A battery is a lifeline for boats or any other vehicle or machine. It performs the primary function of starting the motor, from navigation lights, stereos, or pumps, batteries help run a lot of boat accessories.
A dead trolling motor battery can ruin a good fishing mood or any marine activity. And a better trolling motor battery can improve your boating experience.
- Longer service life
- Leakage free
- Requires least maintenance
- Exceptional Performance
- Lightweight
- It assures extended battery life.
- Consistent performance
- Dual-purpose battery
- Easily mountable
- Maintenance-free.
- Top build-quality.
Buying a trolling motor battery can be difficult as there are different types of boats. Each boat has unique properties or requires different power equipment depending on the engine capacity, size, engine, etc.
The article will help you understand and pick the right battery for your trolling motor. But, before we discuss the best trolling motor battery, we need to learn about what exactly is a trolling motor battery?
About trolling motor battery
A trolling motor battery is one that has been designed with the intent of providing electricity to the motor over an extending period.
It sustains the amount of power needed for fishing trips and is essential to avoid battery failure.
In a trolling motor, marine batteries are required, which act as a vital unit to start the engine and provide power to start the motor connected to the boat.
Usually, for a trolling motor, a battery is required. There are several varieties of marine batteries, such as starting batteries, deep cycle batteries, and dual-purpose batteries. Out of the three, the deep cycle battery is majorly used.
Trolling motor batteries have various properties and are of different types.
Types of trolling motor battery
Wet cell
These batteries refer to the cells in the battery immersed in a solution of sulphuric acid and water. This battery requires maintenance as per frequent usage and overcharging. It is recommended to check the battery before using, to make sure adequate water is in the battery. You can add purified water if the water level is down to prevent the battery from being damaged.
The wet cell batteries are affordable, and if they are adequately maintained, they last for a long time.
The wet cell batteries also have a high number of charge-discharge cycles, which means they are also less likely to suffer overcharging damage.
AGM
The Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) is also known as Lead-acid wet cell batteries, a common type of battery to use with trolling motors. These batteries are sealed completely, and it is fit for everyday uses of a trolling motor. They need some maintenance and last around 2-3 years.
These types of batteries are spill-proof as they have glass mats that prevent any spillage or leakage. AGM’s also have a high-power output and a short charging time. That doesn’t mean the life span doesn’t last long; they are quite a durable option as they are unlikely to build up any kind of sulfation.
Gel cell
The battery is similar to the AGM battery in terms of the mixture but different on a technical note. Gel batteries last longer in hot weather applications and offer remarkable resistance to any kind of leakage and enhance stability with few maintenances.
These batteries are easily installed and have a long standby life with a good performance rate.
Lithium-ion
Lithium-ion batteries, also known as Li-ion batteries, are among the most popular forms of rechargeable batteries. They are considered to be pretty stable and maintain their charge for a longer time.
Other than that, it offers a great energy-to-weight ratio, low self-discharge rate, high open-circuit voltage, no memory effect, etc.
They can be recharged hundreds of times and tend to have a higher energy density.
Dual-purpose or deep cycle battery: Which is better?
Dual-purpose batteries deliver powerful cranking amperage for smooth and easy starting of the motor and have a low amp draw service.
They are ideal for applications that require starting. In comparison, a deep cycle battery is one that provides continuous power over long periods. These batteries can be drained and recharged many times.
Ideally, you need a battery for starting, and a deep cycle battery is required for the trolling motor. However, if there is less space onboard, you can choose one battery depending on the power draw required.
A deep cycle battery is built to withstand many discharges and recharges, while the dual-purpose battery is not. Dual-purpose batteries cannot withstand well to total discharges and recharges.
A dual-purpose battery is also more prone to overheating, which is not an ideal option. It is recommended to use a starting battery and deep cycle battery. Still, the dual-purpose batteries work well for short trips and are maintained properly. Other than that, there are some deep-cycle batteries that one can use to start an engine.
How to Choose a Trolling Motor Battery – Factors to Look For
Before buying a battery, there are some factors that you have to understand properly. It must be a well-performing battery that is compatible with the motor and includes a good reserve capacity or life span.
Voltage
Most batteries offer 12 Volt, but a good option for a trolling motor would be a 24-volt battery. But, then for regular use, a 12-volt battery just works fine, or you can set up two 12-volt batteries as we have mentioned in the steps above to get a 24-volt battery.
