Powering your Watersnake T24 trolling motor with the right battery is crucial for a successful day on the water. The ideal battery provides reliable, long-lasting power without weighing down your kayak, ensuring you can focus on fishing and exploring. Choosing the wrong one can lead to a shortened trip and the frustration of being stranded.
This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting the best battery and accessory options available. We have considered factors like capacity, durability, and kayak-specific features to help you make an informed decision for your specific needs on the water.
Top Battery and Power Solutions for Your Watersnake T24
- Watersnake T18 ASP – 18 Pound Thrust 12v Electric Saltwater Trolling Motor
- Elephant B095S Kayak Battery Box Waterproof Battery Enclosure for Powering GPS
- Yak-Power YP-BBK Power Pack Battery Box, Battery Solution for Kayak
- Watersnake Tracer Transom Mount Trolling Freshwater Motor (Black, 36-inch)
- Mighty Max Battery 12V 35AH Wilderness Tarpon 100 Kayak Trolling Motor Battery
- Mighty Max Battery ML35-12 – 12V 35AH SLA AGM Deep Cycle Battery
- ExpertPower EXP12350 Rechargeable 12V 35Ah Deep Cycle AGM Battery
- Universal Power Group UB12350 12V 35Ah AGM Deep Cycle Battery
Watersnake T18 ASP – 18 Pound Thrust 12v Electric Saltwater Trolling Motor
While not a battery, this motor from the same Watersnake family is a noteworthy alternative for kayakers seeking a lighter setup. Weighing just 4.85 pounds, it offers exceptional portability without sacrificing performance. Its simple, robust design is built to handle saltwater conditions, making it a reliable choice for various kayaking environments.
The motor features a 24-inch shaft and an adjustable mount for easy attachment to your kayak. It includes a hand tiller with an extendable handle for simple steering, along with high and low-speed controls and a forward/reverse switch. The two-blade weedless propeller design helps you navigate through vegetation without getting tangled.
Elephant B095S Kayak Battery Box Waterproof Battery Enclosure
Protecting your battery from water and splashes is essential for safety and longevity on a kayak. The Elephant Battery Box provides a secure, waterproof housing designed specifically for standard 12V batteries. Its IP68-rated marine-grade connectors ensure a reliable and safe connection for your trolling motor and other accessories.
This enclosure is built to fit standard 12V-7AH or 9AH batteries with spade terminals. It comes with integrated watertight fuse holders, including both 3-amp and 5-amp fuses, for added circuit protection. This is a practical solution for any kayaker needing to organize and safeguard their power source.
Yak-Power YP-BBK Power Pack Battery Box
The Yak-Power Battery Box is a comprehensive power management system designed for the modern kayak. It simplifies adding 12-volt electronics to your setup by including an integrated power port outlet. The built-in master power switch gives you full control, allowing you to conserve power when your motor is not in use.
Its compact and waterproof design is engineered to hold multiple battery configurations, accommodating up to three 7AH batteries or two 12AH batteries. This flexibility allows you to customize your power supply based on your trip length and power needs, all while keeping the unit small enough to stow in a hatch.
Watersnake Tracer Transom Mount Trolling Freshwater Motor
For those considering a different motor option, the Watersnake Tracer offers versatile speed control with five forward and two reverse speeds. This flexibility is useful for precise maneuvering and handling different water currents. Its compatibility extends to a wide range of small watercraft, including kayaks, canoes, and inflatables.
The motor is equipped with a weedless three-blade propeller, designed to cut through aquatic vegetation with minimal hang-ups. This feature is particularly beneficial for fishing in weedy areas where a standard propeller might get caught, ensuring a smoother and more reliable boating experience.
Mighty Max Battery 12V 35AH Wilderness Tarpon 100 Kayak Trolling Motor Battery
This Mighty Max battery is presented as a solid choice for kayak trolling motor use. As a 12V 35AH sealed lead acid battery, it is UL Certified and maintenance-free, offering peace of mind on the water. Its sealed design prevents leaks and spills, which is a critical safety feature in a kayak’s potentially wet environment.
The battery is built with a high discharge rate and is capable of operating in wide temperature ranges, making it suitable for all-day use in varying conditions. Its deep cycle design allows it to be discharged and recharged repeatedly, which is the exact type of use a trolling motor requires.
Mighty Max Battery ML35-12 – 12V 35AH SLA AGM Deep Cycle Battery
The ML35-12 from Mighty Max is a reliable and widely available AGM deep cycle battery. Its spill-proof and sealed construction makes it safe for marine use, as it can be mounted in any position without risk of acid leakage. This battery is designed to provide consistent power for deep cycle applications like trolling motors.
It offers a long service life and has the characteristic of deep discharge recovery, meaning it can handle the demands of a full day on the water. As an AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery, it requires no maintenance, which is a significant advantage for kayakers who want a simple, set-and-forget power source.
ExpertPower EXP12350 Rechargeable 12V 35Ah Deep Cycle AGM Battery
ExpertPower is known for producing quality rechargeable batteries, and the EXP12350 model is a strong contender. This 35Ah AGM battery is built for deep cycle use, making it well-suited to power a trolling motor through long fishing trips. Its sealed design ensures safe operation and eliminates the need for adding water.
The battery is constructed to resist vibration and shock, which are common when mounted on a kayak. It also features a low self-discharge rate, allowing it to hold its charge for longer periods when not in use. This reliability makes it a trusted option for anglers who depend on their equipment.
