Ever feel like your boat’s trolling motor just gives up on you mid-fishing trip? You’re not alone. Choosing the right battery for your trolling motor can feel like navigating a choppy sea of confusing terms and endless options. It’s frustrating when you’ve spent good money on a motor, only to have the power source let you down when you need it most.
This is where we dive deep into the world of trolling motor batteries. We’ll break down what really matters, from battery types to how long they’ll last. Think of this as your trusty map to finding the perfect power source for your adventures on the water.
By the end of this post, you’ll understand the key features that make a great trolling motor battery. You’ll be equipped to pick the best one for your needs, ensuring more time on the water and less time worrying about power. Let’s get started and power up your next fishing expedition!
Our Top 5 Trolling Motor Batteries Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Trolling Motor Batteries Detailed Reviews
1. Newport 12V50Ah Deep Cycle Heavy-Duty Marine Battery
Rating: 9.1/10
Are you looking for a reliable power source for your boat? The Newport 12V50Ah Deep Cycle Heavy-Duty Marine Battery is a fantastic option. It’s built tough for marine adventures. This battery is designed to keep your trolling motor running smoothly.
What We Like:
- It’s lightweight, weighing only 30lbs. This makes it easy to carry and install on your boat.
- The sealed AGM design means it’s durable and won’t leak, giving you peace of mind.
- It’s made to work perfectly with trolling motors, providing consistent power.
- With 12 volts and 50 amp hours, it offers plenty of long-lasting power for your boat’s needs.
- This 50Ah battery is a strong choice for heavy-duty marine use.
What Could Be Improved:
- While lightweight, some users might prefer an even lighter option for extreme portability.
- Availability might vary, so it’s good to check if it’s in stock when you need it.
This Newport marine battery offers a great balance of power and convenience. It’s a solid choice for anyone who enjoys spending time on the water.
2. Litime 12V 100Ah TM Low-Temp Protection LiFePO4 Battery Built-in 100A BMS
Rating: 8.7/10
The LiTime 12V 100Ah TM LiFePO4 battery is a powerful and reliable energy solution designed for demanding applications like trolling motors, marine use, RVs, and home energy storage. It offers advanced features and robust protection, making it a smart upgrade from traditional lead-acid batteries.
What We Like:
- It has triple protection for its BMS, guarding against dust, water, and salt spray.
- The battery includes a low-temperature cut-off function for safe use in cold weather.
- It’s built with Grade A LiFePO4 cells, certified by UL for safety and quality.
- Expect a long lifespan with over 4000 cycles at 100% depth of discharge.
- The battery automatically protects and recovers from overloads, so you don’t have to do it manually.
- You can connect multiple batteries together to create a larger power system.
- LiTime offers a 5-year warranty and good customer support.
- It’s a great replacement for heavier, less durable lead-acid batteries.
What Could Be Improved:
- This battery is designed for deep cycle use, not for starting engines.
- There’s a mention of a Bluetooth version, but this specific model doesn’t seem to have it.
This LiTime TM battery is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a dependable and long-lasting power source. Its advanced features and durability make it ideal for many outdoor and off-grid adventures.
3. ECO-WORTHY Portable 12V Lithium Battery
Rating: 9.4/10
Power up your adventures with the ECO-WORTHY Portable 12V Lithium Battery! This 20Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate battery is built for the long haul, offering reliable deep cycle power for all your outdoor needs. It’s perfect for camping, fishing, RVs, marine use, trolling motors, and fishfinders.
What We Like:
- It’s compact and easy to carry, measuring just 8.70 x 4.45 x 4.61 inches.
- It has a special DC port that lets you power USB devices too.
- You can use it for many things, like camping, kids’ ride-on cars, or even as a backup power source.
- The built-in BMS protects the battery from problems like overcharging and overheating.
- This battery lasts a really long time, over 10 years and 5000+ charges, which saves you money.
- It’s better for the environment than older types of batteries.
What Could Be Improved:
- The DC output port has a 5A limit, so you need to be careful not to overheat it.
This battery is a fantastic, long-lasting power solution for anyone who loves the outdoors or needs dependable backup power.
