Powering your trolling motor is one of the most critical decisions for a successful day on the water. The right battery provides the sustained energy needed for long hours of fishing, ensuring you can navigate quietly and effectively without the worry of running out of power. With various technologies like AGM and Lithium available, choosing the best option for your specific boat and usage patterns is essential.
This guide reviews eight of the top-performing batteries designed for trolling motors. We have selected options across different capacities and technologies to help you find the perfect balance of runtime, weight, and reliability for your marine adventures, allowing you to focus on the catch, not your charge.
Our Recommended Trolling Motor Batteries
- Newport 12V50Ah Deep Cycle Heavy-Duty Marine Battery
- Weize Deep Cycle AGM 12 Volt 100Ah Battery
- TCBWORTH 12V 100Ah 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 Batteries
- Ampere Time 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery
- Mighty Max Battery 12V 100Ah AGM Deep Cycle
Newport 12V50Ah Deep Cycle Heavy-Duty Marine Battery
Weighing only 32lbs, the Newport 12V50Ah battery stands out for its lightweight and portable design. This makes it exceptionally easy to transport from your vehicle to your boat and install without strain. Its compact form factor is a significant advantage for smaller vessels where every pound matters.
Built with sealed AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) technology, this battery is completely maintenance-free and leak-proof. You can mount it in various positions without concern for acid spills. It is specifically engineered to deliver the consistent, reliable power that trolling motors demand, ensuring you have a dependable energy source for your fishing trips.
Weize Deep Cycle AGM 12 Volt 100Ah Battery
For anglers requiring extended runtime, the Weize 100Ah AGM battery offers substantial power reserves. Its high capacity is well-suited for long days on the water, powering not just your trolling motor but also other accessories like fish finders. The maintenance-free AGM construction eliminates the need for adding water, providing a hassle-free experience.
This battery features a very low self-discharge rate of just 1-3% per month, meaning it will hold its charge significantly longer during storage compared to traditional batteries. With a robust max discharge current of 1150A, it can handle high-demand starting surges and provides reliable performance across a wide operating temperature range.
TCBWORTH 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery
The TCBWORTH battery represents the modern advantages of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) technology. It delivers a full 100Ah of capacity while weighing a mere 20.7lbs, which is over 60% lighter than a comparable AGM battery. This weight saving directly translates to better boat performance and easier handling.
Designed as a direct replacement for Group 31 batteries, it offers a much longer cycle life and can be discharged more deeply than lead-acid alternatives. It includes a sophisticated 100A Battery Management System (BMS) that provides comprehensive protection against overcharging, short circuits, and overheating. A key feature for boaters in colder climates is its low-temperature cut-off function, which safeguards the battery during charging in freezing conditions.
Newport Trolling Motor Smart Battery Box Power Center
This product is not a battery itself, but a vital accessory for safe and organized power management. The Newport Battery Box securely houses your marine battery, protecting it from the elements and potential impacts. It features external battery ports, allowing you to connect your trolling motor without needing to open the box.
Beyond simple storage, it functions as a power center with integrated 10 Amp and 60 Amp circuit breakers. These breakers protect your valuable electronics from electrical damage caused by shorts or overloads. For added convenience, it includes a USB charger port and a 12V accessory port, making it easy to power your phone, GPS, or other small devices directly from your battery.
Dakota Lithium – 12V 10Ah LiFeP04 Deep Cycle Battery
The Dakota Lithium 12V 10Ah is the ideal compact power source for smaller applications. It is perfectly suited for kayak fishing, ice fishing, or powering a fish finder and small trolling motor on a portable craft. Its minimal weight and small size offer maximum flexibility for anglers who need to keep their gear light.
Despite its small stature, it is built with the same durable LiFePO4 chemistry as larger lithium batteries, capable of over 2,000 charge cycles. This results in a exceptionally long service life. It is backed by a remarkable 11-year warranty, which speaks volumes about the manufacturer’s confidence in its longevity and reliability.
Qty2: VMAX SLR125 AGM Sealed Deep Cycle Batteries
This package includes two VMAX SLR125 12V 125Ah batteries, providing an immense amount of power for serious marine electrical systems. This setup is excellent for anglers with 24V trolling motors or those who need to power multiple high-drain devices for extended periods without access to charging.
Each battery is a sealed AGM deep cycle unit, ensuring they are maintenance-free and safe for use on a boat. VMAX batteries are known for their robust construction and long float service life, which can be between 8 to 10 years with proper care and the use of a compatible smart charger.
Ampere Time 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery
The Ampere Time LiFePO4 battery is a strong contender in the lithium power space, offering a high 100Ah capacity with the significant weight and longevity benefits of lithium technology. It is designed to be a direct drop-in replacement for many existing 12V systems, providing a straightforward upgrade from heavier lead-acid batteries.
With a high cycle life and the ability to be discharged deeply without damage, it offers a much higher usable capacity than a similarly rated AGM battery. It includes a built-in Battery Management System (BMS) to ensure safe operation, protecting against common issues like overcurrent and over-discharge, which helps to secure your investment for the long term.