Universal Power Group UB12350 12V 35Ah AGM Deep Cycle Battery
The Universal Power Group UB12350 rounds out our list as another excellent AGM deep cycle battery. It is engineered for applications requiring sustained power output, which aligns perfectly with the needs of an electric trolling motor. Its maintenance-free operation and sealed lead-acid design provide user-friendly reliability.
This battery is known for its durable construction and ability to perform in a variety of conditions. It offers a good balance of capacity and physical size, providing ample power for a day of kayaking without being excessively heavy or bulky. It’s a dependable workhorse for powering your watersports adventures.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Batteries for Watersnake T24 on Kayak
When I’m getting ready for a long day on the water with my Watersnake T24, the battery isn’t an afterthought; it’s the heart of the operation. Choosing the wrong one can mean paddling back against the wind, while the right choice gives me peace of mind and hours of reliable thrust. The key is balancing capacity, weight, and technology to fit my specific kayak fishing style.
First, let’s talk about the most critical number: Amp-hours (Ah). This is the battery’s fuel tank. The Watersnake T24 has a maximum thrust of 24 lbs and can draw up to 24 amps at full power. For a full day of mixed use, I aim for a battery with at least 50Ah. This usually gives me a solid 4-6 hours of runtime, depending on how much I use the highest settings. If I plan on longer trips or heavy current, I look for 100Ah or more. Remember, more Ah means more runtime, but it also means more weight in the kayak.
The type of battery is the next big decision. I see three main options. Lead-Acid (AGM) batteries are the budget-friendly workhorses. They’re reliable but heavy for their capacity and can be damaged if drained too low. Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are the premium choice. They’re significantly lighter, can be discharged almost completely without harm, and last for many more charge cycles. While the upfront cost is higher, their longevity and performance make them my go-to for serious kayaking. Deep Cycle Marine Batteries are designed for the marine environment and repeated draining, so they are a solid choice over standard car batteries.
Physical size and weight are non-negotiable factors on a kayak. I always check the battery’s dimensions against my kayak’s storage compartment. A 50Ah AGM battery can weigh over 30 lbs, while a similar capacity LiFePO4 might be only 15 lbs. That weight difference is huge for stability and transporting the kayak. I also look for a battery with a sturdy handle and a sealed, splash-proof design. Kayaks are wet, and the last thing I need is a battery that can’t handle a little water.
Finally, I consider the extras. A built-in battery meter is a fantastic feature that lets me monitor my power levels at a glance. For lithium batteries, a built-in Battery Management System (BMS) is essential for safety, protecting against overcharging, deep discharge, and short circuits. Having the right terminals for my motor’s connection is a simple but crucial check. Investing in the right battery for my Watersnake T24 transformed my kayak from a paddle-craft into a true micro-skiff, giving me the range and freedom to fish spots I could only previously dream of reaching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Ah battery for a Watersnake T24?
There isn’t a single “best” Ah rating, as it depends entirely on how long you plan to be on the water. For short trips of 2-3 hours, a 30-35Ah battery might suffice. For a full day of mixed trolling and cruising, I find a 50Ah battery to be the sweet spot. If you’re planning an all-day adventure or frequently fight strong currents, stepping up to a 100Ah battery is the way to go for maximum peace of mind. Always remember that higher Ah means more weight, so balance your runtime needs with your kayak’s weight capacity.
Can I use a car battery with my Watersnake T24?
I strongly advise against using a standard car starting battery. Car batteries are designed to deliver a short, high burst of power to start an engine and are not meant to be deeply discharged. Using one will significantly shorten its lifespan and could leave you stranded. You need a true deep cycle battery, which is built to provide a steady amount of power over a long period and to be drained and recharged repeatedly. Stick to marine deep cycle, AGM, or LiFePO4 batteries for your kayak trolling motor.
How long will a 100Ah battery last with the T24?
This is a common question, but the answer varies with usage. The Watersnake T24 has a maximum current draw of 24 amps. In a perfect world, at full throttle, a 100Ah battery would last roughly 100Ah / 24A = about 4.1 hours. However, you rarely run a motor at full power continuously. With real-world use—trolling at low speed, cruising at medium, and turning the motor off while fishing—I easily get 6-8 hours, and sometimes even a full day, from a 100Ah battery. Your actual runtime will depend on the speed setting, water current, wind, and kayak load.
Are lithium batteries worth the extra cost for kayaking?
From my experience, absolutely yes, if you’re a frequent kayaker. The higher initial investment pays off in several ways. Lithium (LiFePO4) batteries are about half the weight of a comparable lead-acid battery, which is a massive advantage for kayak stability and portability. They also last for 2000+ charge cycles compared to 300-500 for AGM, meaning they’ll last for years longer. You can use almost their entire capacity without damaging them, and they hold their charge much better when stored. For a kayak application, the weight savings alone often make them the best batteries for Watersnake T24 on kayak setups.
How should I store my kayak trolling motor battery?
Proper storage is key to maximizing your battery’s life. I always recharge my battery fully after every single trip, even if I only used it for an hour. Never store a battery in a partially discharged state. For long-term storage (over the winter), I give it a full charge and then store it in a cool, dry place. I make a habit of checking the charge level every few months and topping it up if needed. This is especially important for lead-acid batteries, which can sulfate and be permanently damaged if left discharged.
Do I need a special charger for a lithium battery?
Yes, this is critical. You must use a charger specifically designed for Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries. Using a charger meant for lead-acid or AGM batteries will not properly charge a lithium battery and can be dangerous. Lithium chargers use a different charging algorithm to ensure the battery is charged efficiently and safely. Many modern lithium batteries come with a compatible charger, but if you need to buy one separately, always confirm it is listed for LiFePO4 chemistry.