Powering a kayak trolling motor requires a reliable and robust 9V battery that can withstand the unique demands of the marine environment. The right battery ensures you have consistent thrust for navigation and fishing, without the worry of being stranded. Choosing between different chemistries, capacities, and form factors is crucial for optimizing your time on the water.
This roundup reviews a selection of batteries and essential accessories designed to keep your electric trolling motor running smoothly. From lightweight AGM options to advanced lithium technology, we break down the features and benefits to help you make an informed decision for your next kayaking adventure.
Top 9V Batteries and Accessories for Your Kayak
- Newport 12V50Ah Deep Cycle Heavy-Duty Marine Battery
- Newport Trolling Motor Smart Battery Box Power Center
- Minn Kota Marine Battery Box Power Center
- Newport NV-Series 55lb Thrust Saltwater Trolling Motor
- Newport Kayak Series 55lb Thrust Trolling Motor
- Weize Deep Cycle AGM 12 Volt 100Ah Battery
- NOCO Lithium NLP30 Ultra-Light 12V Lithium Powersport Battery
- ExpertPower EXP1270 12V 7Ah Rechargeable Battery
- Mighty Max Battery ML35-12 12V 35AH AGM Deep Cycle
Newport 12V50Ah Deep Cycle Heavy-Duty Marine Battery
At just 32 pounds, this Newport deep cycle battery offers a fantastic balance of power and portability, making it an excellent choice for kayak anglers who need to carry their gear. Its sealed AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) construction is a key feature, providing a leak-proof and maintenance-free power source. You won’t have to worry about adding water or dealing with acid spills, which is ideal for the unstable platform of a kayak.
Designed specifically for marine use, this battery delivers reliable power for trolling motors throughout your fishing trip. The AGM technology ensures a low self-discharge rate, so it holds its charge longer when not in use. This combination of lightweight design, sealed safety, and trolling motor compatibility makes it a strong contender for powering your aquatic excursions.
Newport Trolling Motor Smart Battery Box Power Center
This battery box is more than just a protective case; it’s a complete power management center for your kayak. The external battery ports allow you to connect your trolling motor and other accessories without opening the box, which helps protect the terminals from water and corrosion. This is a significant advantage in a wet kayak environment where splashes are inevitable.
Safety and convenience are at the forefront of its design. The dual integrated circuit breakers (10 Amp and 60 Amp) automatically protect your trolling motor and electronics from power surges or short circuits. Furthermore, the built-in USB charger and 12V accessory port let you power your phone, fish finder, or GPS directly from the battery, keeping all your essential devices charged and ready.
Minn Kota Marine Battery Box Power Center
From a trusted name in marine electronics, the Minn Kota Battery Box offers robust protection and essential power monitoring. Like the Newport box, it features external terminals for safe and easy connections, keeping the battery sealed away from the elements. Its sturdy construction is built to handle the rigors of life on a small boat or kayak.
A standout feature is the built-in, push-button battery meter with four LEDs. This allows you to check your battery’s state of charge at a glance before and during your trip, helping you avoid getting caught on the water with a depleted battery. This simple yet crucial tool provides peace of mind, ensuring you always know how much power you have left.
Newport NV-Series 55lb Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Trolling Motor
This 55-pound thrust motor provides excellent power for a 12V system, capable of pushing larger kayaks or smaller boats with ease. It’s built for saltwater use, featuring corrosion-resistant materials to withstand harsh marine conditions. The integrated 5-LED battery meter is a valuable feature, giving you real-time feedback on your power reserves directly from the motor head.
With eight speed settings (five forward and three reverse), you have precise control over your trolling speed. The 30-inch shaft and adjustable mount allow you to set the motor at the optimal depth and angle for your vessel. The three-blade propeller is designed for strong low-end torque, providing the power needed to get your kayak moving efficiently.
Newport Kayak Series 55lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor
Specifically designed for kayaks, this model features a shorter 24-inch fiberglass shaft that is ideal for the lower freeboard of most fishing kayaks. The fiberglass construction offers a great combination of strength and durability without adding excessive weight. Like its larger sibling, it is fully rated for use in saltwater environments.
You maintain full control with the eight-speed variable settings and the 6-inch telescoping tiller handle, which can be adjusted for comfortable operation. The powerful 55-pound thrust ensures you can maneuver against wind and current, while the corrosion-resistant hardware guarantees a long service life even with frequent exposure to water.
Weize Deep Cycle AGM 12 Volt 100Ah Battery
For anglers planning long days on the water, the Weize 100Ah battery offers substantial capacity. This high amperage-hour rating means it can deliver power for extended periods, reducing the worry of your trolling motor dying mid-trip. As a sealed AGM battery, it is completely maintenance-free and safe from leaks.
This battery is built for deep cycle applications, meaning it can be repeatedly discharged and recharged without significant loss of capacity. Its low self-discharge rate of 1-3% per month means it will hold its charge much longer in storage compared to traditional batteries. This is a high-capacity workhorse suited for demanding power needs.
NOCO Lithium NLP30 Ultra-Light 12V Lithium Powersport Battery
Representing the cutting edge of battery technology, the NOCO Lithium NLP30 offers exceptional performance in an ultra-lightweight package. Lithium batteries provide a significant weight reduction over lead-acid equivalents, which is a major benefit for kayak weight limits and portability. Despite its compact size, it delivers over 700 amps of starting power.
This battery boasts a much longer lifespan than lead-acid, capable of up to 2,000 cycles. It features an intelligent Battery Management System (BMS) that protects it from common issues like overcharging, over-discharging, and short circuits. While often used for starting engines, its high power output and light weight make it a compelling, though premium, option for trolling motor use.