Lifespan
Before making a purchase, make sure you research the battery’s lifespan if it works well in the long run as the battery can be an investment.
You may select any brand that offers warranties up to 3 to 5 years and has a sturdy, good build quality, and excellent service life of 8 to 10 years.
Durability
It is important to choose a durable trolling motor battery as it is an investment, and most batteries are expensive. Make sure you check reviews well before making a selection. Look for brands that offer a good warranty, over 3 years or more.
Weight
Before choosing the perfect battery for your trolling motor, make sure that it is not too heavy. If the weight is heavy, it necessarily doesn’t have to be a good product.
A lightweight battery is usually recommended for a trolling motor, and an ideal weight should not be over 45lbs.
Size
Ensure the size of the battery so that it’s perfectly suited for your boat. If you have tight space, then look for compact batteries. Heavier the boat, more power is drained every hour, which requires a larger battery.
It ensures that you have enough charge to power the motor for longer durations, giving you more time on the water. So look for larger ones but also see the space you got on your boat for the same.
Ampere Hour Rating
Consider the ampere-hour rating as similar to the gas tank of a car. A battery with a 125 amp hour rating will run more than a 100 amp-hour rated battery.
Here is a chart that will help you pick the right trolling motor battery according to the AMP.
Trolling Motor Thrust | Max Speed Current | Medium Speed Current | Minimum Speed Current |
30lbs | 30amps | 15amps | 5amps |
50lbs | 40amps | 20amps | 5amps |
90lbs | 50amps | 25amps | 5amps |
We recommend using at least a 100 ampere-hour rating, group 27 rating, and 175 minutes of RC(Reserve Capacity). Here is a table for you to pick the right trolling motor battery according to the size and the voltage or Amp/ hour.
Run-time | Voltage | Group Size | Amp-Hour |
Best | 12 | 31 | 95-125 |
Better | 12 | 27 | 85-110 |
Good | 12 | 24 | 70-85 |
Which is the best trolling motor battery, and what are its advantages?
The ideal trolling motor batteries are the AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries. It uses almost similar elements as lead-acid batteries. Still, they are different in many ways. Rather than using acidic water, it is constituted of glass fiber matter covered in sulfuric acid. It is maintenance-free and compact, which makes it an ideal pick for a trolling motor.
Here are some of its advantages:
- The AGM is lighter and smaller compared to other batteries.
- It requires less or no maintenance; hence it cuts down the hassle of changing any liquids or cleaning.
- It allows fast charging due to low internal resistance.
- These AGM batteries are sealed and can be used, stored, or transported in any way.
- The AGM battery is free from any hydrogen emissions.
- These are also fit for long-term storage, and the charge remains even if the battery is kept ideal.
- It is easily available.
Our Top 10 Best Trolling Motor Batteries
Let us compare the products based on their specifications
Product | Voltage | Battery Type | Weight | Amperage |
Mighty Max Battery | 12 Volt | Deep Cycle Marine Battery | 38.5 lbs | 55AH |
Optima OPT 8016-103 Batteries | 12 Volt | Deep Cycle Marine Battery | 43.5 lbs | 55 AH |
Interstate Batteries | 12 Volt | Deep Cycle Marine Battery | 67.50 lbs | 110AH |
Iconic Deep Cycle Batteries | 12 Volt | Deep Cycle Marine Battery | 11.66 lbs | 30 AH |
Ampere Time battery | 24 Volt | Deep cycle lithium battery | 47 lbs | 100 AH |
Weize Deep Cycle Battery | 12 Volt | Deep Cycle Marine Battery | 46 lbs | 75 AH |
Odyssey Dual Purpose Battery | 12 Volt | Marine Dual Purpose Battery | 49.5 lbs | 65 AH |
VMAX Sealed Marine AGM Battery | 12 volt | Deep cycle Marine Battery | 75 lbs | 120 AH |
Chrome Battery | 12 Volt | Deep cycle Marine Battery | 22 lbs | 34 AH |
Weize Battery | 12 Volt | Deep cycle Marine Battery | 34.2 lbs | 55 AH |
Best Trolling Motor Battery For The Money: Deep Cycle Battery – Mighty Max Battery
- Longer service life
- Leakage free
- Requires least maintenance
- Exceptional Performance
- Lightweight
- Only 1-year warranty
- Unstable terminals.
