Do you want to go fishing in the deep ocean waters? You will need a trolling motor to drive you to the destinations you wish to reach. A high-performing trolling motor is therefore important so that you do not get stuck. Besides, the best trolling batteries will add to the performance.
With the many models in the market, you are likely to come across various models which all claim to be the best. This guide filters out the different trolling motor batteries to help you get the right one.
Quick Picks: The Top-Rated Trolling Motor Battery
Table could not be displayed.
In a hurry? Check our best pick above, or keep reading for product reviews and buying guide!
What Are Trolling Motor Batteries?
Trolling motor batteries are special batteries meant for boat use. The main purpose is that they are to provide power over an extended period. You may like fishing for hours; thus, the least you would want is a battery failure.
You may want to sneak up on some of the fish or for you need to cruise along. You may have been paddling for hours, and you just need to rest for a while. Well, the best trolling motor battery should make all this possible.
To better understand troll motor batteries and how you should decide on the right one, we will look at different factors to consider.
How to Pick the Best Trolling Motor Battery
Battery type
Batteries come in different types, but the two dominant troll batteries are lead-acid wet cell and absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries. The former is cheaper but requires maintenance periodically. AGMs can be expensive; however, they require no maintenance and last longer.
Amp Hour Rating
This indicates the length of time a battery will sustain you at a given amperage. An example, a 100 amp-hour battery will provide 5 amps for about 20 hours. This is important information for those for long trips or who use trolling motors that draw a lot of amps.
Cold Cranking Amps
It is not quite the most important consideration for many people. However, it is important for those that work or fish in the cold regions. It will help you determine whether the battery will survive the cold conditions or its performance will be affected.
Weight
Some anglers do not mind carrying around a heavy battery. It will, however, inconvenience other people during installation. A lightweight battery will come in handy if you do not have the muscles. Also, the battery adds significant weight to your boat. Having a very heavy battery will imbalance your vessel.
Charging Time
If you like going on fishing trips frequently, you should opt for a battery that charges for a brief time. This is to avoid removing the battery when it is not fully charged. You will also avoid getting stranded in the waters.
In other instances, for those who only fish during weekends, charging time is not such a pressing matter. You will have a lot of time to recharge your battery.
Durability
It is quite common sense that durable batteries will last longer. So, you have to look out for features that make a battery durable. An AGM battery has its lead plates fully enclosed in a casing. This will eliminate leakages and damages as a result of vibrations or shocks.
AGM is pricey, but you get value for your money. Buying cheaper batteries will lead to higher costs because of maintenance and protection.
Maintenance
Wet cell batteries demand a lot of maintenance levels. You have to clean them, refill them with filtered water, and look out for signs of corrosion. All these are hustles that are not worth it. You should therefore go for AGM batteries that require no maintenance. Wet-cell batteries are affordable but end up expensive in the long run because of maintenance.
Size
It is crucial to have the right battery that matches your boat’s size. Is your boat large for this battery? This is the question to ask yourself. You will need extra space to feel comfortable and ensure the boat is not congested.
The larger boats have no problem with large batteries as they drain more power. You have the freedom to go for the largest trolling motor battery if you have enough room. Matching the boat’s size to the battery size will also make sure you are not stranded in the middle of anywhere.
Product Reviews of the Best Trolling Motor Battery
This maintenance-free battery is one of the best for motors. Its physical and chemical structure makes it stand out from the rest. Weighing around 68 pounds, it features carrying handles for easier grip.
The Absorbed Glass Matt(AGM) designed layer between the VMAX plates makes the battery produce better electrical and physical perks. Also, it makes it better than a Wet Lead Acid battery. The AGM is important when it comes to resisting vibrations and shocks.
If you kayak in extreme conditions, then this is the best option for you. It is made durable and has a lifespan of eight to ten years. The grids are heavy-duty to provide extra performance and service even after repeated over-discharges. However, you will need to use a high-quality brand AGM charger for this battery.
The model is regarded as spill-proof and non-hazardous, as it fully absorbs the electrolyte. A strong tank is used to enclose the close-knit plates that deliver the power. All these make the battery maintenance-free.
Pros
- You get more runtime while kayaking
- It is durable
- Provides a lot of power
- It can be mounted in any position
Cons
- It is fairly heavy
Are you worried about your large boat? This battery model delivers a remarkable 100Ah which is sufficient power for either a small or a large boat. Its versatility makes it a suitable battery for a lot of exciting outdoor activities. Fishing and camping are the best examples.
Since it is an AGM battery, it makes maintenance none of your worries. The plates are entirely sealed from environmental exposure. Moreover, it requires no fluid refills and can withstand vibrations and shocks. In turn, the battery’s performance will not be impacted.
The spill-proof technology makes it harmless to the environment. You can never worry about leakages with such a battery. I cannot imagine riding in choppy waters then your boat takes a dip in performance because of a leakage.