4. FLLYROWER 12V Lithium Battery 100AH With BMS and 16500 Deep Cycles 12V 100AH Lifepo4 Battery Grade A Cells for Marine Trolling Motor RV camping Solar Golf Cart Off-Grid
Rating: 9.1/10
The FLLYROWER 12V 100AH Lithium Battery is a powerhouse for all your adventures! Whether you’re out on the water with your trolling motor, exploring in your RV, camping off-grid, or powering your golf cart, this battery is built to last. It uses top-grade A cells and boasts an incredible 16,500 deep cycles, meaning it can handle a lot of use and still keep going.
What We Like:
- Incredible Lifespan: With up to 10 years of life and 16,500 deep cycles, this battery is a long-term investment.
- Advanced BMS Protection: It’s packed with safety features like low-temperature, high-temperature, short circuit, and overcharge protection to keep it safe and extend its life.
- Flexible Power: You can connect multiple batteries in series for more voltage or in parallel for more capacity, making it super adaptable for different needs like RVs, solar systems, or home energy storage.
- Lightweight and Portable: It’s much lighter than other battery types and comes with a handle, making it easy to carry and use anywhere.
- Great for Trolling Motors: Enjoy longer fishing trips with consistent power for your trolling motor and fish finder.
- Perfect for RVs: Power all your RV appliances and recharge easily with solar energy.
What Could Be Improved:
- Capacity Expansion Limits: While parallel connections have no limit, series connections are limited to 5S, which might restrict some higher voltage needs.
This FLLYROWER battery offers a fantastic blend of durability, safety, and versatility for a wide range of applications. It’s a reliable power source that will keep you going on all your excursions.
5. KEPWORTH 12.8V 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery Rechargeable Lithium Battery with 100A BMS
Rating: 8.8/10
The KEPWORTH 12.8V 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery is a powerful and versatile rechargeable lithium battery designed for a variety of applications like trolling motors, boats, RVs, and solar power systems. It boasts Grade A Lithium Iron Phosphate cells for long-lasting performance and a robust 100A BMS for safety. With a 10-year lifespan and a 5-year after-service warranty, KEPWORTH aims to provide a satisfying experience for its customers.
What We Like:
- Long Lifespan: Expect up to 10 years of reliable use, with 4000-15000 deep cycles.
- Smart Charging: Comes with a free 7A aviation head charger that can charge from side ports and the top terminal simultaneously, preventing reversed polarity.
- Convenient USB Port: A side USB charging port is included for powering devices like phones and cameras on the go.
- Advanced BMS Protection: The built-in 100A BMS safeguards against overcharging, over-discharging, over-current, and short circuits. It also includes high/low-temperature cut-off for added safety.
- Flexible Connectivity: Supports series and parallel connections (up to 5 in series) for customized power solutions.
- Responsive Customer Service: KEPWORTH offers a 5-year after-service warranty with a commitment to providing solutions within 24 hours for any issues.
What Could Be Improved:
- Not for Golf Carts: This battery is not suitable for use in golf carts.
- Waterproof Compartment Recommended: For marine or wet environments, using a waterproof battery compartment is advised.
- Recharge Promptness: If the battery is completely discharged, it should be recharged within 12 hours.
This KEPWORTH battery offers a compelling package of performance and user-friendly features for power enthusiasts. Its robust protection and convenient design make it a solid choice for many outdoor and mobile power needs.
Choosing the Best Trolling Motor Battery: A Simple Guide
Your trolling motor needs a good battery to work well. A reliable battery means more time on the water and less time worrying. This guide will help you pick the right one.
1. Key Features to Look For
Deep Cycle vs. Starting Batteries
Trolling motors need deep cycle batteries. These batteries are made to be drained and recharged many times. Starting batteries are for starting engines and don’t last as long when used for trolling.
Capacity (Ah)
Capacity is measured in Amp-hours (Ah). It tells you how much power the battery can hold. A higher Ah means longer run time. Think about how long you usually fish. If you fish all day, you’ll need a higher Ah battery.
Voltage
Trolling motors usually run on 12V, 24V, or 36V. Check your motor’s voltage. You might need one battery for 12V, two for 24V, or three for 36V.
