The Best Trolling Motor Battery To Keep Your Boat Rolling
Did you know that installing a trolling motor battery in your ship, kayak, or boat can improve your vessel's performance by around 100%? Such batteries possess the capability to power your boat and can ultimately mean the difference between a successful and unsuccessful fishing trip. These engines keep your boat running, and because you don't have to worry about your boat's progression you can focus on having a good time.
A good battery will also increase the lifespan of your boat's motor and provide it with continuous, steady power to keep it functional. If you're not sure about which trolling motor battery to select for your motor, don’t worry. To help you navigate the online marketplace, we’ve curated a list of the premier trolling motor batteries of 2024.
Our Top Picks
The Premium Trolling Motor Batteries of 2024
Best Overall
Renowned for their strong batteries that deliver high performance, this trolling motor battery by Universal Power Group is no exception. It is an AGM deep cycle battery that can function at medium speed for up to five days without charging, and with its 100 Ah rating, you can expect it to be nothing but durable. This battery can run a large-sized motor at low speed for the entire day, and because it has great shock resistance you can rest assured it will remain compatible with any boat you have. We think it is the best overall trolling motor batter for its great output, durability, and ability to perform in most weather conditions.
Pros
- Easy to carry
- Sealed in a hard case
- Doesn’t discharge easily
Cons
- Battery drainage is fast after 6 months of use
Most Affordable
This deep cycling battery by Mighty Max Battery is a budget-friendly option compared to other alternatives on the market. It is spill-proof, which means you can mount it anywhere you want, and you don’t have to worry about getting it out for maintenance. This battery is ideal for boaters and anglers who are on a budget, and since the Mighty Max battery has a high discharge recovery rate, it’s suitable for powering small boats. Capable of performing in both low and high temperatures, you can take it out without thinking twice and no matter the temperature. While it does have some drawbacks in terms of performance, it is still highly functional and can last for up to three years.
Pros
- Durable and long-lasting
- Includes a one-year warranty
- Very afforable
Cons
- It is heavyweight
Easy To Maintain
Weize offers a rechargeable AGM deep cycle battery that provides a long service life and high performance. This battery delivers serious charge recovery with a 35 Ah rating and 12 volts; the size of this battery is smaller than the average car battery, so it easily fits into small vessels. It is a multi-functional battery that you can use beyond boats, and you can use it to run UPS systems, electric vehicles, camping trips, industrial equipment, and even gardening tools. I love this type of versatility since I don’t need to use a battery for boots all year round. Make sure to store this battery in a dry and cool place for best performance, and check that the batteries retain their charge when not in use.
Pros
- Charge is long-lasting
- Doesn’t require maintenance
- Comes with a 30-day refund policy
Cons
- Heavier than lithium batteries
Great Value
This lithium battery uses automotive-grade LiFePO4 cells, which deliver higher energy, built-in BMS, and stable performance. It has 4000 deep cycles and can last up to 10 years if used with caution, and to add to its functionality it can last up to two and a half hours of charging time. This salvages time and makes it all the easier for you to move forward with your fishing expeditions, making Ampere Time perfect for both beginners and professionals. If you aren’t satisfied with your purchase, you can also rest assured that this brand offers a five-year warranty. That really reassures me that this is a great product from a company that is confident in their batteries.
Pros
- Fast delivery and good customer service
- It is lightweight and easy to carry
- Comes with a five-year warranty
Cons
- Not ideal for use as a starting battery
Excellent Protection
People who go for regular fishing trips will appreciate this battery holder. Featuring an accessible battery holder that enables you to connect the charger and trolling motor leads without opening the box, this protects the battery from damage when you’re on the water. It has a built-in push button with four LEDs that display the state of charging, so you know the remaining power in the battery. And to add to its functionality, it includes two 12-volt accessories and a 60A resettable circuit breaker linked to the top. Such accessories work to enhance the user experience, and using them doesn’t require any rocket science. To operate, just screw the batteries inside and you’re good to go.
