(Last Updated On: April 10, 2020)

I decided to do something a little different here on JumpStarterExpert – trolling motor batteries reviews. It is something I am interested in and thought I would share with you a 2020 updated review of these nifty pieces of kit.

Below is a table summarizing the top trolling motor batteries, helping you compare the various batteries in this review. Afterwards is the actual “mini” review of each battery, along with additional information on various aspects of trolling batteries and what to look for when choosing one. Highly recommended options at the moment are the Universal Power Group 100Ah and the VMAX VPG12C-50Li Lithium Ion 50AH.

BEST TROLLING MOTOR BATTERIES OF 2020

It is also great to read some actual reviews of these products. Click here to read them on Amazon:

>> Click Here to See Owner Reviews on Amazon <<

*Note, this post contains several affiliate links for which I receive a commission should a sale result.

Having a reliable trolling motor battery helps you to get the most from your boat whenever you go out . Like any other electric devices, your trolling motors require specific batteries that can gradually discharge electricity over a long period. You can also see our Minn Kota Power Drive V2 review here along with some of the best trolling motors of 2020.

There are two types of batteries, dual purpose, and specialized deep cycle batteries. Dual purpose batteries can be used both for starting and deep cycling. This is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg though. You also need to check the battery’s capacity, size and weight, and its charging time before deciding which one to buy.

What to Look for in a Trolling Motor Battery

Dual Purpose Batteries vs. Deep Cycle Trolling Motor Batteries

A deep cycle trolling motor battery discharges large amounts of electricity gradually. Starting batteries are required to discharge huge amounts of power at once to crank and start the engine. Dual purpose batteries such as the Optima Trolling Motor battery are convenient for starting and deep cycling. They usually offer good, but not great, performance for deep cycling.

They are also the best if you want one battery for your entire boat – the outbound or inbound motors, and its trolling motor. On the other hand, deep cycling batteries are designed to specifically discharge a large amount of electricity over long, gradual period. They can also handle discharging more deeply than starting or dual purpose batteries, which can often be destroyed when discharge to near depletion.

The best trolling motors batteries are durable, reliable, and light. Whenever using high-end trolling motors like, for instance, Intex trolling motors, you should take into consideration the following features.

Amp Hours (Ah)

This is a unit that measures the total amount of charge inside the battery. It is one of the most important metrics since it measures the amount of time the battery can power a trolling motor. Small batteries carry about 25 and 50 Ah while larger deep cycle ones carry up to 100Ah+.

Design, Construction, and Maintenance

Most modern batteries, especially of the AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) variety, are now designed to require little maintenance. They are easy to use in any position, either upside down or right side up and can withstand being immersed in water.

The batteries are charged depending on their usage. You can lose up to 30% of your battery charge through poor storage. These are some of the factors that determine how often you should charge your battery.

Power System

Most trolling batteries are designed for 12V motors thus you need at least two batteries to power a 24V trolling motor. Always check the motor power system before you buy any motor battery.

Lead-acid vs. Lithium Batteries for Trolling Motors

Lead-acid batteries are one of the oldest and most well established battery technologies of which there are numerous variations: AGM, EFB, Wet-flooded, and so on. Lithium batteries for trolling motors are a newer technology, however, offering several advantages and disadvantages over lead-acid:

Advantages of a Lithium Trolling Motor Battery over Lead-acid:

Usable capacity – a lithium trolling motor battery will have a significantly higher usable capacity, able to supply up to 80% of its rated capacity before it is considered flat, whereas a lead-acid battery should generally not supply more than 50% of its capacity before charging in order to maximize its lifespan. Weight: a lithium trolling motor battery will be a lot lighter than lead acid, approximately one third for a given capacity. This is obviously an important consideration in trolling motor boating. Power output: a lithium ion trolling motor battery can push a higher power out per pound than lead acid. Charge time: a lithium ion trolling motor battery will accept charge at a much higher rate than lead acid, so charging times are shorter. Life-time: although not always the case, lithium batteries do generally appear to outlast lead acid in terms of the number of charge-discharge cycles they will provide.

Disadvantages of a Lithium Trolling Motor Battery over Lead-acid:

Price: a lithium ion trolling motor battery will most often be considerably more expensive than lead-acid for a given Ah rating. Temperature: lithium batteries don’t like operating in very cold temperatures, but for trolling motor boating this isn’t too much of a problem since you won’t be using your boat when a lake or swamp is frozen over!

