Max II.. I kept the MAX idling (with hopes of recharging this battery as i used the trolling motor).. However after about 15mins the motor started making a surging up & down and during the "downs" sounded like it was going to stall.. I got it out of the water, shut it off & tryed the key start & the battery was dead.. Of course thank god for the pull start lol, but the trolling motor killed the batter completely..

What are my options because i do like taking the MAX out in th middle of the river, howver at full thrust the trolling motor will dead the battery in a matter of 15mins..

Can i add another move powerful battery that will fit exactly in place where the stock one is under the seat?

Is there anywhere else in the body, that folks have successfully mounted a battery?

Im sure there is not way to upgrade the charging system, if im wrong i will be shocked..

Anyway, any input is appreciated as I do hope to travel via water extensively with the MAX this spring..

Thanks!!!

[whipper-ag]

[SumpCommander]

true it would be easy, but no way to charge it though... I was looking at Optima Deep Cycles, i was wondering if there was a way one can fit in place of the stock battery..

[Eldon]

I run two batteries the same size as the battery in the Max. They are not deep cycle so they won't last as long but I never completely discharge them.I parallel them (negative to negative and positive to positive) giving me double the reserve.They can mount one each on the floor against the wall below the seat one on either side of the shift lever as I have had it but I'm thinking of mounting them on the cargo deck just behind the seat.The ones I have are 38 amp/hr and the consumption of my 38 lb thrust at full speed consumes the full charge of one in an hour.Those small batteries do not like being fully discharged.A regular deep cycle battery is mostly too large and heavy for balanced placement in a Max II. I don't dare run off the Max battery as my 23 hp Kohler does not have a recoil start.If your trolling motor drained your Max battery in 15 minutes either you have a honking big trolling motor or your Max battery is weak.Also your Max won't charge at an idle at least enough to overcome a trolling motor at speed.

[SumpCommander]

what do you think if i created a strap & secured a battery all the way forward where my feet go, dead center as not to upset the floating balance, i use this for the forward reserve battery: Optima BatteriesOptima Batteries 8040-218 D35 YellowTop Starting & Deep Cycle Battery

Then run cables to attach to the stock battery in parallel? - im thinking i can then keep my trolling motor wired to the stock battery because the forward reserve will not allow it to get depleted as fast??

[thebuggyman1]

what do you think if i created a strap & secured a battery all the way forward where my feet go, dead center as not to upset the floating balance, i use this for the forward reserve battery: Optima BatteriesOptima Batteries 8040-218 D35 YellowTop Starting & Deep Cycle Battery

Then run cables to attach to the stock battery in parallel? - im thinking i can then keep my trolling motor wired to the stock battery because the forward reserve will not allow it to get depleted as fast??

Thats your best option. The maxIIs are a little rear heavy anyway, but if you wanted more time and the original balance, there is room in the rear for yet another battery. It tucks neatly beside the motor leaving plenty of room for the motors cooling air intake. I HATE the tiny lawn mower batteries. Putting the battery in the rear, you will need to space it up off the frame or risk it being hit by the chain slop, a 3/4" piece of plywood would work great. If the chain hits that it wont hurt a thing.

[Eldon]

A deep cycle battery won't like the continuous charge from the alternator and you still can deplete both batteries.I have heard of people using an isolator switch between two ordinary batteries opening the switch when you troll,then if it depletes start the Max from your regular battery,close the isolator switch and charge the trolling battery.

[Bud]

I use a deep cycle battery and secure it in the back rack of the Max II. It does not affect balance at all, and lasts all day and then some with a 55lb thrust Minn Kota.

[JoeMeg]

This is my set-up.




Joe.

[SumpCommander]

Wow thanks for the suggestions, pix, & advice all! - I've taken all into account & leaning toward a front mounted optima, which im guessing are more powerful, resillient, & longer lasting than standard deep cycle plus it's more compact.. I may go with that wired directly to trolling motor.. If im not mistaken, the optima should supply a 56lb thrust minn kota at full speed for up to 3hrs?