So I know this is a saltwater trolling motor question but I figure someone here may have the experience needed to help with the situation. I have a MinnKota 112 Riptide Ulterra that I bought from Russell Marine Products. I got a great deal on it from them and would highly recommend using them.
I've only had it about a month or so and this weekend was the first real test I put it to, using it for any extended period of time. After about 6 hours of use the motor started acting crazy. It would turn off and not respond to the controller. If you waited a few minutes it would respond and you could stow it. This essentially ended the trip. I called MinnKota and they said the motor is extremely voltage sensitive and that what I was describing was low voltage to the motor. I have 3 brand new group 29 batteries solely dedicated to this trolling motor. MinnKota says they need to each be outputting 12.8 volts or the motor won't function properly. I checked when I got home and they were all outputting 12.7 volts at the time. I guess my questions is what are my options here? How do I ensure maintaining that voltage? Buy bigger batteries? I know MinnKota makes a 3 bank alternator that I could use because I do have to use my big motor a lot here, but would that get me the extra charge I need to make it through the day? I've never had an issue like this before so I don't really know what to do.
TIA.