1. Odyssey PC680 Battery

This battery has a 170 CCA with attractive warranty policy. It has a reported lifetime of up to 400 cycles at 80% depth of discharge. It also has one of the the highest recharge rates I have ever seen. It can charge to 100% in just 4-6 hours.

It has an impressive design that protects it against the impact of shock and vibrations. With its AGM design it is essentially maintenance free. Very good compatibility as well, including Intex trolling motors.

Pros

Has longer service life

Voltage remains stable

Impressive mounting flexibility

Tolerant to extreme temperature

Resists corrosion due to its tin-plated brass terminals

Resistant to mechanical damage

Has a great package of pure lead plate

Cons

Not for sale in Catalina Island unfortunately but otherwise it’s a fantastic product.

>> Check It Out Here! <<

2. Optima Trolling Motor Battery Review: Optima Batteries 8016-103 D34M Blue Top Starting and Deep Cycle Marine Battery

This is a 12V dual purpose battery with an impressive 750 Cold Cranking Amps. Its dimensions are 10 by 7/8 by 13/16 inches LWH. Weight is around 43.5 pounds with Dual SAE and 5/16 stainless steel stud posts. It has a capacity of 55Ah (C20) and a reserve capacity of 120 constant running in performance.

Pros

Has optimal starting power in all weather conditions

Mountable in almost any position

Claimed to be fifteen times more resistant to vibration

Long lasting

Convenient to use

Cons

There are some reports from customers of the product arriving in bad condition on shipping. How true this is or how frequently it occurs is unknown though so I wouldn’t let this stop you from buying this product.

>> Check It Out Here! <<

3. Minn Kota Trolling Motor Battery Review: VMAX857 AGM Battery 12V 35AH Marine Deep Cycle HI Performance Battery

The battery measures 7.7 by 5.0 by 6.1 inches (LWH). It can be bought as a battery kit and comes with a zero maintenance operation. Has heavy duty grids (VMAX) made from tin-alloy which provide better performance over a longer time.

Pros

Has its own (separately purchasable) recommended charger, VMAX BC1204 12V 3.3Amp. This is great as it will ensure that the battery is charged in accordance with the manufacturer, extending the life of the battery.

No need to check electrolyte level or add water

Has a maintenance-free operation

Great carry handle

Lighter in weight than its equivalent competitors

Cons

Higher charging voltage than a car battery adds inconvenience

Does not guide on equalization charge cycle, for example, AGM/SLA/VRLA may experience sulfating



>> Check It Out Here! <<

4. Intex Trolling Motor Battery Review: Mighty Max 12V 55Ah Power Boat Ponton Trolling Motor Deep Cycle Battery

The Mighty Max is a Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) variety, as most are in this review – you can’t beat that old school technology. It can be used to run various types of trolling motors including the Minnkota trolling motor. It has a 9.02 by 5.43 by 9.13 inches profile, and because of its AGM design, it is spill-proof.

Pros

Long lasting

Has high discharge rate

High performance in high and low temperatures

Resists shocks and vibration effects

Can be mounted in any position (AGM design)

Has wide operating temperatures with deep discharge recover-ability

Cons

It does not have preferred chargers

It does not ship globally from Amazon

>> Check It Out Here! <<

5. ExpertPower 12V 33ah Rechargeable Deep Cycle Battery (EXP12330)

This battery comes in packs of different sizes with the following available options: 1-pack 12v 33AH, 2-Pack 12v 33AH, 12V10A charger, and 12V20A charger. It uses AGM Technology with the reliability of the ExpertPower name.

Pros

User-friendly

Maintenance free

Holds charge for extended periods

Sturdy design

Cons

No recommended charger

>> Check It Out Here! <<

6. Universal Power Group – 12V 100Ah Battery

The biggest boy of the lot storing an impressive 100Ah – perfect if you’re planning a lengthy trolling expedition! With that though, its physical size is rather hefty at 12.17 by 6.61 by 9.16 inches (LWH), and weighing in at 63.93 lb.

Being based on SLA/AGM technology, it is spill proof. Overall, this battery should provide you with many pain-free years of use for both dual and deep cycle applications.

