With so many different types of 12V lifepo4 battery batteries available on the market, choosing the right one can be a confusing and overwhelming process, even for experienced boaters. Dual-use batteries – are the compromise between a starting and a deep cycle battery. Deep cycle batteries – are essentially the opposite of a starting battery. Designed with thick, solid plates bathed in a catalyst medium, they can’t produce enough instantaneous power to start an outboard. But they excel at delivering steady power over a long time, making them ideal for trolling motors.
What Kind Of Battery Should I Use For A Trolling Motor?
Among the varieties available are marine enhanced flooded batteries (EFB), sealed reserve marine (SRM) batteries and our all-new lithium deep-cycle marine batteries. Here’s a lightweight, heavy-duty trolling motor battery equipped with a calcium-alloy grid providing exceptional performance. Ensure the size of the battery so that it’s perfectly suited for your boat. Heavier the boat, more power is drained every hour, which requires a larger battery. It is important to choose a durable trolling motor battery as it is an investment, and most batteries are expensive. Look for brands that offer a good warranty, over 3 years or more.
Here’s a great 24v battery by Ampere Time, which has exceptional quality with higher energy density. 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. Apart from being recyclable and maintenance-free, this battery’s life cycle is great with the speed of charge. 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. The wet cell batteries are affordable, and if they are adequately maintained, they last for a long time.
Each of these options has unique benefits and applications, ensuring that there is a battery to meet every mariner’s need. 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 provides 12 volts with 34 Ah and can be safely mounted in any given position. Not only is this affordable, but it also cuts any risk of corrosion or leakage due to the highly porous absorbent glass mat.
This blue top battery has a reserve capacity of two hours, ideal for longer periods of trolling. The absorbed glass design provides the battery with mounting flexibility and ease of use. The battery belongs to group 31, with a CCA of 900 and an MCA of 1125A.
I would rate this one right up there with the Optima BlueTop, which is considered one of the best batteries for trolling motors by many in the industry. If you’re looking for a reliable dual-purpose trolling motor battery then this 12V AGM battery is certainly worth considering. While most dual-purpose batteries offer starting power and decent deep cycling, this model has some of the better deep cycling functionality found in these types of batteries.
But, at 60lbs, it may be too big and bulky for smaller, lighter watercraft. But, if you need a battery with a big, long-lasting capacity, and its size is not an issue, this model is a good option. It’s made to be maintenance-free and can be used in any position. With its 100 amp-hour capacity, this big, vibration, and shock-resistant battery will run and run. Trolling motors are compact, electric motors that can be fitted quickly and easily to kayaks, canoes, and small boats.
The marine batteries of today are some of the best trolling motor batteries and best marine electronics batteries we’ve ever had at our disposal. Deep cycle batteries are designed to discharge their power over a long, gradual period. This is perfect for trolling motors because you may be out on the water for eight or more hours. For this to happen using a rechargeable battery, you need something that is going to last a large amount of time. Regular batteries will exhaust all their power too quickly, whereas deep cycle batteries will ensure you do not get stranded on the water.
Any dee cycle battery will power a trolling motor, but a marine battery tends to be built tougher for use on a boat. To choose the best trolling motor battery, think about how you will use it. For a low-power trolling motor on a small boat, a wet-cell battery should get you around. The AGM battery is the best choice on a larger boat that will experience rolling and pounding. A bank of lithium-iron-phosphate batteries is the way to go for anglers running multiple batteries to power a full bevy of electronics and a trolling motor.
It’s also heavy, but the built-in handle means it’s easy to carry. All-in-all, this is a powerful, versatile battery that should last many years. This isn’t the heaviest battery but, at 37lbs, it’s heavy enough that the flip-up handle is really useful.
What Type Of Trolling Motor: Lithium Vs Agm Vs Lead Acid Wet Cell
You get the same rated capacity even when discharging them very fast. This would normally compare with a lead-acid battery that is rated at 160Ah. Most lithium batteries can be discharged down to 10-20% SoC (State of Charge). Lithium batteries are lighter, offer better performance, have longer run times, and last much longer than traditional lead-acid batteries.
Sure, it’s a little bit heavier than most lithium models, but not so much as to be a game-changer. Furthermore, at only a fraction of the price of most other batteries it’s a true bargain. Interstates are one of the most common and widely-available batteries because they provide reliable power and also because of their price. For the casual angler, they’re a no-brainer, and even for the seasoned kayak tournament pro they’re a viable choice. So if you plan on going on a fishing excursion that is going to take hours, then these would be the best batteries to use.
Customers find the battery performs well with 30lb Minn Kota trolling motors and lasts all summer, with one customer reporting it runs for 8 miles on a single charge. They appreciate its compact size, particularly for small boats and kayaks, and its lightweight design that makes it easy to carry. Customers consider it good value for money and praise its power, with one noting it provides plenty of power for the trolling motor. They find it easy to use, with one mentioning it’s particularly convenient for their Scadden Predator. Deep-cycle batteries are designed to provide continuous power over extended periods, making them ideal for powering trolling motors and supporting marine equipment.
Lastly, the lithium battery is supreme due to its quick charge, lengthy runtime, and lightweight. The VMAX MR127 12V 100 Amp Hour Deep Cycle battery is our best overall pick. This is an AGM (absorbed glass mat) deep-cycle lead acid battery. These are often used when a reliable and maintenance-free power source is needed, and the VMAX is precisely that. With 100 Amp Hours, you can motor all day and be equipped with your favorite accessories. Balancing performance, construction, and cost, the Optima OPT 8016 takes the prize for the best trolling motor battery.
Since AGM batteries are fully sealed, they can be purchased online, which will be the focus of this guide. Reserve capacity is another important factor when choosing a trolling motor battery. This capacity is the amount of time a fully charged battery can last until its voltage starts going down.
Sealock has been an avid angler for the better part of 40 years and has been writing and shooting fishing and outdoors content for more than 25 years. He is an expert with fishing electronics and technologies and an accomplished angler, photographer, writer and editor. He has taught a lot of people to find fish with their electronics and has been instrumental in teaching these technologies to the masses. He’s also the industry authority on new fishing tackle and has personally reviewed more than 10,000 products in his tenure. He has a 30-year background in information technologies and was a certified engineer for a time in Microsoft, Novell, Cisco, and HP. He has, however, caught fish in 42 of the 50 states in the US as well as Costa Rica, Mexico, and Canada and hopes to soon add Finland, Japan, Africa and Australia to his list.