Powering your trolling motor with the right battery is the single most important factor for a successful and stress-free day on the water. The wrong choice can leave you stranded, while the right one provides reliable, all-day thrust for chasing fish. With options ranging from traditional lead-acid to advanced lithium technology, selecting the perfect battery can seem daunting.
This roundup simplifies your search by reviewing nine of the best batteries for trolling motors. We have evaluated them based on critical factors like capacity, weight, cycle life, and overall value. Whether you are a weekend angler or a serious tournament fisherman, you will find a battery here to match your needs and keep you powered from dawn until dusk.
Our Recommended Trolling Motor Batteries
- Newport 12V50Ah Deep Cycle Heavy-Duty Marine Battery
- Grenerpower 12V100Ah Mini LiFePO4 Battery
- Newport Trolling Motor Smart Battery Box Power Center
- Dakota Lithium – 12V 10Ah LiFeP04 Deep Cycle Battery
- Qty2: VMAX SLR125 AGM Sealed Deep Cycle 12V 125Ah Batteries
- Mighty Max Battery 12V 100AH Battery for Solar Wind
- Litime 12V 100Ah Lithium Battery, Group 31 LiFePO4 Battery
- UPG Universal Power Group UB121000 12V 100Ah Solar Wind
- ExpertPower 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery
Newport 12V50Ah Deep Cycle Heavy-Duty Marine Battery
For anglers seeking a reliable and budget-friendly AGM battery, the Newport 12V50Ah is a strong contender. Its lightweight design, at just 32 pounds, makes transportation and installation significantly easier compared to heavier alternatives. This is a major benefit for smaller boats where every pound counts.
This battery is built with sealed AGM lead-acid technology, providing a leak-proof and maintenance-free solution for marine use. It is specifically designed to be compatible with trolling motors, delivering the steady power required for long hours of fishing. You get a durable and dependable power source without the complexity.
Grenerpower 12V100Ah Mini LiFePO4 Battery
The Grenerpower 12V100Ah battery stands out by packing a high capacity into a remarkably small and light package. Weighing only 20.89 pounds and with a 35% smaller footprint than many standard batteries, it solves space and weight challenges on any vessel. This mini design offers maximum flexibility for installation.
This lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery is a modern replacement for lead-acid, offering an exceptional lifespan of up to 15,000 cycles. With 100% of its 1280Wh energy storage available, it provides consistent power from a full charge down to a very low state of charge, ensuring your trolling motor performs strongly all day.
Newport Trolling Motor Smart Battery Box Power Center
This product is more than just a battery box; it is a complete power management center for your trolling motor setup. It features external battery ports, allowing you to connect your trolling motor and accessories without the need to open the box. This design adds a layer of convenience and safety.
Integrated protection is a key benefit, with dual circuit breakers (10 Amp and 60 Amp) safeguarding your equipment from electrical damage. Furthermore, it includes a direct USB charger and a 12V accessory port, making it simple to power your fish finder, phone, or other electronics directly from your battery.
Dakota Lithium – 12V 10Ah LiFeP04 Deep Cycle Battery
For applications requiring a compact and ultra-lightweight power source, the Dakota Lithium 12V 10Ah battery is an excellent choice. It is perfectly suited for small craft like kayaks and canoes, or for running electronics like fish finders without the bulk of a larger battery.
Dakota Lithium backs this battery with an impressive 11-year warranty, highlighting their confidence in its longevity. The built-in Battery Management System (BMS) provides essential protections, and the LiFePO4 chemistry ensures over 2,000 cycles, far outlasting traditional lead-acid batteries.
Qty2: VMAX SLR125 AGM Sealed Deep Cycle 12V 125Ah Batteries
This offering provides two high-capacity VMAX SLR125 batteries, making it an ideal solution for anglers who need extended runtime. With 125Ah each, these batteries can be used in parallel for 24V systems or to double your capacity for marathon fishing sessions, reducing the worry of running out of power.
These are sealed AGM batteries, which means they are maintenance-free, spill-proof, and resistant to vibration. They are built for a long float service life of 8 to 10 years, representing a durable and reliable power investment for serious boaters.
Mighty Max Battery 12V 100AH Battery for Solar Wind
The Mighty Max 12V 100Ah battery is a versatile and UL Certified AGM deep-cycle battery. Its sealed lead-acid design makes it a reliable and safe choice for marine environments, as it will not leak acid even if tipped over.
This battery is characterized by a high discharge rate and strong performance across a wide range of operating temperatures. It is a solid, general-purpose battery that provides solid value for powering trolling motors and other marine accessories.
Litime 12V 100Ah Lithium Battery, Group 31 LiFePO4 Battery
Litime’s 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 battery is engineered for long-term value and reliability. It is rated for over 4,000 cycles at 100% depth of discharge, which can translate to more than a decade of use, significantly reducing long-term costs compared to replacing lead-acid batteries every few years.
Safety and performance are central to its design. It uses premium, UL-tested LiFePO4 cells and includes a comprehensive Battery Management System (BMS) with over 20 protections. This ensures safe operation and maximizes the battery’s lifespan, making it a dependable power source for your RV or boat.