Pros

Works for long hours

Resists shocks and vibrations

Can be mounted in any position

Great running power

Cons

No malfunctions reported. Only packaging issues after shipping as with the Optima battery above



>> Check It Out Here! <<

7. Casil CA12350 12v 35ah for Light Trolling Motor Battery

A relative newcomer to the trolling battery market, this Casil CA12350 battery appears well-made and great for light trolling. There isn’t too much to say at this point unfortunately but given the company’s reputation, it is sure to be a great product.



>> Check It Out Here! <<

8. 12V 55AH GEL Replacement Battery Minn Kota Trolling Motors – Mighty Max

This is a great selection as a replacement for a Minnkota trolling motor battery. Unique to this battery is its gel design which eliminates the conventional acid bank of a normal SLA battery. It also has an AGM design, so it can be stored and used in any position. The manufacturer reports good deep cycle ability as well.

It measures 9.02 by 5.43 by 9.13 inches (LWH) and has a factory recommended charger, the ML55-12GEL.

Pros

Resists shocks and vibrations

Requires no maintenance

No wire harness or mounting accessory required

Can add extra electrolyte to prolong its standard life

High performance in both high and low temperatures

Cons

None worth mentioning at this point but will update when I hear of any.

>> Check It Out Here! <<

9. Power Star – True Deep Cycle 12v 35AH Wilderness Tarpon 100 Kayak Trolling Motor Battery

Last, but by no means least on the list, is the Power Star deep cycle battery. Relatively new on the market, this battery offers sealed, maintenance-free performance. Furthermore, it is based on Absorptive Glass Mat technology, avoiding any issues with mounting or storage.

Besides this, Power Star offers a better return policy than most manufacturers, and even provide a fantastic three-year warranty on their products. This tells you that they really have a lot of confidence in their product and so should you.

>> Check It Out Here! <<

Lithium Ion Trolling Motor Battery Reviews

Being one of the few lithium ion based trolling motor batteries in this top 10 showdown, so far the VMAX VPG12C has quite a lot to compete against. The beauty of lithium batteries though is their sheer weight advantage over their SLA cousins. This unit weighs in at just 12lbs but still has a respectable 50Ah capacity. This is compared to 25lbs for the VMAX V35-857 12 Volt 35AH AGM Battery which only has a capacity of 35Ah! So if weight is a concern for you, there are very few alternatives that can beat the VMAX VPG12C trolling motor battery (lithium).

Dimensions wise, 7.7 by 5.0 by 6.2″ (LWH). It features an LCD display to keep you up to date on charge capacity so that you know you won’t run flat while in the middle of a lake or dam. Numerous safety features have also been incorporated to put your mind at ease, including over-charge, over discharge and short-circuit protection.

Pros

Very light

Charges faster

Can last longer than acid batteries

Very powerful

Good quality lithium battery

Cons

Little to no negative feedback currently exists for this battery but it is still a relative newcomer

Cannot be hooked up in parallel or series with other SLA based batteries, but this will be the case with other lithium batteries as well.

>> Check It Out Here! <<

11. Battle Born LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery – 100Ah 12v with Built-in BMS

Battle Born LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery100 Ah 12 Volt is a lightweight and durable replacement for similar lead-acid batteries. It features built-in Battery Management System (BMS) that monitors battery parameters, like charging and discharging currents, voltages, temperatures and similar.

This deep cycle battery can be directly connected in series and parallel to create battery packs with larger capacities and voltages. Moreover, this battery can be directly charged using lead-acid chargers, but one has to be cautious regarding charging currents and voltages.

Pros

It is one of the lightest among 100 Ah batteries for automotive and marine use.

This battery’s output voltage is constant during operation, resultantly increasing the efficiency of most electrical systems.

It has the capacity of holding a charge up to one 1 year, requiring no additional trickle charger.

Cons

It is one of the most expensive 100 Ah batteries.

These batteries lose some capacity with the increase of discharge current.

Verdict

Battle Born LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery 100Ah 12V is the lightweight and initially expensive battery which can tolerate really large number of charging and discharging cycles, much more than its peers. It is an excellent choice for all applications which require lighter battery weight. It also features constant output voltage, tolerates deep discharge conditions, and has a very low self-discharge rate.

12. Orient Power 12V 100Ah lithium-ion LiFePO4 Battery

The Orient Power lithium-ion LiFePO4 Battery is a 12V and 100Ah deep cycle battery. It is suitable for motorhome use with constant output power and no self-discharge. Thanks to its design, this deep cycle battery has enough capacity to store energy with minimum maintenance requirement.

