Trolling Motor Batteries: The Definitive Guide

Marine Battery Types for Trolling Motors

· Flooded Lead-Acid Trolling Motor Batteries

· AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) Trolling Motor Batteries

· Gel Trolling Motor Batteries

· Lithium Iron Phosphate（LiFePO4） Trolling Motor Batteries

Flooded Lead Acid Trolling Motor Battery

These are the most common and widely used batteries, as they either come with boats or are the least expensive. Usually, they cost less than $100.

Depending on how they are used and maintained, wet cells, or flooded lead acid batteries, usually last between 1-3 years.

Pros: Inexpensive is undoubtedly the biggest advantage of flooded lead acid batteries.

Cons: Lead acid batteries need to be watered regularly, ensuring that they are always fully submerged in distilled water. If not properly maintained, the life of the battery will be greatly shortened.

You should always secure the battery cap to prevent battery acid from spilling into your boat. You may suffer corrosion damage to your boat and other property if the battery acid escapes from the battery.

Gel Trolling Motor Battery

Rechargeable Gel Batteries, also known as Gel Electrolyte Batteries, use gel electrolytes instead of liquid electrolytes in wet cells.

Like AGM batteries, Gel Batteries are another offshoot of Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) or Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA).

Pros: Gel batteries are sealed to prevent spills and leaks.

Gel electrolytes are also used in unstable and turbulent environments.

No electrolyte needs to be replenished and no maintenance is required. They do not release gas.

Cons: Short lifespan, only 500-1000 cycles.Expensive in the long run.

AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) Trolling Motor Battery

· AGM batteries are also known as absorbed glass mat batteries. These batteries are sometimes called sealed lead acid batteries (SLA) or valve regulated lead acid batteries (VRLA).The · AGM battery is an improvement over the flooded lead acid battery.

Pros: ·

· AGM batteries are sealed and maintenance-free. They have no odor and do not release harmful gases.
· They have a lifespan of up to 4 years, twice that of traditional lead-acid batteries.
· They are lighter than their liquid-filled (wet cell) counterparts.

Cons：

· Lifespan of four years is only 25% of that of lithium batteries

· AGM batteries are sensitive to overcharging, which can cause battery life and performance degradation. Proper charging voltage and current limits must be maintained to avoid damage to the battery.

· Higher cost: AGM batteries generally have a higher upfront cost than flooded lead-acid batteries. This higher cost may hinder adoption for some users, especially in budget-constrained applications.

Lithium Iron Phosphate（LiFePO4） Trolling Motor Batteries

Lithium Iron Phosphate or LiFePO4 batteries have the longest battery life among all deep cycle and marine batteries. Boaters, yachtsmen, and anglers will find them to be the best trolling motor batteries.

Pros:
· Lightweight, small size for boats
· Lifespan up to 10 years
· No maintenance, no contamination, no memory effect

Cons:
· Highest initial cost, but saves money by being an investment in the long run.

How do I choose the best trolling motor battery

Reference the following guide selections to help you choose a battery that will provide clean, safe power for your trolling motor.

Battery Capacity – Amp-Hour Rating

· It is recommended that you select a 12-volt lithium-ion marine battery with a capacity of 100 amp-hours (Ah). You should select a battery with a group 27 or larger.
· If the amp-hour rating is higher, your battery will run longer on a single charge.
· If an amp-hour rating is not available, a deep-cycle battery with a reserve capacity of at least 180 minutes is recommended.

Battery Type and Pack Size

· The type and size of battery you choose depends on your budget, performance needs, and the amount of space you have on your boat.
· Lead-acid and lithium batteries should not be mixed in a 24-volt or 36-volt system. Batteries of the same type should always be connected in series.

Deep-Cycle vs. Starting Batteries

· Regardless of the battery type, make sure it is a “deep-cycle” battery designed for continuous use.
· LiFePO4 batteries are designed to run in deep-cycle mode, although you may not see the term “deep cycle” when shopping for lithium marine batteries.
· Trolling motors cannot be started with starting batteries because they provide quick, powerful power to start the outboard motor, not long-lasting power.