ExpertPower EXP1270 12V 7Ah Rechargeable Battery
This ExpertPower battery is a compact and affordable lead-acid option, suitable for smaller trolling motors or for anglers who take shorter trips. Its 7Ah capacity is modest, but for a lightweight kayak and minimal use, it can provide sufficient power. The sealed construction prevents leaks and eliminates the need for maintenance.
Its small size makes it easy to fit into tight spaces on a kayak. It’s a practical choice for those on a budget or for use as a backup power source. For brief outings or for powering smaller electronics in conjunction with a trolling motor, this battery offers a straightforward and reliable solution.
Mighty Max Battery ML35-12 12V 35AH U1 AGM Deep Cycle
The Mighty Max ML35-12 strikes a good balance between capacity and size with its 35Ah rating. Its U1 form factor is a common size that fits many standard battery boxes and kayak compartments. As an AGM deep cycle battery, it provides reliable, maintenance-free power for a full day of casual trolling.
This battery is well-suited for kayakers who need more runtime than a small 7Ah battery can offer but don’t require the extensive capacity of a 100Ah model. It’s a versatile and dependable choice that delivers solid performance for its size, making it a popular option for a wide range of kayak trolling motor setups.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best 9V Batteries for Kayak Trolling Motors
When I first started using a 9V trolling motor on my kayak, I thought any battery from the store would do. I learned the hard way that not all 9V batteries are created equal, and choosing the wrong one can leave you stranded far from your launch point. The key is to match the battery’s capabilities to the demands of your motor and your typical fishing trip.
First and foremost, you need to think about battery chemistry. This is the biggest factor in performance and cost. For a kayak trolling motor, you have two main options: Alkaline and Lithium. Standard Alkaline batteries are cheap and easy to find, but they are a poor choice for this application. They can’t handle the high, continuous current draw of a trolling motor and their voltage drops significantly as they discharge, which can make your motor run slower and die unexpectedly. I always avoid them for this use. Lithium 9V batteries are the superior choice. They maintain a steady voltage throughout their discharge cycle, providing consistent power to your motor until they are nearly empty. They are also much lighter, which is a nice bonus when you’re trying to keep your kayak’s weight down.
Next, consider capacity, which is usually measured in milliamp-hours (mAh). A higher mAh rating means a longer runtime. Standard Alkaline batteries might be around 500-600 mAh, while a good Lithium battery can be 1200 mAh or more. This means a Lithium battery can last more than twice as long on the water. Check your trolling motor’s specifications for its amp draw, and use that to estimate your needs. For example, if your motor draws 500mA (0.5A), a 1200mAh battery should theoretically last about 2.4 hours. Always plan for less than the maximum, as real-world conditions like wind and current will increase power consumption.
Finally, don’t overlook build quality and features. Look for batteries from reputable brands that are designed for high-drain devices. Some come with built-in charge level indicators, which are incredibly useful for knowing how much juice you have left before you head out. Also, consider your budget. Lithium batteries have a higher upfront cost, but their longer lifespan and reliable performance make them more cost-effective in the long run for powering your kayak trolling motor. By focusing on lithium chemistry, high capacity, and trusted brands, you can find the best 9V batteries for kayak trolling motors that will give you a full day of quiet fishing without any power-related surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular alkaline 9V batteries for my kayak trolling motor?
You physically can, but I really don’t recommend it. Alkaline batteries are designed for low-drain devices like smoke detectors and guitar pedals. A trolling motor demands a high, continuous current that alkaline batteries struggle to supply. You’ll experience a significant voltage drop, leading to weak motor performance and a very short runtime. You’ll likely find yourself changing batteries after just a short time on the water. For reliable power, lithium is the only way to go.
How long will a single 9V lithium battery last on my trolling motor?
This is the million-dollar question, and the answer depends on a few things. The main factors are the battery’s capacity (in mAh) and your motor’s power setting. A typical 9V lithium battery has around 1200mAh. If your motor draws, for example, 500mA on a medium setting, you can expect roughly 2 to 2.5 hours of continuous use. If you use a higher speed setting, the amp draw increases, and your runtime will be shorter. Factors like wind, current, and the weight you’re moving also affect this. It’s always smart to carry a fully charged spare.
Is it safe to use and store 9V batteries on my kayak?
Yes, with simple precautions. The main risk with any battery is a short circuit. I always store my spare 9V batteries in their original packaging or a dedicated plastic case. Never just toss a loose battery into a storage compartment where the terminals can touch metal objects, keys, or other batteries. This can cause them to heat up rapidly and become a hazard. Lithium batteries are generally very stable, but keeping them dry and protected from direct physical damage is just good practice.
What is the difference between primary and rechargeable 9V batteries for this use?
Primary (single-use) lithium batteries are what I typically use and recommend for the best 9V batteries for kayak trolling motors. They offer the highest capacity and most consistent voltage, meaning you get the longest and most powerful run. Rechargeable 9V batteries are usually Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) and have a lower voltage (7.2V to 8.4V) and capacity. This can result in slightly less motor power and a shorter runtime per charge. They are more eco-friendly and cost-effective over time, but for maximum performance on a long trip, primary lithium is the winner.
Why does my trolling motor seem underpowered even with a new battery?
If you’re using a fresh alkaline battery, this is likely due to the voltage sag I mentioned earlier; it simply can’t deliver the needed power. If you’re using a lithium battery and it feels weak, double-check all your electrical connections. Corrosion or a loose wire between the battery connector and the motor can cause a significant power loss. Make sure all connections are clean, tight, and free of any green or white corrosion.