Pros

The battery has no leakage or spillage issues because of sealed design.

Orient Power battery can charge easily and is ideal for solar use.

No fire or explosion hazard.

Cons

This Lithium-ion Battery does not come with built-in Battery Management System (BMS), thus, posing a risk.

The company provides only a one-year warranty which is nothing as compared to other lithium batteries of similar cost.

Verdict

If you want an easy to use and safer alternative to the lead-acid battery then Orient Power battery should be your preferred choice. Although much higher in its price, this product is worth spending your money on in terms of features it provides.

13. GreenLiFE Battery GL100 – 100AH 12V Lithium-Ion Battery

GreenLiFE Battery GL100 is a lightweight, rapid-charging battery with built-in Battery Management System (BMS) having the capability of maintaining the higher voltage at high amperes along with providing protection to your investment. Compared to lead-acid batteries of its size, this GreenLiFE battery has a lot more charge efficiency and thus ideally suitable for solar panels. Its charge can last for over a year.

This battery has been designed with an explosion-proof SS case and its cells are bolted together to enhance conductivity, strength, and life of battery.

Pros

It has significantly less weight than the comparably sized lead-acid battery used in the automotive and marine industry.

This battery is designed to sustain high and low operating temperatures.

This product has an amazing performance in terms of self-discharge, with even after 3,000 cycles the battery will only go down to around 80 percent of its initial storage capacity.

Cons

This battery is quite expensive than its peers.

It has less warranty than its peers.

Verdict

GreenLiFE battery’s Battery Management system (BMS) and the company’s excellent customer service makes this a safer choice for your investment. Even though these batteries are expensive, but they give perfect features for a battery as well.

14. Renogy Lithium-Iron Phosphate Battery 12 Volt 50Ah

Renogy Lithium-ion 12V 100Ah battery, with built-in Battery protection system, lasts almost ten times longer than a similar lead-acid battery however at a premium price. Along with this, this battery will also provide you reduction in weight, low maintenance, and quick charging.

Pros

They are about half the weight so easy to place in the compartment

These batteries charge quickly and have a great discharge profile.

Renogy Lithium-ion batteries have many more charge cycles than lead-acid batteries.

This battery is cheaper than other lithium-ion batteries in the list.

Cons

These batteries can only be used in parallel and not in series.

The connection bolt size is not standard and hence creates problems in assembly.

Verdict

Although the majority of the customer reviews have criticized this battery because of not-so-good performance, this battery has many similar characteristics of the market leader, Battle Born Lithium-ion battery, at a lower cost. But these batteries are a bit difficult to handle because of there non-standard design, charging and assembly.

15. FirePower Featherweight Lithium Battery HJTZ5S-FP-IL

FirePower Featherweight Lithium Battery is extremely lightweight, approximately half weight than standard batteries, and fast to recharge. These batteries have higher cranking amperes as compared to lead-acid batteries. It has longer shelf life before requiring a recharge.

Pros

This battery does not need a specific charger and hence can be charged using any charger.

This battery does not pose any kind of hazard as no acid, explosives or combustible material is used in its manufacturing.

Cons

This battery only comes with one to two years of warranty.

It provides less power as compared to others within a similar price range.

Verdict

This battery has been much disapproved due to its very lightweight as it makes it difficult to fit in. However, owing to its quick and universal recharge capacity, it takes only 10 minutes to recharge completely, FirePower battery is ideal for those who do not like to waste much time on recharging batteries.

The above Trolling Motor Battery Reviews gives a complete guide on the best motor batteries to buy in 2020. When doing your online research, you probably check the price and assume everything else is good to go. However, you need to consider every aspect of the battery as discussed.

Know which technology you want from the three: AGM, Lithium-ion, and Wet-Cell. Practice good storage and good maintenance to avoid discharging your motor batteries. Read the manual guide for more complete maintenance instruction. Finally, you should conduct regular market research to ensure you’re getting the best deals on the trolling motors batteries – JumpStarterExpert is here to make this last one a little easier though!

Below are some frequently asked questions which should further help you in your decision about which battery to get.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trolling Motor Batteries

Can a trolling motor battery get wet?

