Powering your kayak’s trolling motor is a critical decision that directly impacts your time on the water. The right battery provides the endurance for a full day of fishing and the reliability to get you back to shore. With options ranging from traditional lead-acid to modern lithium, choosing the best one for your specific kayak and motor can be a challenge.
This roundup simplifies your search by reviewing eight of the best batteries for kayak trolling motors. We have considered factors like weight, capacity, technology, and special features to help you find the perfect power source. Whether you need a compact solution for a small kayak or extended runtime for long excursions, there is an ideal battery here for you.
Our Recommended Kayak Trolling Motor Batteries
- Newport 12V50Ah Deep Cycle Heavy-Duty Marine Battery
- Newport Trolling Motor Smart Battery Box Power Center
- ECO-WORTHY Portable 12V 20Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery
- Minn Kota Marine Battery Box Power Center
- Mighty Max 12V 35AH Wilderness Tarpon 100 Kayak Battery
- ExpertPower 12V 100Ah Lithium LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery
- Dakota Lithium 12V 100Ah Deep Cycle LiFePO4 Battery
- Mighty Max Battery ML35-12 12V 35AH U1 AGM Battery
Newport 12V50Ah Deep Cycle Heavy-Duty Marine Battery
For anglers seeking a balance of power and portability, the Newport 12V50Ah battery is a strong contender. Its lightweight design, at just 32 pounds, makes it significantly easier to transport and install in a kayak compared to many standard marine batteries. This feature is a major advantage when managing gear on and off the water.
This battery utilizes sealed AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) technology, which is both maintenance-free and leak-proof. This construction is ideal for the marine environment, providing reliable power for your trolling motor without the risk of acid spills. It is specifically engineered to deliver the consistent, deep-cycle performance that trolling motors require for long, productive days of fishing.
Newport Trolling Motor Smart Battery Box Power Center
This product is not a battery itself, but an essential accessory for safely housing and managing your power source. The Newport Smart Battery Box organizes and protects your setup with external ports for easy connection of your trolling motor and other accessories. You can plug and unplug your gear without needing to open the box, which adds a layer of convenience and safety.
Integrated protection is a key benefit of this power center. It comes with dual circuit breakers (10 Amp and 60 Amp) that guard your trolling motor and electronics against potential electrical damage from overloads or short circuits. Furthermore, it includes a direct USB charger and a 12V accessory port, allowing you to power devices like a fish finder or charge a phone directly from your battery.
ECO-WORTHY Portable 12V 20Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery
If space and weight are your primary concerns, the ECO-WORTHY 20Ah lithium battery is an excellent compact solution. Its small footprint and ergonomic grip make it incredibly easy to handle and stow on a kayak. This battery is perfectly suited for smaller trolling motors or for shorter fishing trips where minimal gear is preferred.
Built with lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) technology, this battery offers a long lifespan of over 4000 cycles and includes a built-in Battery Management System (BMS) for safety. It provides multiple output options, including traditional terminals and a DC port, making it versatile for powering not just a trolling motor but also small electronics like a fish finder.
Minn Kota Marine Battery Box Power Center
From a trusted name in marine electronics, the Minn Kota Battery Box is a robust housing solution that keeps your battery secure and dry. It features external battery terminals for simple and safe connections, allowing you to hook up your trolling motor and battery charger without exposing the battery terminals.
A standout feature of this box is the built-in battery meter with LED indicators. This allows you to check your battery’s state of charge at a glance before and during your trip, helping you manage your power usage effectively. It is designed to protect your battery in small boats and kayaks that lack dedicated battery compartments.
Mighty Max 12V 35AH Wilderness Tarpon 100 Kayak Battery
This Mighty Max battery is marketed specifically for kayaks like the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100, indicating its suitability for compact marine applications. Its dimensions are designed to fit well in tight spaces, making it a practical power source for many popular fishing kayaks.
As a sealed lead acid (SLA) AGM battery, it is spill-proof, maintenance-free, and UL Certified. It offers a characteristic high discharge rate, which is compatible with the demands of a trolling motor, and is built for a long service life with good deep discharge recovery.
ExpertPower 12V 100Ah Lithium LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery
For the angler who requires maximum runtime, the ExpertPower 12V 100Ah battery offers a substantial power reserve. Its lithium LiFePO4 chemistry provides an exceptionally long lifespan, rated for 2500 to 7000 cycles, which translates to years of reliable service. This battery is significantly lighter than a lead-acid battery of similar capacity.
It features advanced prismatic cell technology and a sophisticated Battery Management System (BMS) that protects against overcharge, deep discharge, and other common issues. A unique benefit is the built-in Bluetooth, allowing you to monitor the battery’s status and health directly from your smartphone via a dedicated app.
