I got the 35 amp hours rated battery (35 amps for an hour) and rated for 18-40 lb thrust trolling motors. Mine is 30 lb thrust.
The 'AGM' type, deep cycle, sealed battery was well packed (box in box) and has 2 terminals with hex head bolts that are screw in bolt with washer type posts clearly marked with a reddish color plate for the positive contact. It was 100% charged when I received it. Sturdy white plastic 4-attach-point handle.
The real nice surprise is its size and weight. I had a WalMart battery (like a regular car battery dimensions) for several years that finally failed, but performed well. But the VMAX857 is considerably smaller in all dimensions and a lot lighter. One hand handling versus a heavy 2 hand weight for the WalMart battery.
For a canoe or kayak outfitted with a trolling motor (mine is the Native Watercraft Ultimate 12), weight and size are paramount. So the VMAX is a much better choice than a 'dual purpose battery' and can be run down to about 1/2 capacity with no harm. By using a 'PWM' digital controller ($25 on eBay), the current draw is reduced a lot and more usable power to the motor.
For a casual trolling motor duty, used at lower speeds (like 1-3 of 5), this battery should recharge over 100 times if normal. I used it for the first time today, always at low or 1/2 speed for about 1 1.5 hrs running time. When I got home, I put it on the charger and it was still 100% charged!
January 1 2013 update: Now that I used it most of the spring and all summer into October as a trolling motor battery, I can tell you that it works great for my small 30$ trolling motor. Having an electric motor rigged with digital PWM speed and pushrod type steering control for your canoe/kayak opens up a lot of fun! Paddling is slow, you cannot fish as you paddle, and if a storm comes up.... with a motor you have a way to get to shelter more quickly than paddling (and I paddle as well as run the motor!). If you insist on a canoe, get a square backed one for a troller or outboard (typically 2-5 hp). And look at the Native Watercraft Ultimate series!
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I bought this battery to power a trolling motor for my Ultimate 16 hybrid kayak. I needed a battery that was light enough to load and unload easily and didn't take up too much space and weight in my 'yak. This battery was just the ticket. I have a 30 lb thrust motor and this battery powered it all day without a hitch. I do not know how long it would have actually ran my motor but I was in the bay for hours tooling all around without a problem. When I got back to my house and set it up on the charger it was fully charged in a matter of minutes so it must not have been very depleted. Love the battery.
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I bought this battery based on other comments which all proved true. It came fully charged, not caps to worry about coming off and spilling battery acid, it is small and at 32 lbs much lighter than conventional marine batteries.
Honest reviews on VMAX857 AGM Battery 35AH Marine RV Deep Cycle HI Performance
Used battery for trolling motor 30 pound thrust, It lasted for 6 hours of running and fishing from full out to bumping in and out of gear for casting. Then, ran another 3 hours next day without charging and still had power. Great value
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This battery was used on a small trolling motor and it didn't last 20 minutes on a full charge.....highly disappointed.