The Mighty Max has a Voltage of 12 Volts, and its amperage is 55 AH. It delivers exceptional power and uses a heavy-duty, calcium-alloy grid that gives great service and performance in marine and cyclic purposes. Hence, it is considered the best trolling motor battery you can buy or worth spending on.
This trolling motor battery uses the Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) technology and a valve fixed design. This can be utilized to enclose and indoor conditions without leakage or heavy maintenance.
Other than trolling motors, this battery is utilized for various applications: electric vehicles, engine starters, garden tools, motorcycles, and more.
It is a 12 Volt battery with an Amperage 55 AH; the chemical elements are AGM and SLA. It weighs 38.58 lbs, and the dimensions are 9.02 in x 5.43 in x 9.13 inches.
Best Trolling Motor Battery For Kayak: Optima OPT 8016-103 Batteries
- It assures extended battery life.
- Consistent performance
- Dual-purpose battery
- Easily mountable
- Works for RV battery or boat battery.
- Maintenance-free.
- Good for storage.
- Top build-quality.
- Expensive.
- Might get slow in the long run.
Optima OPT is a dual-purpose battery and is maintenance-free. It is a great power source for boats and RV.
Its key feature is SpiralCell Technology, a unique manufacturing process that is precisely controlled and usually more expensive than traditional flat plate AGM batteries.
Optima batteries are known for its best-built quality as it is spill-proof and mountable in any position. Besides this battery is 12-Volt, 750 Cranking Amps, and the dimensions are 10 x 6.88 x 7.8 inches and weighs 43.5 pounds.
It has excellent starting power even in bad weather. It works well with up to three more recharges than other marine batteries.
The lifespan of this battery is over 6 years long. These batteries are great for storage because they are lightweight and have a low self-discharge rate. Even after long periods of no use, they still maintain a charge.
Best Trolling Motor Battery For 80 Lb Thrust: Interstate Batteries
- Long battery life
- Efficient and durable
- High power
- Outstanding performance
- Maintenance-free
- Recyclable
- Runs trolling motor consistency
- Might have manufacturing issues
- Heavyweight
- Difficult to install
This is a deep cycle battery of 12 volts from Interstate Batteries. It is a rechargeable Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) battery for various purposes.
It has a consistent, long-lasting performance. Some of its key features include VRLA Technology, which prevents spilling or over-pressurization and ideal for its deep discharge uses.
To get the most extended life from the battery, it is recommended to use it in applications that will regularly discharge and recharge your battery.
The amperage is 110AH, which provides higher power; Thus can easily provide 80 lb thrust.
Apart from being recyclable and maintenance-free, this battery’s life cycle is great with the speed of charge.
Its dimensions are 12.99 x 6.81 x 8.35 inches and weigh 67.50 lbs.
Best Lithium Ion Trolling Motor Battery: Iconic Deep Cycle Batteries
- Lightweight
- Good service life
- Great for marine and RVs
- Short-circuit protection
- Bluetooth technology
- 5 year limited warranty
- Expensive
- Requires maintenance
- Less amperage compared to others.
The Ionic Deep Cycle Marine Batteries is the best lithium-ion battery of 12 volts and 50Ah, which powers the boat well without worrying about running out of charge.
Lithium marine deep cycle batteries, in general, is fast, lightweight, and extremely easy to use. The Ionic Lithium Marine Batteries charge faster than a standard lead-acid battery and can be fully charged within 2 hours; it is even longer-lasting.
It is maintenance-free and comes with Bluetooth monitoring.
These batteries are safe and made of non-toxic materials, and are energy efficient.
It even has a lower discharge rate compared to lead-acid batteries.
Best 24v Trolling Motor Battery: Ampere Time Battery
- Provides excellent voltage
- Durable
- Providing 2000-5000 cycles
- 24 volt
- Lightweight
- High load power
- Short Circuit protection
- Easy to install
- Low-temperature cut-off protection
- Short terminals.
- Does not offer smart variations
Here’s a great 24v battery by Ampere Time, which has exceptional quality with higher energy density. It provides stable performance and great power.
One of the best features is its safety measures based on UL Testing Certificate for the cell inside the battery leading to fewer short circuit accidents as it has no acid in the battery.
The Ampere Time battery provides about 4000-8000 cycles, which provides 10 times more cycles than a standard Lead-Acid battery.
