Powering your trolling motor is a critical decision for any serious angler. The right battery doesn’t just provide runtime; it ensures reliability and peace of mind when you’re miles from the dock. With options ranging from traditional lead-acid to advanced lithium technology, selecting the ideal power source can significantly impact your entire boating experience.
This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best batteries designed for marine use. We have evaluated them based on capacity, technology, weight, and specific features to help you find the perfect match for your vessel and fishing style, whether you need a compact option for a kayak or a high-capacity bank for a large boat.
Our Recommended Trolling Motor Batteries
- Newport 12V50Ah Deep Cycle Heavy-Duty Marine Battery
- 12V 100Ah BCI Group 24 LiFePO4 Battery, Built in 100A BMS
- ECO-WORTHY Portable 12V Lithium Battery, 12.8V 20Ah
- 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 DEEP Cycle
- ExpertPower 12V 100Ah Lithium LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Rechargeable Battery
- Deka Intimidator Battery (AGM) 8A31DTM
- Ampere Time 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery
Newport 12V50Ah Deep Cycle Heavy-Duty Marine Battery
Weighing only 32lbs, the Newport 12V50Ah battery offers a fantastic balance of power and portability. Its lightweight design makes transportation and installation a simple task, which is a significant advantage when loading gear onto your boat. This is a sealed AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery, ensuring it is maintenance-free and leak-proof for safe operation in the marine environment.
Designed specifically for marine use, this battery provides reliable, deep-cycle power that is fully compatible with trolling motors. You can trust it to deliver consistent performance throughout your fishing trip. The robust construction is built to handle the vibrations and demands of life on the water, giving you a dependable power source season after season.
12V 100Ah BCI Group 24 LiFePO4 Battery
For those seeking long-lasting power without the heavy weight, the ROSINLI 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 battery is a top contender. Utilizing automotive-grade lithium iron phosphate cells, it provides a stable and high-energy power source ideal for extended trolling motor use. Weighing just 22.57lbs, it is remarkably light for its substantial 100Ah capacity.
This battery includes a smart Battery Management System (BMS) that protects against over-charging, over-discharging, and short circuits, ensuring safety and longevity. It is important to note that this is a deep-cycle battery designed for energy storage, not for engine starting. With its Group 24 size, it fits standard battery boxes, making it a versatile upgrade for RVs, solar setups, and marine applications.
ECO-WORTHY Portable 12V Lithium Battery
The ECO-WORTHY 12.8V 20Ah battery is the perfect compact power solution for smaller vessels like kayaks and jon boats. Its small footprint and ergonomic grip make it incredibly easy to carry and stow, providing ample power without taking up valuable space. This lithium iron phosphate battery is built for over 4000 cycles, promising reliable performance for years.
It features both traditional terminals and a DC output port, offering flexibility for connecting your trolling motor and other accessories like a fish finder. The built-in BMS manages cell balance and provides essential protections. If your power needs are modest, this battery delivers the convenience and portability that larger units cannot match.
Newport Trolling Motor Smart Battery Box Power Center
This product is not a battery itself but an essential accessory for your marine power setup. The Newport Smart Battery Box acts as a protective case and a convenient power distribution center. It allows you to safely connect your trolling motor to the external battery ports without needing to open the box, which simplifies operation and enhances safety.
Integrated circuit breakers (10 Amp and 60 Amp) protect your valuable electronics from electrical damage. Furthermore, it adds fantastic functionality with a built-in USB charger and a 12V accessory port, letting you power or charge phones, GPS units, and other devices directly from your battery. It’s a smart way to organize and safeguard your power system.
Dakota Lithium – 12V 10Ah LiFeP04 Deep Cycle Battery
Dakota Lithium is renowned for building exceptionally durable batteries, and this 12V 10Ah model is backed by a remarkable 11-year warranty. This confidence in its product speaks volumes about its quality and lifespan. It is engineered to deliver over 2000 deep cycles, far outlasting typical lead-acid batteries.
Its compact size and light weight make it an excellent choice for powering equipment on ice fishing trips, kayaks, or small boats with minimal power requirements. The integrated Battery Management System provides critical protection against short circuits and temperature extremes. For a small but mighty power source you can count on for the long term, this battery is a superb option.
Qty2: VMAX SLR125 AGM Sealed Deep Cycle 12V 125Ah Batteries
This offering provides two VMAX SLR125 batteries, giving you a total of 250Ah of power at 12V or the option to create a 24V system. This massive capacity is ideal for anglers who spend long days on the water or have high-thrust trolling motors that demand more energy. These are sealed AGM batteries, so they are maintenance-free and safe for use in marine conditions.
VMAX batteries are known for their robust construction and long float service life, which can be between 8 to 10 years with proper care. For a large boat or for those who want to ensure they have power to spare, this two-battery pack represents a reliable and powerful solution that minimizes the worry of running out of juice.
Mighty Max Battery 12V 100AH Battery
The Mighty Max 12V 100Ah battery is a UL Certified sealed lead acid (SLA) battery that offers reliable deep-cycle performance at an accessible price point. Its spill-proof AGM design makes it a safe and dependable choice for marine use, as it can be mounted in various orientations without risk of leakage.
This battery is characterized by a high discharge rate and strong deep discharge recovery, which is essential for the variable load of a trolling motor. It’s a workhorse battery that fits a standard Group 27 size battery box. For boaters who prefer the proven technology of AGM batteries and need a solid 100Ah of capacity, the Mighty Max is a trustworthy selection.