Yes, a trolling motor battery can get wet. Generally speaking, a little bit of water is never going to be a problem, just as long as you get the top dried up quickly before the water starts to corrode the terminals. Also, saltwater conducts electricity, and once the saltwater is exposed to the trolling motor battery, it will begin to drain its charge.

Even if the battery is exposed to a little bit of saltwater, sitting between the terminals the water will drain the battery a lot quicker. A drained battery is something you don’t want if you are far from land.

Freshwater, on the other hand, doesn’t have the same effects as saltwater does on the trolling motor batteries. There is some conductive action, but it is not all that much. All water is corrosive, so, therefore, you do not want to leave the top of the motor battery wet where the terminals are located. The water will begin to erode the metal parts.

How long will a trolling motor battery last?

How long will a trolling motor battery last? Are you asking about a specific day or over the life of a battery? Here are the factors that can impact both:

How do you use the battery? If you use a trolling motor battery in windy conditions or bodies of water with strong currents, you’ll probably use it more and it may not last as long as a battery used in calm water.

How big is the battery? Generally speaking, the larger a battery is physical, the more energy it can hold. It should also be noted that the more deeply you discharge your battery, the fewer cycles you’ll be able to get out of it before it reaches the end of its useful life. Reserve capacity, not cold-cranking amps are the important specification here.

How do you maintain the battery? Whenever batteries are discharged below 12.4 volts and are left sitting in that state, sulfation begins to form in the battery, which reduces capacity and lifespan. Fully-recharge you’re trolling motor battery as soon as you can after use and it will hold more energy and last longer.

What type of battery are you using? Batteries designed and warrantied for deep-cycle use (like the OPTIMA D34M, D27M or D31M) will last longer than starting batteries that are not designed or warrantied for deep-cycle use. AGM batteries also tend to perform better and last longer than their flooded lead-acid battery counterparts and they can handle bouncing around on the back of your trailer much better than a flooded lead-acid battery.

How thick is the wiring you are using to connect all your components? Some may suggest a simple formula exists for determining how long a trolling motor battery will last with a specific trolling motor, but those estimates may be over-simplistic and unrealistic. Beyond the reality that a 100-lb Jon boat may be easier to move around with a trolling motor than a 28-foot deep-v hulled sport fishing boat, there are other factors to consider. Most batteries are not fully charged when they hit the water, so expecting them to perform according to their rated specifications might be unrealistic.

Where to put a trolling motor battery on my boat?

Trolling motor batteries are temperature sensitive, needing a temperature that is comfortable for a person, and high temperatures dramatically shorten their life. If the proposed battery location is too hot for you, it is also too hot for your trolling motor battery. This presents a dilemma for many trolling motor battery installations since you want short runs of battery cable to your engine’s starter or alternator to prevent a loss of voltage, but your trolling motor battery won’t last long in a hot engine room and must be ventilated.

Trolling motor batteries, especially the flooded type, give off lighter-than-air explosive hydrogen gas when charging, so they must be vented from the top directly to the outside of the trolling boat. If there is insufficient natural ventilation you may have to add a spark-proof exhaust fan to eliminate gas buildup and to lower the temperature. Trolling motor batteries, especially the flooded type, must also be easy to get to for service.

What size trolling motor battery do I need?

Few trolling motor companies might recommend a minimum reserve capacity for a battery or a specific number of batteries for a certain number of pounds of thrust from your trolling motor, but the reality is, you first need to explore the space you possess for your trolling motor batteries in your boat. If you’re trying to put a trolling motor rated at 105 pounds of thrust on the back of your canoe or skiff, you may need to use three batteries and you need to make sure you have enough space for three batteries, yourself and all your gear. You may find putting 180 pounds of batteries and a 180-pound fisherman in the same end of your boat is not a viable option.

Once you’ve identified the space you have available for trolling motor batteries, consider how much you’re going to use your trolling motor and where you’re going to use it. Are you on a “no wake” body of water, that will make your trolling also your primary means of moving around on the lake? Are you going onto a river or other body of water with a strong current that may require a lot of trolling motor use? Will you be going into windy conditions that may also require a lot of trolling motor use? If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, then you may want to look for the largest trolling motor batteries you can fit in your boat.

When to replace a trolling motor battery?

