11-04-2010, 05:12 PM
[cool][#0000ff]I have experimented with several size batteries, beginning with a small 33 amp/hour battery that only weighed 24 pounds. I got a package deal from another BFTer who sold me a series 24 and a series 27 battery together...for a good price. I tried them both and ran the heck out of them to guage the longevity of each. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I did drain the series 24 after a long day at Deer Creek. And Tube Babe has taken it down to the "slow...no go" stage a couple of times at Starvation. So, she decided she wanted a series 27 too. Now we gots two. Of course I had to try the new one first...since she is in California for a couple of weeks.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The big AGM battery from Cabelas is HEAVY. I was not sure if it would add too much weight...about 10 pounds more than my other 27. But, with the big boat bumpers I installed earlier my tube still floats level with both battery and motor installed, and before I climb aboard. And I hardly know it is there while fishing. Yesterday at Huntington I fished the entire perimeter of the lake...mostly kicking with fins. I only used the motor for short bursts to get to another spot I wanted to fish. It does not add drag or impede maneuverablity but greatly aids in getting from point A to point B.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I haven't had an opportunity to see how long the new battery will run on the float tube. With the older model I was able to run all over Rabbit Gulch on Starvation...and even do some trolling before coming in...and still had a pretty good amount of power left in the battery before recharging.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]As FG points out, you will get a lot more efficiency with a pontoon than I do with a tube. Lots more drag in the water when you have legs and a fish basket restricting the power of the motor. Easier to push a streamlined craft across the top of the water than to plow through it with a heavy tuber.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Your toon is a good "step up" from a float tube. But, if you want POWER you should look for a good deal on a larger toon capable of carrying and balancing the extra weight of battery and motor. Trying to make your current ride work will likely leave you frustrated...or worse.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I did drain the series 24 after a long day at Deer Creek. And Tube Babe has taken it down to the "slow...no go" stage a couple of times at Starvation. So, she decided she wanted a series 27 too. Now we gots two. Of course I had to try the new one first...since she is in California for a couple of weeks.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The big AGM battery from Cabelas is HEAVY. I was not sure if it would add too much weight...about 10 pounds more than my other 27. But, with the big boat bumpers I installed earlier my tube still floats level with both battery and motor installed, and before I climb aboard. And I hardly know it is there while fishing. Yesterday at Huntington I fished the entire perimeter of the lake...mostly kicking with fins. I only used the motor for short bursts to get to another spot I wanted to fish. It does not add drag or impede maneuverablity but greatly aids in getting from point A to point B.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I haven't had an opportunity to see how long the new battery will run on the float tube. With the older model I was able to run all over Rabbit Gulch on Starvation...and even do some trolling before coming in...and still had a pretty good amount of power left in the battery before recharging.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]As FG points out, you will get a lot more efficiency with a pontoon than I do with a tube. Lots more drag in the water when you have legs and a fish basket restricting the power of the motor. Easier to push a streamlined craft across the top of the water than to plow through it with a heavy tuber.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Your toon is a good "step up" from a float tube. But, if you want POWER you should look for a good deal on a larger toon capable of carrying and balancing the extra weight of battery and motor. Trying to make your current ride work will likely leave you frustrated...or worse.[/#0000ff]
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