ExpertPower 12V 100Ah Lithium LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Rechargeable Battery
ExpertPower brings over three decades of industry experience to this high-performance LiFePO4 battery. Built with premium Grade A+ prismatic cells, it is lighter, safer, and more efficient than many alternatives. It boasts an impressive lifespan of 2500 to 7000 cycles and a 10-year expected lifetime, making it a long-term investment.
A key feature is the advanced Battery Management System with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to monitor the battery’s status and health directly from your smartphone. This battery supports expansion, so you can connect multiple units in series or parallel for more voltage or capacity. For the tech-savvy boater wanting top-tier performance and diagnostics, the ExpertPower battery is an outstanding choice.
Deka Intimidator Battery (AGM) 8A31DTM
The Deka Intimidator 8A31DTM is a heavy-duty AGM battery built to deliver both starting power and deep-cycle capability. With 105 Amp-hours and a substantial 210-minute reserve capacity, it provides plenty of energy for long trolling sessions. It also offers 1000 Marine Cranking Amps, which is useful for boats that use a single battery to start the main engine and run accessories.
This dual-purpose design makes it a versatile option for smaller boats where space is limited and a dedicated starting battery is not feasible. As a sealed AGM battery, it is vibration-resistant and completely maintenance-free. If you need a single battery that can reliably handle multiple demanding tasks on your boat, the Deka Intimidator is a proven performer.
Ampere Time 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery
Ampere Time offers a compelling 12V 100Ah lithium iron phosphate battery known for its excellent value and performance. Like other LiFePO4 options, it provides a high energy density in a lightweight package, significantly reducing the weight in your boat compared to lead-acid batteries. It is designed for thousands of deep cycles, ensuring a long service life.
This battery comes with a built-in BMS to safeguard against common issues like overcurrent and short circuits. Its 100Ah capacity makes it suitable for powering trolling motors on medium to large boats for a full day of fishing. For boaters looking to step up to lithium technology without a premium price tag, the Ampere Time battery is a popular and reliable selection.
How to Choose the Best Batteries for Trolling Motors in Marine Use
Picking the right battery for your trolling motor isn’t just about run time; it’s about making sure you get back to the dock. I’ve learned that the hard way. The first thing you need to understand is battery chemistry, because that’s the heart of the matter. For a long time, we all used lead-acid batteries. They’re cheap, but they’re also heavy and you can’t drain them completely without causing damage. Then came AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries, which are a type of sealed lead-acid. They’re spill-proof, require no maintenance, and handle vibrations well, which is perfect for a bouncing boat.
But the real game-changer has been Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries. They’re lightweight, they can be discharged almost completely without harm, and they last for thousands of charge cycles. The upfront cost is higher, but over the life of the battery, many of us find they’re a better value. For the best batteries for trolling motors in marine use, LiFePO4 is often the top recommendation if your budget allows.
Next, you need to figure out your power needs. This comes down to two numbers: Amp-hours (Ah) and volts. Your trolling motor will have a voltage requirement, like 12V, 24V, or 36V. You must match this. Amp-hours are like the size of your fuel tank. A higher Ah rating means more run time. To estimate what you need, think about your longest days on the water. If you typically fish for 6 hours at a medium speed, you’ll need a battery with enough Ah to support that draw. It’s always better to have more capacity than you think you’ll need.
Finally, consider the physical stuff. Weight is a huge factor. A traditional lead-acid battery can weigh over 60 pounds, while a comparable lithium battery might be around 30. Lifting that in and out of a boat is a real consideration. Also, look at the battery’s build quality and terminals. Marine environments are tough, with constant moisture and vibration. A battery with a sturdy case and corrosion-resistant terminals will last much longer. For me, the peace of mind that comes with a reliable, well-suited battery is worth every penny.
FAQ
What is the main 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 amount of power over a very long period. Using a starting battery for your trolling motor will kill it quickly because it can’t handle the continuous discharge. Always use a true deep cycle battery.
How long will my trolling motor battery last on a single charge?
This is the million-dollar question. It depends entirely on your battery’s amp-hour (Ah) capacity and how much power your trolling motor draws. For example, if you have a 100Ah battery and your motor draws 10 amps on average, you’d get roughly 10 hours of run time. But remember, with lead-acid batteries, you should only use about 50% of that capacity, so real run time would be closer to 5 hours. Lithium batteries let you use almost the full capacity.
Can I use a regular car battery for my trolling motor?
I strongly advise against it. A car battery is a starting battery, not a deep cycle. It’s not designed for the long, slow drain that a trolling motor requires. Doing this will significantly shorten the battery’s life and leave you stranded on the water when it fails prematurely. Invest in a proper marine deep cycle battery.
Do I need a special charger for a lithium trolling motor battery?
Yes, you absolutely do. Lithium batteries require a specific charging algorithm that a standard lead-acid battery charger cannot provide. Using the wrong charger won’t charge the lithium battery properly and can even be dangerous. Always use a charger that is specifically designed for LiFePO4 chemistry.
Is it worth spending more on a lithium battery?
From my experience, yes, for most serious anglers. While the initial price is higher, a lithium battery lasts 5-10 times longer than a lead-acid battery, is half the weight, and provides more usable power. You’re not just buying a battery for one season; you’re making an investment that will last for many years, which is a key consideration for the best batteries for trolling motors in marine use.