Mighty Max Battery 12V 100Ah AGM Deep Cycle
Mighty Max offers a reliable and widely available 100Ah AGM deep cycle battery that provides solid performance for trolling motor use. As a sealed AGM battery, it requires no maintenance, is spill-proof, and can be mounted in any orientation, adding to its versatility for different boat layouts.
This battery is built to deliver consistent power for deep cycle applications, making it well-suited for the continuous draw of a trolling motor. It is a practical and cost-effective choice for boaters who need substantial capacity and the proven reliability of AGM technology without a premium price tag.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right Trolling Motor Battery
Choosing the right battery for your trolling motor isn’t just about run time; it’s about making sure your entire fishing day goes smoothly without getting stranded. I’ve learned that the best battery is the one that matches your specific style of fishing. Let’s break down the key things I always consider before buying.
First, you need to decide on the battery type. The main players are Lithium-Ion (LiFePO4) and Lead-Acid (which includes AGM). Lithium batteries are the new standard for a reason. They’re incredibly lightweight, last much longer (in both daily run time and overall lifespan), and can be discharged almost completely without damage. The upfront cost is higher, but for anyone who fishes frequently, it’s an investment that pays off. AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries are a solid, maintenance-free alternative. They’re more affordable than lithium and don’t require the watering that traditional flooded lead-acid batteries do. I only consider flooded batteries if my budget is extremely tight and I don’t mind the maintenance.
Next, you have to look at capacity, which is measured in Amp-hours (Ah). This is like the size of your fuel tank. A higher Ah rating means longer run time. For a full day of serious fishing, especially with a 24V or 36V system, I aim for at least 100Ah. If you’re a weekend angler who only goes out for a few hours, a 50Ah battery might be sufficient. Just remember, with lead-acid batteries, you should only use about 50% of the rated capacity to avoid damaging them, whereas with lithium, you can use almost all of it.
Another critical spec is the Reserve Capacity (RC) or Marine Cranking Amps (MCA). While MCA is more critical for starting engines, Reserve Capacity tells you how many minutes the battery can run a 25-amp load before dropping below a usable voltage. A higher RC is a good indicator of a robust battery that can handle the sustained draw of a trolling motor.
Finally, think about the physical stuff. Weight is a huge factor. A lithium battery can be less than half the weight of a comparable lead-acid battery, which makes a big difference when loading and unloading from your boat and for overall performance. Also, check the battery’s dimensions to ensure it will fit in your boat’s compartment. I always measure my battery box twice before ordering. Getting the right battery from the start is the key to a successful day on the water, which is why this review and buying guide for the 8 best batteries for trolling motors focuses on these practical details.
FAQ
What is the main advantage of a lithium battery over an AGM for my trolling motor?
The advantages are pretty significant. First, weight: a lithium battery is dramatically lighter, making it easier to handle and improving your boat’s efficiency. Second, lifespan: a quality lithium battery can last for thousands of cycles, far outliving even the best AGM. Third, performance: you can use almost 100% of the rated capacity of a lithium battery without harming it, whereas with an AGM, you’re limited to about 50% discharge for a long life. The initial cost is higher, but the long-term value is much better for dedicated anglers.
How long will a 100Ah trolling motor battery last?
There’s no single answer, as it depends on your motor’s thrust and your speed setting. A rough estimate is to take your motor’s maximum amp draw and divide it into the battery’s usable capacity. For a 100Ah lithium battery, you can use nearly all 100Ah. If your motor draws 20 amps at a medium speed, you’d get roughly 5 hours of run time (100Ah / 20A = 5h). For a 100Ah AGM, you only have about 50Ah of safe, usable power, so that same 20A draw would give you around 2.5 hours. Always check your motor’s amp draw chart for a more accurate picture.
Can I use a regular car battery for my trolling motor?
I strongly advise against it. Car batteries are designed for short, high-power bursts to start an engine (cranking amps). A trolling motor requires a deep cycle battery, which is built to provide a steady, lower level of power over a long period. Using a car battery will quickly destroy it because it can’t handle the deep discharges, and you’ll be lucky to get a full morning of fishing out of it.
Do I need one or two batteries for my 24V trolling motor?
You will need two 12V batteries. A 24V system works by connecting two 12V batteries in series. This means you link the positive terminal of the first battery to the negative terminal of the second battery. The remaining positive and negative terminals then become your 24V output for the motor. It’s crucial that both batteries are the same type, age, and capacity to ensure they charge and discharge evenly. This is a fundamental part of any buying guide for the 8 best batteries for trolling motors, as mismatched batteries can lead to premature failure.
How should I store my trolling motor battery in the off-season?
Proper storage is key to making your battery last. First, give it a full charge. For lead-acid AGM batteries, a full charge prevents sulfation. For lithium batteries, a partial charge (around 50-60%) is actually ideal for long-term storage. Store the battery in a cool, dry place, away from freezing temperatures and direct metal contact. It’s a good practice to put it on a maintenance charger or a smart charger with a storage mode that will periodically top it up without overcharging.