It has a 10-year service life and is also lightweight, which weighs only 47.4 lbs.
It also has an excellent self-discharge rate.
Best 12v Trolling Motor Battery: Weize Deep Cycle Battery
- Secure packaging.
- Easy installation
- Lightweight
- High power
- Maintenance-free
- Shock-resistant
- Easy to move.
- Regulated design
- Hard to maintain
- Not durable
This is the best trolling motor battery available in the 12v category at a fair price. It delivers great power voltage at 12 Volt and 75 AH.
It uses a heavy-duty calcium-alloy grid that provides exceptional service life and performance.
This uses an (AGM) technology with a regulated design that doesn’t allow any leaking and is maintenance-free.
One of its specialties is the M8 terminal, which has exceptional conductivity. It has a reliable ABS case that is heat and shock-resistant. Other than that, it also has durable handles for easy mobility and access or to carry it around.
The product dimensions are 10.02 x 6.65 x 8.94 inches, and it weighs 46 Lbs.
This battery is intended for both standby and deep cycle applications. It is advised not to use this battery as a starting or cranking battery.
Best Trolling Motor Battery For Canoe: Odyssey Dual Purpose Battery
- Long-lasting charge
- Recovers consistently
- Easy to use
- Tolerant to weather any conditions
- Durable
- Vibration-resistant
- Sturdy
- Heavy design
- Expensive
- 12-volt option only available
The Odyssey Thunder Marine is a dual-purpose battery that has a long-lasting charge. It also has an exceptional design and functionality. It has been built with durable materials that are of high quality.
This 65 ah and 12v motor battery for canoe also eliminates the issue of having a dead battery during any boat trip.
It has been tin-plated and has great deep cycling capabilities, around 400 Cycles at a depth of discharge of 80%.
Its chemistry is Lead-Acid and AGM. The battery weighs 49.5 pounds, and its dimensions are 13.25 x 11 x 9.5 inches.
This battery is used for a variety of purposes and has exceptional performance. It is a premium product but extremely ideal for boaters.
Best trolling motor battery for Jon boat: VMAX Sealed Marine AGM Battery
- Low self-discharge
- High power density
- Good for floating discharge application
- The long service life of 8-10 years
- Leakage free
- Maintenance-free
- Durable
- Short warranty
- Heavy.
- Charging issues.
The VMAX marine battery is an AGM Sealed battery. It is one of the finest deep cycle batteries under Group 31.
It weighs around 75 lbs, and the dimensions are 12.9 x 6.8 x 8.5 inches and have a power capacity of 120 AH. Hence, it is an ideal trolling motor for your Jon boat, giving more power with higher amperage. The service life of this trolling motor is about 8 to 10 years.
Not only is this affordable, but it also cuts any risk of corrosion or leakage due to the highly porous absorbent glass mat.
This battery can withstand extreme conditions and holds a good charge, and lasts for a long time. You will be able to stay for a longer period on the water all day.
Best Small Trolling Motor Battery: Chrome Battery
- Durable material
- Reliable product
- Optimal Performance
- Vibration Resistant
- Factory Activated
- User Friendly
- Affordable
- Spill-proof
- Low maintenance
- Fewer Amps
- Inadequate customer service
This battery by Chrome is an SLA battery that has been constructed with lead calcium alloy and absorbed glass mat technology.
This is a maintenance-free battery. It is versatile as it can work for various other applications that range from scooters, wheelchairs, solar panel systems to just trolling motors.
It provides 12 volts with 34 Ah and can be safely mounted in any given position.
The has been constructed with top technology, which regards the acid inside the battery. None other than the Absorbed Glass Mat technology allows for a low-maintenance and spill-proof battery.
It has a patented sealed post that prevents any corrosion and gives extended battery life. It can be recharged up to 2,000 times.
The dimensions are 7.68 x 5.12 x 6.46 inches, and it weighs only 22 lbs. Not only is this lightweight, compact, but it is also cost-effective, best suited as a small trolling battery.
Best Trolling Motor Battery For Bass Boat: Weize 12V 55AH Deep Cycle Battery
- Anti-heat cover
- Extended battery life
- Leak-resistant quality
- Various uses
- Heavy duty
- Exceptional performance
- Absorbed Glass Mat
- Good run time
- lightweight
- May not be durable
- Terminal may break
Here’s a lightweight, heavy-duty trolling motor battery equipped with a calcium-alloy grid providing exceptional performance.
