I'm trying to cut some weight on my rig and am considering dropping the battery under the front deck and running just 1 for lights and cranking the motor. How are ya'll set up?

I use 1 for everything but I always keep a extra battery with me just incase

I only run one battery for cranking and lights. Then have a seperate battery for a trolling motor.

I ran 2 lawn tractor batteries for a couple years. 1 on the motor and running lights and 1 up front as a spare and for any additional lights. I have everthing used in the boat on TM plugs. So my spare is hooked up in place of the deep cycle for hunting and swapped out for the deep cycle when using the TM for fishing. Never had a cranking problem with the lawn tractor battery, thats what they are made for. 2 of them probably weighs less than 1 large battery. But I will always have 2 batteries or a jump pack on board to be safe.

If I'm not having to winch over a levee, (1) one dual type cranking/deep cycle works best.

If pulling over, I will temporarly put the 2nd battery in the boat.

I run two batteries only because my headlight draws a battery down after only bout 1 1/2 - 2 hrs. and der is no pull start on these things.

always carry a spare battery! its sort of like having more clothes on than you need when you go out in the cold,you never can tell if you need what you have once you leave the landing but if you break down, you have it with you....The best way ive found is to start and trim with one battery and run the lights with a smaller battery.the motor (charging rectifyer)can keep up with the starting and the trimming of the motor but the lights have a steady drain.

hey fullthrottle,what size battery do you have?

I use the medium size interstate cranking battery for the starting and trimming but also carry a small 12volt 12amphour non-spillable maintanance free battery that can actually start the motor if needed.I charge it up every time I get back to ensure its always ready. If you put too much load on your charging system,It could cause the rectifyer or harness to burn-out. between the two batteries its only 21 lbs.

I only run one battery for cranking and lights. Then have a seperate battery for a trolling motor.

I use one battery for the lights and motor but I always carry a back up that I have a spot light hooked to.I really never use the spot light unless I'm frogging but I also use it for the trolling motor when fishing.

I run a deep cycle for the TM and one of these http://www.jpcycles.com/search/ProductD ... 0&N=274306 28002800&Ne=28002799&Ntk=All&Ntt=&Ns=DefaultSort&results=10&Nao= for starting and nav lights.

How much power does the clutch use?

What does the charging system put out?

I use one for cranking and a second deep cycle for the trolling motor. I put those removable clamp style nav lights because the only time I run with lights is for hunting season.

I use 1 battery for everything: running lights, spotlight, motor, and stereo and never had it even feel weak on me.

X3..

After having engine troubles one morning, pull rope breaking, lights draining the battery, turning the engine over for 20 seconds at a time just to get it started, drifting in the middle of the intercoastal canal w/ barges full steam ahead in my direction, engine dying every 100 yards and repeating the process of cranking and drifting, a battery flying solo is not the way to go. Never again will there only be one battery in my boat. We made it to our pond some how that morning. BUT, we didnt make it back. We got lucky that someone else decided to hunt that random wednesday morning, and towed us back. Made it to class in time though, barely. God must have been in the boat w/ me. Anyways, NO NO NO NO NO NO to only one battery.

I use one battery and I carry one of those jump packs for backup. I don't run a trolling motor so I have never seen the need for 2 batts. Those things are heavy!

I run twin 130 watt lights on the front of the boat and they draw some current...but I only have them on during my high RPM runs to the spot. I always turn them off when I get there. I never use them while idling around setting dekes. That will run a battery down fast.

2 batteries for sure. Bought a deep cycle from Wal Mart January of this year. November of this year, was dead. Most likely from a lot of idling during frogging and going to the camp. The battery was sure dead. Had a replacement warranty and it did not cost anything, but I use 2 batts. 1 for the motor and nothing else but some small interior lights, 2nd for the TM and accessories, hard hat, etc. Also need to make sure if you idle a lot, then either charge the main battery, or turn some rpm's to recharge.
JMO

get 1 good battery. that's all u need. especially with the newer engines.

carry a spare when froggin or for the trollin motor.

u ain't trying to turnover a big block chevy. u ever seen 2 batteries on a lawnmower?

[quote="dead animal"]get 1 good battery. that's all u need. especially with the newer engines.

carry a spare when froggin or for the trollin motor.

u ain't trying to turnover a big block chevy. u ever seen 2 batteries on a lawnmower?[/quote]

No, but if my lawnmower doesn't start I won't freeze or starve to death, or worse yet, get home late on a day I have babysitting duty while the wife goes shopping.

if ur motor ain't gonna start, six batteries won't help.

i run a 200$ gel fancypants battery. i do check my voltage regulator from time to time to make sure it's putin out and i put the battery on charge every now and then too.

stumpy runs a 20$ pissy amp lawnmower battery. he gets by.

if ur not froggin or using the battery for anything but the motor, nav lights, and sum hardhat light duty, u brobly don't need two. and if u gots room, and it makes u feel like a boy scout, or if ur scared of ur wife or whatever, then by all means carry 2 batteries!!!!

me, i get by with one. unless ithink i need two, then i bring two, unless i think i need three...etc...........