It measures 12.17 by 6.62 by 9.16 inches, which makes it compact. This means you can mount the battery in different positions and optimize the space in your boat.
It is quite a heavy battery weighing around 64 pounds.
The battery has a 1-year warranty, which you can use whenever damage occurs. Lastly, it is recommended that you discharge it at 50% to prolong the lifespan.
Pros
- Requires no maintenance
- It is versatile
- Non-hazardous to the environment
- Mountable in different positions
Cons
- Heavy
This is a powerful battery for any type of excursion you may be planning on the water. Its runtime will depend on speed settings. It can sufficiently support trolling motors of 60 pounds without a problem. It can easily last up to 2.5 hours at the highest speed, while at a medium speed, you can get up to 7 hours of service.
Weighing around 64 pounds, it can add some significant weight to your boat. On the other hand, it measures 12.17 by 6.61 by 8.30 inches which are quite large. This shows that you need some space to fit this battery model.
There is no loss of charges or leakages because of vibrations. The reason is that it is an AGM battery, and you can be guaranteed of durability. The complete seal around the plates makes it last longer without damage.
Maintenance services are things of the past with this battery. It can operate in a wide range of temperatures without spoiling. Fluid refills are also not required.
You can mount the boat in different positions of your boat. There is a 30-day refund policy and a guaranteed full 1-year warranty.
Pros
- It can be mounted in different positions
- Works under different temperatures
- No leakages
- No maintenance is required
Cons
- Not suitable for small trolling motors
It may not be the largest of batteries but has features that make it stand out from the rest. We can start with the incorporated spiral cell technology. The spiral lead plates offer superior efficiency and durability.
A spiral plate can deliver up to 15 times greater resistance to vibrations than flat plates. This makes it last longer while at the same time outperforming its counterparts. The counterparts have the same specs of 12V and 55Ah. In the end, you can get the best value for your money.
The battery can deliver 750 Cold Cranking Amps(CCA). This means you can power up any trolling motor in harsh winters. Imagine fishing during the coldest of winters.
Optima batteries have excellent abilities to recharge up to 90% in less than an hour. This impressive charging rate is courtesy of low internal resistance. It means you can spend less time waiting and more time fishing.
It is a durable battery with a completely sealed cover, ensuring no leakages. Weighing around 43.5 pounds and measuring 10 by 6.75 by 7.8 inches, it can be mounted in different positions. Since it is compact and fairly light, you can use it on medium and small-sized boats.
Pros
- It can be mounted in any position
- Durable
- It can be used in extremely low temperatures
- Charges very fast and in a short time
Cons
- Expensive for a small-sized battery
Do you need a pocket-friendly and powerful battery for your small-sized boat? This is your best option. It can power trolling motors of up to 40 pounds. However, if you want to feel its maximum power, then it is best used with trolling motors weighing between 18 and 30 pounds.
It is maintenance-free and rechargeable for convenience. There are AGM and VRLA (valve regulated) technologies used to make it spill-proof and durable. This also makes it safe for the environment.
The lead plates are thicker internally and more robust to allow for more deep cycles. This improves the trolling motor’s performance. The design allows for constant deep discharges in a mobility application.
The DCM0035 weighs 23.8 pounds and measures 7.7 by 5.2 by 6.3 inches. This makes a lightweight and compact battery suitable for small boats. Also, it makes it easy to mount it in different positions of your boat.
It requires little or no maintenance as it is an AGM battery. Shocks and vibrations can be handled without reducing the charge or affecting its performance. The runtime is about 5 hours and can last up to 4 years with excellent service.
A 1-year warranty is offered.
Pros
- It is lightweight and compact
- Requires no maintenance
- Pocket-friendly
- Sealed completely
Cons
- Suitable only for the small boats
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size of Trolling Battery Do You Need?
The trolling motor determines the size of your trolling motor battery. This is why it is important to know the battery’s group size. Sometimes you may find yourself with not enough power to turn the motor and get stuck in the water.
For smaller boats, you should go for group 24 batteries. They give 70-85 amps per hour at 12 volts in a good run time.
Group 27 batteries will give you 85-110 amps per hour at 12 volts. They are suitable for bass boats and give better run time.
For the larger bass boats, group 31 batteries work the best. It will give you 95-125 amps per hour at 12 volts. They will provide a great runtime.
Why are Deep Cycle Batteries Important for Trolling Motors?
The design principle in deep cycle batteries is that they discharge power over a long gradual period of time. You may go out fishing for over 8 hours, so a constant power supply is important. Remember it is a rechargeable battery; thus, it has to store the power. The regular batteries will discharge power very fast and get you stranded.
How Do I Know the Group Size of My Battery?
Most of the time, you will find it written on the battery or in the manual. You must get to know it so that you do not purchase the wrong battery.