You should replace trolling motor batteries when you are suffering from the following problems:

Power Loss

At times, even with the right battery and sufficient capacity, your trolling motor can’t supply adequate power. This can cause a big problem, as the trolling motor won’t be able to apply the required thrust.

Excessive Vibrations and Noise

When using a trolling motor, the motor might abruptly make excessive vibrations and noise. This can be harmful to the on-board batteries, and it can also be irritating. One should check and find the exact cause and apply the appropriate solution.

Motor Fails to Run

In various cases, the trolling motor fails to run at all. This is sure to put a damper on your fishing trip. It might be caused due to the fuse or the circuit breaker. Make sure it is working properly, and replace any fuses or switches that may have blown.

Motor Fails to Run at Certain Speeds

Few trolling motors fail to run when they are set at a specific speed. With this issue, you won’t be able to set the trolling motor on the required speed. This can cause either a minor inconvenience or a bigger problem.

Difficulty in Turning Foot Pedal

In some trolling motors, for instance, mechanical steer models, the motor is produced with foot pedals to control the motors. Numerous users may face difficulty turning the foot pedal and controlling the motor.

When to charge a trolling motor battery

You should charge your trolling motor battery when it is running low on power. If you desire to have the finest battery experience, then it is vital to take care of your trolling motor battery. They are seemingly easy to use if you follow the guide. To get them working in the most effective manner you have to use them properly.

Charging the battery in a proper way is the core part of maintaining the state of a good battery. There are numerous methods to charge trolling motor batteries, ranging from the solar method, charging by means of the outboard engine and charging the batteries on the lake. Primarily, choosing the right kind of charger for your trolling motor battery goes a long way in maintaining your battery health.

How to charge a trolling motor battery?

There are several charging methods for charging your battery, stated below:

Charging Batteries Using Solar Power

A trolling motor can be charged with solar power. A solar panel and other equipment are needed to do this.

Simply position the solar panel on the boat. A higher position is better to catch more sun rays. A boost converter is handy in taking low voltage and converting it successfully. A relay circuit is convenient when charging more than one battery.

Charging using solar is not totally dependable. You can want to recharge immediately, and the sky is overcast. Or, it can be late in the afternoon providing too little juice to charge the battery. Sluggish charging is common with a solar panel, but it usually works. Patience is required.

Charging Batteries Using a Portable Charger

A portable charger is suitable to charge a deep cycle battery. They are not too weighty to carry onto and off the boat.

The portable charger is not left engaged with the battery. It’s attaching, completes the charging cycle and then is detached again. A few models are pretty durable, and they last a good amount of time. They certainly charge a battery quicker than solar in most cases.

How does a trolling motor battery charger work?

All trolling motor battery chargers have one thing in common: they work by feeding an electric current through batteries for a period of time in the hope that the cells present inside will cling to some of the energy going through them. That’s roughly where the similarity between chargers begins and ends!

The economical, crudest chargers use either a continuous voltage or constant current and apply that to the batteries till you switch them off. Forget, and you’ll overcharge the trolling batteries; take the charger off too soon and you won’t charge them enough, so they’ll run flat more quickly. Better chargers use a much slower, gentler “trickle” charge for a much longer period of time.

How to choose a trolling motor battery?

When one is selecting trolling motor batteries, he should consider these things:

Battery Type

There are two particular types of deep-cycle 12-volt batteries suggested for use with trolling motors: Lead Acid Wet-Cell & AGM Batteries. Deep-cycle batteries are designed for discharging smaller amounts of current over a longer period of time and for more frequent recharging.

Amperage Hour Rating

You can consider a battery’s amperage hour rating as being similar to the gas tank of a vehicle. The rest of the things equal, a battery with a 115 amp hour rating will last much longer than a 100 amp-hour rated battery. In more technical terms, a 100 amp-hour rated battery can supply 100 amp hours of current to a trolling motor. So if a motor was running at low speed and lugging 4 amps, the battery should last around 25 hours.

How to test a trolling motor battery?

Firstly, make sure your charger is charging the batteries fully. Make sure the charger indicates a full charge, then unplug it and let the batteries sit overnight. Measure the voltage on each battery. The actual voltage is less important than the difference between them. Should see 12.64V for typical flooded cells, but it could be higher for other battery types. More than a couple of 100ths difference between them here is cause for concern.