It uses the (AGM) technology and provides superior performance.
Weize batteries are used for various purposes other than trolling motors like golf carts, garden tools, etc.
Some of this battery’s special features are the Anti-heat cover, extended battery life, and leak-resistant quality.
The Voltage 12 Volt and the Amperage are about 55 AH. The Dimensions of the battery is 8.98 in x 5.43 in x 9.06 in and weighs only 34.2 Lbs
Besides being ideal for a bass boat, it is also suitable for other boats.
Trolling Motor Battery Setup
Things required: Two 12 volt trolling motor batteries and some wires.
Steps: Here are some of the steps to follow while setting up a trolling motor battery in the case of 24 Volt Batteries :
Step 1: Take two 12-volt deep cycle batteries
Step 2: Then make sure that the trolling motor is switched to the off position. You can even click on the speed selector set to “0” or off mode.
Step 3: You will then need to wire in directed in a wiring diagram to provide the 24 volts.
Step 4: Then connect to a connector cable on the positive (+) terminal of battery no. 1 and then on to the negative (-) terminal of battery no. 2.
Step 5: After that, you will need to connect a positive (+) red lead (from the motor) to a positive (+) terminal on battery no 2.
Step 6: This is the final step where you will have to connect the negative (-) black lead (from the motor) to the negative (-) terminal of battery no 1.
Tips For Maintaining Trolling Motor Battery
Here are some tips for your trolling motor battery:
- Do not mix battery types or old batteries with new batteries.
- Charge batteries after each use without fail as leaving batteries in a discharged state may decrease the performance or life span.
- Check for the wet-cell battery fluid levels periodically.
- Check for signs of corrosion and clean with a paste by mixing baking soda and water.
- Ensure you store the batteries in a dry and cool place as too much heat may damage them.
FAQs
What is the best battery for a Minn Kota trolling motor?
The ideal battery for a Minn Kota trolling motor is a deep is cycle marine lead-acid 12-volt battery with at least 110-ampere hour rating
What size battery do I need for a 55 lb thrust trolling motor?
For a 55 lb thrust in a trolling motor, you will at least need the battery size of 240Ah rating. Depending on the speed, you will be using approximately 20-40 amps. A 240 is an ideal size, and it will last about 6 hours.
What size battery do I need for a 30lb thrust trolling motor?
For a 30lb thrust trolling motor, the most suitable battery is a 12 Volt deep cycle marine battery. It should have an 80 to 100 AMP hour rating, which comes under group 27 size batteries.
What is the best marine battery for trolling a motor?
The best marine battery for a trolling motor, according to our recommendation, is the 12volt deep cycle marine battery. It needs to have at least a 110 amp hour rating, and ideally, it should be of 27 sizes. It will provide a higher amp, which will give you more run time.
How often should I charge the trolling motor battery?
Batteries left to sit with less than 12 volts are prone to the formation of lead sulfate inside the battery cells, severely impacting the battery’s performance and lifespan. Hence it is recommended to fully recharge your trolling motor battery as soon as possible after using it.
How long will a trolling motor run on a battery?
The running time of a trolling motor battery depends on its amperage. The max runtime should be about 5 to 6 hours in ideal conditions. Make sure that the battery is damaged or old, or out of charge. If any of these given conditions occur, you will not get the ideal rated amp-hours, reducing the runtime.
Conclusion
According to my recommendation, the overall best option would be The VMAX marine battery. It is an AGM Sealed battery and one of the finest deep cycle batteries under Group 31.
It is slightly heavy but other than that, the amperage is 120 Ah, along with a voltage of 12 volts. The service life of this trolling motor is about 8 to 10 years. It is even an affordable option.
If you are looking for a 24v trolling motor battery, then the Ampere Time battery is the best option for you. It provides an Amperage of 100Ah, and this is a 4000+ Cycles Rechargeable Battery, which is a great option for marine activities.
And if you are looking for the best trolling motor battery for a bass boat, then it will require something lightweight and with a good power voltage, then the Chrome Battery is a great pick for you. It only weighs 22 lbs; other than the weight; it can also be mounted easily in any position is extremely user-friendly.
If you are into extensive marine activities or fish daily, then the best 80 lb thrust trolling motor battery is the Interstate Batteries. This will provide stable power to start the trolling motor, and the battery life will remain in the long run.