Dakota Lithium 12V 100Ah Deep Cycle LiFePO4 Battery
Dakota Lithium has built a strong reputation in the outdoor community for producing durable and high-performance batteries. Their 12V 100Ah model is a premium choice designed for heavy-use applications, including powering large kayak trolling motors for extended periods. It is built to last and can withstand the rigors of frequent marine use.
Like other lithium options, it offers a very high cycle life and is much lighter than its AGM counterparts. Dakota Lithium batteries are known for their robust construction and reliable performance in a wide range of temperatures, giving you confidence on the water in various weather conditions.
Mighty Max Battery ML35-12 12V 35AH U1 AGM Battery
This is a versatile and economical AGM battery that fits a wide array of applications, including kayak trolling motors. Its U1 size is a common form factor that is compatible with many battery boxes and kayak storage areas. It provides a solid balance of capacity and size for a day on the water.
As a sealed AGM battery, it is maintenance-free and spill-proof, ensuring safe operation in a kayak. It delivers the deep-cycle performance needed for trolling motors and offers a good service life, making it a reliable and budget-friendly choice for many kayak anglers.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right Battery for Your Kayak Trolling Motor
Choosing a battery for your kayak trolling motor isn’t just about picking the one with the biggest number. You need to think about weight, size, and how long you plan to be on the water. Getting this right means more time fishing and less time worrying about your power source. Let’s break down the key things I always consider.
First up is battery type. You’ll mainly see three: lead-acid, AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat), and lithium-ion. Traditional lead-acid batteries are cheap but heavy and don’t like being fully drained. AGM batteries are a big step up; they’re sealed, spill-proof, and more durable, making them a solid, reliable choice. Then there are lithium-ion batteries. They are the premium option. They’re incredibly lightweight, last much longer on a single charge, and can be discharged almost completely without harm. For a kayak where every pound matters, lithium is often worth the higher initial cost.
Next, you need to understand amp-hours (Ah). This is like the size of your fuel tank. A higher Ah rating means more runtime. For a typical kayak trolling motor, a battery between 30Ah and 100Ah is common. Think about your longest fishing trips. If you’re out for just a few hours, a 30Ah might suffice. For all-day adventures, you’ll want 50Ah or more. Remember, lithium batteries often provide their rated amp-hours more effectively than lead-acid, so you might get away with a slightly smaller lithium battery compared to an AGM.
Physical size and weight are critical on a kayak. You have limited storage space, and a heavy battery can make your kayak unstable and a pain to transport. Lithium batteries are the clear winner here, often being half the weight of a comparable AGM. Always check the battery’s dimensions against your kayak’s storage compartment before you buy.
Finally, don’t forget about built-in features. Many modern batteries, especially lithium ones, come with a Battery Management System (BMS). This is a must-have. It protects the battery from overcharging, over-discharging, and short circuits, drastically extending its life. Some even have USB ports for charging your phone or fish finder, which is a super convenient bonus when you’re on the water. When looking at the 8 best batteries for kayak trolling motors, I prioritize a good BMS and practical features that make my time on the water easier.
FAQ
What is the difference between an AGM and a Lithium battery for my trolling motor?
The main differences are weight, performance, and cost. AGM batteries are more affordable and reliable than old-fashioned lead-acid, but they are significantly heavier. Lithium batteries are much lighter, can be drained down to almost zero without damage, and last for many more charge cycles. While lithium has a higher upfront price, its longevity and kayak-friendly weight often make it the better long-term investment.
How long will a 100Ah battery last with my trolling motor?
This depends entirely on your motor’s thrust and the speed you run it. A rough estimate is to take your motor’s amp draw at a specific speed and divide the battery’s amp-hours by that number. For example, if your motor draws 10 amps at your typical cruising speed, a 100Ah battery would theoretically last about 10 hours. It’s always smart to have a reserve and not plan on draining the battery completely.
Can I use a regular car battery in my kayak?
I strongly advise against it. Car batteries are designed for a short, high-power burst to start an engine, not for the long, steady drain of a trolling motor. Using one will quickly kill it. You need a deep-cycle battery, which is built to be discharged and recharged repeatedly. Marine deep-cycle batteries, like AGM or Lithium, are the only safe and effective choice.
How should I store my kayak battery during the off-season?
Proper storage is key to a long battery life. First, make sure it’s fully charged. For lead-acid and AGM batteries, you should put it on a maintenance charger or trickle charger to keep it topped up. Lithium batteries can hold their charge much better, but it’s still a good practice to store them at about a 50-80% charge in a cool, dry place. Always check the manufacturer’s specific recommendations.
Is a built-in Battery Management System (BMS) important?
Yes, it’s very important, especially for lithium batteries. A BMS acts as the brain of the battery. It protects against overcharging, over-discharging, short circuits, and temperature extremes. This not only keeps you safe but also dramatically extends the overall lifespan of your battery. When selecting from the 8 best batteries for kayak trolling motors, a quality BMS is a feature I never compromise on.