Next time you go fishing, measure the batteries when you get to the lake as above. Repeat every couple of hours or when you notice a power drop. If one battery drops more than the others, that one is probably bad. If the batteries are being charged fully, start the day at the same voltage and discharge equally, then they are probably all worn out.

How long should a trolling motor battery last?

Trolling motor battery life depends on usage, temperature, charging, and maintenance. Storing batteries for a long period of time could also affect the life of batteries. But normal lifespan expectations for trolling motor batteries are as follows:

Marine AGM deep-cycle batteries – 4 to 7 years

Wet or flooded batteries – 1 to 6 years

Gel batteries – 2 to 5 years

How to install a trolling motor battery?

Check that the terminals of the new trolling motor battery are lined up with the cables. Lift the battery into the trolling motor battery box or compartment and make sure it’s securely in place.

Before you connect the cables, you might need to grease the terminals to ensure a strong, reliable connection. You can apply a small amount of vaseline to each terminal before attaching the cables to ensure a reliable connection.

Connect the cables, beginning with the positive terminal before attaching the second cable to the negative terminal. Once the cables are linked, make certain that any loose cable is out of the way and unlikely to catch on the lid of the battery box. Using your wrench, make sure the cables are firmly attached to the battery terminals. Once you’ve connected the cables to the battery, put the lid back on the battery box.

How to maintain a trolling motor battery?

You can maintain a trolling motor battery by paying close attention to the following points:

When using your trolling motor, pay special attention to how the trolling motor and the engine sound. If the engine has trouble cranking or if the trolling motor does not seem to last as long as usual, it is a sign of a weak battery.

Remember fuses and breakers are very important for accessories that are attached to batteries. Fuses prevent components such as electronic equipment from being damaged in the event of a power surge, while breakers allow power to be turn off during inactivity period to allow batteries to remain fully charged.

Don’t forget to fully charge the batteries after each trip. Your trolling motor battery can get memory and ultimately drop power if used when they are not fully charged. Using partially charged batteries may even cause new batteries not to get fully charged again.

When using lead-acid batteries, always check the water level in the batteries. Avoid using tap water or even battery acid that you obtained at the local car stores. Used distilled water, and always wear safety goggles and rubber gloves when working on batteries.

How to properly and safely extend trolling motor battery cables?

Adhering to proper wiring rules will ensure that you do not experience power loss between the batteries and the trolling motor. When extending the wiring on your trolling motor, it’s significant to deliberate what gauge wire to use. It is strongly recommended that one views the detailed chart for specifics pertaining to his actual motor and wiring scenario.

You can always join a very short run of 6 or 8 gauge wire to your longer and lower gauge wire if you require to complete the connection to a new or existing plug and receptacle. It is always useful using marine grade products and butt splice with heat shrinking to join separate pieces of wire.

Can you use a lithium battery for a trolling motor?

Yes, you can use a lithium battery for a trolling motor as it has the following advantages:

Lifespan warranty: Most lithium battery manufacturers offer from a 4-year to an 8-year warranty, or even more, for their batteries. Under normal use, this can even be extended to 10 years or more. Most marine AGM batteries have only a 12-month replacement warranty.

Most lithium battery manufacturers offer from a 4-year to an 8-year warranty, or even more, for their batteries. Under normal use, this can even be extended to 10 years or more. Most marine AGM batteries have only a 12-month replacement warranty. Weight: The difference in weight between a marine AGM battery and a lithium battery is quite significant. In fact, a lithium battery is virtually weightless, it even floats.

The difference in weight between a marine AGM battery and a lithium battery is quite significant. In fact, a lithium battery is virtually weightless, it even floats. Charging time: An AGM battery takes a full charge three times longer than a lithium battery which can take a full charge in just two hours. Usually and AGM deep-cycle lead battery takes around 6 hours to reach full charge. The difference in charge time is significant, especially when an angler is in a fishing tournament for several days or will be fishing at quite a distance.

Are lithium batteries good for trolling motors?

Yes, lithium batteries are good for trolling motors as it has long-lasting power. A typical setup for a 36-volt trolling motor is to run three 12-volt marine batteries in a series to achieve 36 volts. Three 100 Amp Hour (AH) lithium batteries in a series will power a trolling motor running at the same speed roughly twice as long as a series of three conventional 100 AH marine batteries.

How long will a trolling motor run on a deep cycle battery?

Steps for calculating trolling motor run time on deep cycle battery are as follows: