The frustration of a trolling motor running out of juice is too real for avid anglers. You’ve been cruising along, reeling in fish after fish, when suddenly your trolling motor dies, and you’re left stranded.
To avoid this unfortunate situation, you need to choose a trolling motor battery that will give you the power and reliability you need to keep fishing.
This article will look at seven of the best trolling motor batteries. We’ll discuss their features and what makes them stand out from the competition. By the end, you’ll know which battery is right for you and your fishing needs.
Contents
Top Trolling Motor Batteries
Here are our top picks for trolling motor batteries:
Universal Power Group Battery is a spill-proof battery that is praised by a lot of anglers. The battery is made with a thick Abs plastic casing and is resistant to shock and vibration. It also has a low self-discharge rate, so you can be sure that it will work perfectly even after being stored for a long time.
The battery provides reliable and consistent power, perfect for trolling motors. It is also quite durable and can last for years with proper care. Another great thing about this battery is that it is very budget-friendly.
2. VMAX MR137-120 AGM
Best for Heavy Duty Marine Batteries
Key Features
Heavy-duty and worry-free
Utilizes Electrolyte Suspension System, high porosity AGM
Maximizes resistance to shocks and vibrations
Fast Recovery from repeated deep discharge
This Vmax battery is excellent for trolling under harsh conditions. Anglers won’t have to worry about its maintenance because it is manufactured to have a maintenance-free operation. You don’t need to worry about checking the electrolyte’s specific gravity every time.
The VMAX MR137-120 AGM is also designed with an electrolyte suspension system with high porosity AGM. This makes the battery resistant to shocks and vibrations.
In addition, this battery can recover quickly from repeated deep discharge. You’ll be able to use it for a long time without worrying about replacement anytime soon.
3. Interstate Batteries 12V 35AH
Best Trolling Motor Battery for Smaller Boats
Key Features
Lead plates are thicker internally for more deep cycle AGM work
Eliminates spill and overpressure, maintenance-free
Long life for deep discharge usage
This Interstate battery is excellent if you have a smaller boat, like an ocean kayak. This battery only weighs 10 kg for heavy-demand mobility. It also supplies 12V 35 AH and utilizes VRLA technology. So, you don’t have to worry about any maintenance.
The lead plates in this battery are thicker than most internally. This provides deeper cycle AGM work for longer trolling motor usage. You don’t have to worry about spillage or overpressure with this battery, as it is maintenance-free.
4. ExpertPower 12v 33ah
Best User-Friendly
Key Features
Easy to install and hand-carry
Compact but powerful, enjoy longer time on high speed
Wide temperature range
Valve regulated batteries
Quality assurance
Genuine expert power battery
The ExpertPower battery supplies 12 volts and 33 amps. It can power through a 10-hour fishing session easily as it also utilizes AGM technology and provides a high discharge rate. You can install this battery easily as it comes with the necessary hardware.
This battery is also user-friendly- it comes with a carrying handle for portability. With this compact but powerful battery, you can enjoy longer trolling motor usage at high speed. It also has a wide temperature range to use in hot or cold weather.
5. Optima OPT8016-103
Best Trolling Motor Battery for Usability
Key Features
Mountable in any position
Reliable dual-purpose battery
Reserve capacity is utilized for constant performance
Optimal starting power even in bad weather
Fifteen times more resistant to vibration for durability
Reserve capacity of 120 minutes
Optima OPT8016-103 provides 12 volts, 55 Ah C20 capacity, and weighs around 43 pounds. It has a dual-purpose battery, so you can use it to troll and start your boat. It also has a reserve capacity of 120 minutes so that you can enjoy a consistent performance.
This battery is also very reliable and can be mounted in any position. You don’t have to worry about bad weather either, as it has optimal starting power. This battery is also fifteen times more resistant to vibration for durability. That means you don’t have to replace it as often.
6. Mighty Max Battery 12V 100AH
Best Long-Lasting Marine Batteries
Key Features
High discharge rate and deep discharge recover
Long high-speed usability of deep cycle battery
Resists shocks and vibrations
Wide operating temperatures
AGM/SLA spill-proof battery
This Mighty Max Battery is a 12V 100ah battery prepared for long-lasting trolling in the waters. It is a UL-certified group 30H that can operate during high or low temperatures.
You don’t have to worry about spills as it is AGM/SLA spill-proof. The battery is also sealed, so no maintenance is required.
7. Odyssey Trolling Thunder 34M
Best High-End Trolling Motor Battery
Key Features
Deep cycle battery designed to prevent shock
It consists of a corrosion-resistant cycle trolling motor battery
Can be pricey
The Odyssey Trolling Thunder battery also has a higher capacity than most trolling batteries. This means the battery will require less frequent charging and last longer on a single charge.
The battery is also shock-resistant, meaning it can withstand the bumps and vibrations of trolling without losing power or performance.
Overall, the Odyssey Trolling Thunder battery is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality trolling motor battery that will provide reliable power and performance.