UPG Universal Power Group UB121000 12V 100Ah Solar Wind
The UPG UB121000 is a robust 100Ah AGM battery that is UL Listed, assuring a certain standard of quality and safety. As a sealed lead-acid battery, it is maintenance-free and built to handle the demands of deep-cycle applications like trolling motors.
A notable feature of this battery is its use of Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) technology, which allows for versatile mounting orientations, including on its side or even upside-down. This flexibility can be a major advantage when dealing with tricky installation spaces on a boat.
ExpertPower 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery
ExpertPower’s 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 battery brings the advantages of modern lithium technology to the market. Like other lithium options, it offers a high cycle life and a significantly lighter weight than comparable AGM batteries, which improves boat performance and ease of handling.
This battery is designed for deep cycle use in demanding applications like RVs and marine systems. It provides stable power output and a long operational life, making it a capable power source for anglers who need dependable energy for their trolling motor and onboard electronics.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Batteries for Trolling Motors
Choosing the right battery for your trolling motor isn’t just about picking the one with the highest number on the box. It’s about matching the battery’s capabilities to your specific fishing style and motor demands. I’ve spent a lot of time on the water and have learned that getting this decision wrong can cut a perfect day short. The most important factors to consider are battery chemistry, amp-hour rating, and group size.
First, let’s talk chemistry. You’ll primarily find three types: lead-acid, AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat), and Lithium-ion. Traditional lead-acid batteries are the budget-friendly option, but they are heavy and can’t be discharged as deeply without causing damage. AGM batteries are a big step up; they’re sealed, maintenance-free, and more vibration-resistant, making them a solid, reliable choice for most anglers. Then there are Lithium-ion batteries. They are the premium choice. They are significantly lighter, can be discharged almost completely without harm, and last for many more charge cycles. While the upfront cost is higher, their performance and longevity often make them the best value over time.
Next is the amp-hour (Ah) rating. This is your fuel tank. It tells you how much energy the battery can store. A higher Ah rating means longer runtime. For a full day of serious trolling, I wouldn’t consider anything less than 100Ah for a 12V system. If you’re running a 24V or 36V motor, you’ll need two or three 12V batteries wired in series, and each should still have a high Ah rating (like 100Ah or more) to ensure you have enough power. Think about your longest days on the water and choose a capacity that gives you a comfortable buffer.
Physical size, known as Group Size, is also critical. You need a battery that fits in your boat’s compartment. The most common group size for trolling motors is Group 31, which typically offers high amp-hour capacities. Always double-check your available space before purchasing. Finally, consider the warranty. A longer warranty period is a strong indicator of the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. Lithium batteries often come with 5 to 11-year warranties, while AGM batteries might offer 1 to 3 years. Investing in a battery with a robust warranty protects your purchase and gives you peace of mind on the water. By focusing on these key areas, you can confidently select one of the best batteries for trolling motors that will power your adventures for years to come.
FAQ
What is the difference between a deep cycle and a starting battery?
A starting battery (or cranking battery) is designed to deliver a very large burst of power for a short time to start an engine. A deep cycle battery is built to provide a steady, lower level of power over a very long period. It’s designed to be discharged down to 20% or even lower (in the case of lithium) and then recharged hundreds or thousands of times. Using a starting battery for your trolling motor will significantly shorten its life and leave you stranded.
How long will a 100Ah trolling motor battery last?
This is the “how long is a piece of string” question, but we can estimate. Runtime depends heavily on your motor’s thrust and the speed you run it. A rough calculation is to take the battery’s amp-hour rating (100Ah) and divide it by the amperage draw of your motor. For example, if your motor draws 10 amps at a certain speed, a 100Ah battery would theoretically last about 10 hours. In reality, you should never fully discharge a lead-acid or AGM battery, so plan for a usable 50-60% of that, or about 5-6 hours. Lithium batteries can use almost the entire capacity.
Can I use a car battery for my trolling motor?
I strongly advise against it. A car battery is a starting battery, not a deep cycle battery. Using it for the continuous, deep-draw demands of a trolling motor will kill it very quickly. You’ll be disappointed with its short runtime and will likely need to replace it after just a few trips. It’s a false economy; always use a proper deep cycle marine battery.
Do I need a special charger for my trolling motor battery?
Yes, you absolutely do. You need a smart charger designed for the specific chemistry of your battery. A charger meant for a lead-acid battery can damage an AGM battery, and neither is suitable for a lithium battery. A quality marine onboard charger is one of the best investments you can make. It will correctly and safely charge your battery through multi-stage charging (bulk, absorption, float), which maximizes battery life and ensures it’s ready to go for your next trip. When looking for the best batteries for trolling motors, remember to budget for a compatible, high-quality charger.
Is a lithium battery worth the extra cost?
For most serious anglers, yes. While the initial price is higher, the benefits are substantial. Lithium batteries weigh about half as much as their lead-acid equivalents, which improves boat performance and makes handling easier. They can be discharged to almost zero without damage, giving you significantly more usable runtime. They also last for thousands of charge cycles, far outliving AGM batteries. If you fish frequently, the long-term value and performance boost make lithium a compelling choice.