Other Considerations

· Choose a battery that can withstand turbulence and vibration.
· Sealed, maintenance-free batteries pose no risk of spillage, refilling, or gas release in confined spaces.
· You should consider the weight of the battery and make sure it is light enough for your boat.
· Your trolling motor battery should have enough capacity to power your motor while also being safe, durable, and easy to use.

Best Batteries for Trolling Motors

The best batteries for trolling motors are lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries. Despite their higher upfront cost, LiFePO4 batteries are an excellent investment for boaters due to their numerous advantages.

In the first place, LiFePO4 batteries have a lifespan of up to 10 years, which is far greater than that of traditional lead-acid batteries. Long lifespans translate into long-term savings and fewer maintenance headaches.

In addition, LiFePO4 batteries are extremely lightweight and compact, making them easier to handle and install in boats with limited space. In addition, these batteries require no electrolyte refills or other tedious maintenance.

The LiFePO4 battery is characterized by its ability to deliver steady, high-powered performance until its last drop of energy is exhausted. In contrast to lead-acid batteries, LiFePO4 batteries maintain voltage and current output until close to depletion, ensuring your trolling motor runs smoothly and efficiently.

conclusion

The majority of anglers only think about their trolling motor battery when it’s low or dead, but that’s a mistake. Anglers who fish in currents or kayaks need reliable batteries, especially those who fish in kayaks. Powerful batteries are also beneficial for large boats, since high gas prices make it more efficient to fish in one area thoroughly rather than moving around. For trolling motors to perform at their best, they need the best batteries.

BSLBATT LiFePO4 batteries deliver reliable performance, so we recommend them for optimal performance. By investing in the right battery, you can ensure smooth, quiet operation and maximize your time on the water. Explore BSLBATT’s high-performance marine batteries today.

FAQ 

What is the longest life of a trolling motor battery?

The longest life battery for trolling motors is the BSLBATT LiFePO4 battery. These batteries have a lifespan of up to 10 -15 years, provide steady power without voltage sag, a 100% depth of discharge, and faster recharge times. While the upfront cost is higher, their extended life and superior performance make them a worthwhile investment. BSLBATT’s LiFePO4 batteries are an excellent choice to provide reliable, maintenance-free power for trolling motors, ensuring worry-free fishing for many hours.

What size battery is required for a 55 lb thrust electric motor?

The Newport Vessels (NV) 55 lb thrust trolling motor draws 52A at full speed. A 100Ah battery can run at full speed for nearly 2 hours, while a 50Ah battery can last nearly 1 hour. However, trolling motors are rarely used continuously at top speed. If managed properly, a 100Ah battery can power the motor for a full day. Some anglers report that a 50Ah battery can last all day. For peace of mind, we recommend using a battery with an Ah rating higher than the motor’s maximum current, such as BSLBATT 12V 100Ah Deep Cycle LiFePO4 battery

How long will a 100Ah lithium battery last in a trolling motor?

The following formula can be used to determine the battery life of a motor:

Run Time = Battery Ah Capacity / Motor Current Draw

Based on 54A at full speed, the battery life of a 100Ah lithium battery would be:

Run Time = 100Ah/54A = 1.85 hours or 1 hour and 51 minutes

By adjusting the motor’s current draw, you can find out how long the motor will run at different speeds. Using the same motor at half speed, the life of a 100Ah battery would be:

Run Time = 100Ah / 10A = 10 hours

By substituting the battery’s Ah rating with the motor’s current draw, you can calculate the life of your trolling motor battery.

The superior performance and convenience of LiFePO4 batteries make them an excellent choice for trolling motors. BSLBATT LiFePO4 batteries provide superior power delivery, longer life, and worry-free operation for marine applications.

Our goal at BSLBATT is to provide our customers with high-performance battery solutions, as well as other essential marine products like pure sine wave inverters and solar energy storage. If you would like to learn more about our products and find the perfect power solution for your marine needs, please browse our online store or contact us directly.