Things to Consider When Buying Trolling Motor Batteries
Here’s what you need to consider when buying batteries:
Recharging
To understand its reserve capacity as a matter of priority over time, it is always necessary to check the current battery.
The reserve capacity is a very crucial rating for any battery. The measurement takes place in minutes. Once the voltage drops below 10.5V from 25 amps at 80 degrees Fahrenheit, that is the battery’s reserve capacity.
Some smart chargers enable you to adjust the charging speed accordingly. If your trolling battery charger is considered a smart charger, you may need to vary your speed.
Before starting the business, read the manual of the manufacturer carefully. The last thing you would like to do is cause a fire outbreak or damage your battery prematurely.
Size
The larger the battery size of deep trolling motors, the longer the battery will last. Do you want your battery to run longer? Check the battery’s amp hour rating (Ah) and the amperage draw.
However, a 35 amp-hour or 70 amp-hour battery is enough if you’re mainly looking for a kayak. Your battery life will last depending on your amp hours.
Type
There are different types of batteries that are recommended for use with trolling motors.
Dual-purpose batteries are a combination of starting and deep cycle. These batteries work perfectly for small boats, short trips, or different uses. However, they’re not the best choice to run a quality trolling motor.
The deep cycle battery is designed to discharge smaller current quantities over a longer period. There are two deep cycle batteries:
Lead Acid Wet Cell battery
Because of the highly frequent draining and recharging associated with power operations, Lead Acid batteries are the cheapest option. The sealed Lead Acid battery costs less than $100 but is more prone to spillage and vibrations.
Wet cell batteries are a mix of water and sulfuric acid, which means that the cells and lead plates in the battery are either flooded or submerged into electrolyte fluid.
AGM Battery
AGM stands for Absorbed Glass Mat. This type of battery is completely sealed with a longer life of the battery. The internal resistance of AGM batteries is also lower.
Group size types are not battery types, but they’re considered battery families – the larger and stronger the battery, the higher the number.
Group size 24 is your most frequent cranking batteries, double-use batteries, and small deep cycle batteries. Around 11 x 7 x 9 inches of group 2 batteries are measured.
Group size 27 is more common for a deep cycle battery. 12 x 7 x 9 inches or larger.
Group size 31 is the last battery group. It is about 13 x 7.25 x 9.25 inches which are considered too large batteries.
Lifespan
Charging the battery with a trolling motor may be damaging if you do not use a deep cycle battery.
Choosing a high-quality, Lead-acid AGM battery with long service life and is considered a maintenance-free battery would be best. This is the best choice if you don’t want to buy batteries every year.
Please note any warranty included in purchasing the trolling motor battery. This should indicate the minimum time the battery should last. Contact the manufacturer right away if it does not last that long.
Voltage
According to powerboat manufacturers, trolling boats 14 to 16 meters long should be equipped with a 12-volt battery.
A 24 or 36-volt motor is needed for longer boats. Each trolling motor will be fitted with a 12v AGM deep cycle battery, with low hours of power supply over a long time.
Brand
Purchasing the best brand for motor batteries can be tricky, but fellow anglers are hyping some brands.
Basic Batteries
The Battery Mighty Max is a standard solution for anglers on a budget. However, don’t expect that Mighty Max will last really long.
Interstate Batteries
Interstate is a good quality brand that has been around since 1952. Some batteries are open-cell batteries that require fluid upgrades at a low level.
Centennial Batteries
About the same time as Interstate, Centennial originated in 1955. Centennial’s main difference from Interstate is that its batteries are closed – no liquids or tapers have to be checked. More reliable but pricier.
Optima Batteries
A remarkable feature of the optima battery is that they don’t even have fluid. Optima uses a fibrous component that allows the battery to operate even though it is punctured.
Weight
Most anglers won’t like carrying trolling motor batteries by hand. If your battery is bigger and heavier, there will be less room left for you and your fishing gear.
Any common deep cycle battery may vary between 60 and 70 pounds. And by choosing the lithium-ion trolling motor battery, you can reduce the weight but only at a higher price.
Conclusion
Don’t skimp on your trolling motor battery. You might think that you’ll save some money by going with a cheaper battery, but you’re using it as your transportation over water.
This means if the battery dies, you’re in a dangerous situation. Spend a couple more dollars upfront or risk the anguish of calling for a tow boat or spending hours paddling into shore.
Jon Stenstrom
Founder & Angler
Jon Stenstrom is a fishing enthusiast. He has over 25 years of fishing experience, and 6 years of spearfishing experience, and is currently learning how to boat. Jon has his Open Water PADI Certification and FII Freediver Level 1 Certification. Jon has traveled the world to fish and dive, most notably in the Great Barrier Reef, Baja Mexico, Thailand, and Malaysia. More Articles
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The frustration of a trolling motor running out of juice is too real for avid anglers. You’ve been cruising along, reeling in fish after fish, when suddenly your trolling motor dies, and you’re left stranded. To avoid this unfortunate situation, you need to choose a trolling motor battery that will give you the power and
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