The versatility of this battery holder enables you to use it for multiple tasks, making it a valuable investment for hobbyists and professionals alike.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Suitable for small boats
- The battery compartment is portable
Cons
- The box doesn’t include the battery
Trolling Motors Batteries Buying Guide
Trolling batteries are the main source of electricity for motors. Therefore, you need to choose them carefully; otherwise, you might end up stranded in the middle of open waters. Here are some things to consider before you purchase a trolling battery.
Battery Rating
The amp-hour rating is equivalent to the fuel tank gauge. It determines how long a battery will last, and it is an important factor to consider when choosing a trolling motor battery as it denotes your battery’s degree of charge.
Experts recommend that the battery should have a minimum 100 amp-hour rating, 175 minutes of Reverse Capacity (RC), and a Group 27 rating to ensure the battery doesn’t fail. The higher you go in amp-hour rating, the longer the battery duration you will get. I like to be safe when it comes to boating, so I’d get a trolling motor matching at least expert minimum recommendations. I’d have no problem going even higher, though.
The Voltage of Your Trolling Motor Battery
Standard batteries are usually available at 12 volts. Check your motor’s power system to determine if you require a higher voltage, as some need 24 or 36 volts.
The Type of Battery
You will find two types of batteries on the market. Both of these have certain advantages and disadvantages. Let’s discuss battery types below.
Deep cycle batteries
Deep cycle batteries discharge small amounts of current over an extended time period, enabling frequent charging. When used in trolling motors, they provide exceptional performance.
These batteries can be further categorized into two subtypes:
- Lead acid wet-cell: These batteries are the most common ones and are budget-friendly, with most of them available for $100. They handle frequent draining and recharging pretty well. While they can last for three years on average, the catch with these batteries is that they require regular maintenance by topping off the water. Adding to this, they are also susceptible to spillage and vibration.
- AGM: An AGM battery uses a completely sealed lead acid. They have a longer life span, and their charging lasts longer as well. The cost of these batteries is twice the traditional lead-acid alternatives, which reflects their performance and longer life span. On the flip side, they require virtually zero maintenance and are perfect for beginners. If I were to choose a deep-cycle battery, this is the type I’d go for. I like my products to last a long while and require little upkeep.
Lithium batteries
Lithium trolling batteries have the edge over deep cycle batteries because of a longer life span and little maintenance. Compared with lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries have 10 times better charging, with an 80% rated capacity over 2,000 miles. The fast-charging capacity of these batteries will ensure you get the most out of your purchase. Plus, they weigh half of their lead-acid alternatives.
Another pro of lithium batteries is there ability to handle acceleration. Due to sudden fluctuations in the speed of your boat, trolling motors require a certain amount of thrust or cranking torque. The negligible voltage drop in lithium batteries enables them to provide more power when the motor requires rapid acceleration, making them ideal for a good ride.
People Also Asked
Do I have to charge batteries every time I want to use them?
While experts usually recommend charging the batteries after every run to ensure you get the maximum runtime when you use them, that depends on which type of battery you are using. For example, lead-acid batteries will become damaged if they sit partially discharged for longer time periods. Lithium batteries, on the other hand, have no such issue. To avoid any confusion, it's best to charge the batteries before using them.
How many pounds of thrust from my trolling motor do I require?
As a rule of thumb, opt for at least two pounds of thrust trolling motor for every 100 pounds of boat weight. If your fishing spot has a lot of wind power or major currents, you may need some extra thrust.
How often should I replace my trolling motor battery?
If you're using lead-acid batteries, replace them after three years. Since lithium and AGM batteries have a longer life span, you can replace them after five years.
How do I know it is time to replace my trolling motor battery?
You should replace your trolling motor when it begins to sputter and run out of juice at a much faster rate than when it first was used.
What should I do to protect my trolling motor battery?
You should place your trolling motor battery in a power center, such as a plastic box, to protect it from weather and water. Also, make sure to place your battery in a spot that is very likely not to get wet.