Weight and Size
Batteries can be heavy. Consider how you’ll carry and store them. Make sure it fits in your boat’s battery compartment.
Reserve Capacity (RC)
Reserve Capacity is the number of minutes a battery can deliver 25 amps at 80°F. A higher RC means the battery can run longer at a steady pace.
2. Important Materials
Lead-Acid Batteries
These are the most common. They use lead plates and sulfuric acid. They are usually cheaper.
- Flooded Lead-Acid: These need water added regularly. They are affordable but require maintenance.
- Sealed Lead-Acid (SLA): These don’t need water. They are low maintenance.
- Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM): These use fiberglass mats to soak up the electrolyte. They are spill-proof and vibration-resistant. They are more expensive but last longer.
- Gel Batteries: The electrolyte is a gel. They are also spill-proof and low maintenance. They handle heat well.
Lithium Batteries
These are newer and lighter. They hold more power and last much longer than lead-acid. They are also more expensive upfront but can save money over time.
- Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4): This is a popular type of lithium battery for trolling motors. They are safe and have a long lifespan.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Build Quality
Good batteries have strong casing and well-made internal components. This helps them last longer and perform better.
Brand Reputation
Some brands are known for making reliable batteries. Reading reviews can help you find these brands.
Maintenance
For flooded lead-acid batteries, keeping the water levels correct is important. For all batteries, proper charging is key.
Charging Habits
Don’t let batteries sit discharged for too long. Charge them after each use. Overcharging can also damage batteries.
Temperature
Extreme heat or cold can reduce battery life and performance. Store your batteries in a moderate temperature when possible.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Weekend Fishermen
If you fish on weekends, a good quality lead-acid battery might be enough. Look for a balance of price and performance.
Serious Anglers
If you fish often and for long periods, a higher Ah battery or a lithium battery will give you the best experience. You won’t have to worry about running out of power.
Kayakers and Small Boats
Lighter lithium batteries are great for smaller boats or kayaks where weight is a concern.
Environmental Considerations
Lithium batteries are more environmentally friendly over their lifespan because they last longer and require fewer replacements.
Choosing the right trolling motor battery makes a big difference. Consider your fishing habits, budget, and the type of battery that best suits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does a trolling motor battery last?
A: It depends on the type of battery, how you use it, and how you charge it. Lead-acid batteries might last 3-5 years, while lithium batteries can last 10 years or more.
Q: Can I use a car battery for my trolling motor?
A: No, you should not. Car batteries are starting batteries and are not designed for the deep cycling that trolling motors require. They will not last long.
Q: What is the difference between CCA and MCA?
A: CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) is for starting engines. MCA (Marine Cranking Amps) is similar but for marine use. Neither is as important for trolling motors as Ah and RC.
Q: How do I know when my trolling motor battery is dead?
A: Your trolling motor will start to run slower. The lights on the motor might flicker or go out. You might also have a battery indicator on your motor or boat.
Q: Can I mix different types of batteries for my trolling motor setup?
A: It’s generally not recommended to mix different types of batteries (like lead-acid and lithium) or batteries of different ages and capacities in the same bank. It can lead to uneven charging and discharging, which can damage the batteries.
Q: How often should I charge my trolling motor battery?
A: You should charge your battery after every use. It’s also good to do a full charge periodically, even if you haven’t used it much.
Q: What is the best type of battery for a 24V trolling motor?
A: For a 24V system, you typically need two 12V batteries wired in series. You can use two deep cycle lead-acid batteries or two deep cycle lithium batteries.
Q: Do lithium batteries need a special charger?
A: Yes, lithium batteries require a charger specifically designed for lithium batteries. Using a lead-acid charger can damage them.
Q: How can I extend the life of my lead-acid trolling motor battery?
A: Keep it charged, avoid deep discharges when possible, and maintain the water levels if it’s a flooded lead-acid battery. Also, avoid extreme temperatures.
Q: Is it worth upgrading to a lithium trolling motor battery?
A: For many anglers, the answer is yes. While the upfront cost is higher, lithium batteries are lighter, last much longer, charge faster, and provide more consistent power, which can greatly improve your fishing experience.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.