Why is my electric trolling motor is not working? Oh no, the batteries are not working! So, it’s time for you to buy new batteries for your trolling motor. But which ones should you buy?
Don’t worry; we can help you to choose the perfect batteries for your trolling motor. In this article, I will be reviewing the top electric trolling motor batteries, which are out there on the market. But before that, let’s have a look at some basic things.
Note: most links in this article are Amazon.com Affiliate links, see Affiliate Disclosure, thank you.
A brief introduction to electric trolling motor batteries?
Most of you know what an electric trolling motor is. It is an electronic device that takes your fishing experience to a whole new level. A trolling motor can help you to move and steer your boat without scaring the fish, and it aids you in fishing if it has a fish finder. So, a trolling motor battery is a battery that is used to power the machinery of the motor.
There are two main categories of batteries, cranking batteries, and deep cycle batteries, this does not include types of batteries, just what the batteries are designed to do. A cranking battery is for starting a vehicle. The deep cycle batteries are used to power motors and electronics for longer periods of time. There is also another type which we will discuss in the latter part of this article.
Classification of trolling motor batteries
Batteries can be classified into three general categories.
Cranking batteries-
These batteries are used to start the vehicle. Usually, these batteries are rated in CA or CCA, respectively cranking amps and cold cranking amps. They are specially designed to produce a huge amount of power in a short time for starting a vehicle.
Deep cycle batteries-
These batteries are better for electric trolling motors than cranking ones. They are designed to be discharged up to 50% and recharged again for a complete cycle. Most of these batteries have a rating in amp hours(ah). The amp hours rating of a deep cycle battery is 100% of its capacity, so keep in mind you can only use 50% of that without damaging your trolling motor battery.
Dual-purpose batteries-
As the name suggests, this type of battery can perform the functions of both a cranking and deep cycle battery. These are a great option for trolling motor batteries, but a wise person once said with great power comes a great price. If you can afford it, then you don’t have to think about anything else.
As a side note, dual-purpose batteries also are a good option for powering electric trolling motors, but the extra cost makes them non-budget-friendly.
Battery technology types
Generally, deep cycle batteries are used to power trolling motors so we will be discussing different types of deep cycle batteries.
Flooded lead-acid batteries-
These types of batteries are the cheapest ones that you can find on the market. But they are not very durable, and you have to do regular maintenance to keep them working. They are also not suitable for use in rough water or at high speed, because there is always of risk of acid leakage in the batteries. Typically the maintenance involves adding distilled water, not filtered water. Also, cleaning the with a baking soda solution is a good idea but never get it inside the cell.
AGM batteries-
AGM stands for Absorbed Glass Mat. They are well known for their supreme durability and shock-resistant ability. The batteries contain extra protection to prevent the acids from flowing freely and reduce the chance of acid leakage. AGM batteries have a great life span, easily recharging 1000 cycles or more when properly cycled. Many batteries on our list are AGM because they are a boat-friendly choice. When balancing out cost and performance it is had to beat an AGM battery.
Gel cell batteries-
Gel cell batteries are batteries that have silica added to immobilize the electrolyte in the battery. Gel cell batteries have a long life and deeper cycles. That means you can discharge them safely up to 50% and recharge again for another cycle. But one downside of these batteries is that you can’t connect them to your motor without a special charge controller.
Lithium batteries-
Lithium, LiFePO4, or lithium iron phosphate is the latest and greatest technology that promises to be the best but at a huge cost. A drop-in lithium battery case looks like any other battery case, but the internal stuff is completely different. There are lots of lithium-ion cells inside with the addition of a BMS system.
One advantage of the lithium battery technology is that you can draw full amperage until the battery is dead, potentially getting 100% of the amp hour rating. Another advantage is the life span, with popular lithium batteries getting more than 3000 charge cycles. So, if you have money to afford a lithium battery, then there is no reason for not to buy one or two.
Battery Chargers
Before we dive into the best electric trolling motor battery, we want to take a minute to mention battery chargers. There are many chargers on the market, but the most important factor is charge profile compatibility.
As long as your charger is compatible with your trolling motor battery, it should work. However, there are some factors that can be safer and more convenient. We recommend an onboard marine-rated battery charger because of these factors.
Check out our article that explains what onboard chargers are and how they work.
If you are short on time and looking for a high-quality well tested battery for your electric trolling motor we recommend the VMAX MR137-120ah AGM Sealed Marine Battery 12V. Vmax batteries have a great capacity for almost any electric trolling motor system. Additionally, AGM batteries are tough and spill-resistant. So you know that I personally tested this battery you can see me using my 5 year old battery in this youtube video (3:52).
Products
Best overall
VMAX MR137-120ah AGM Sealed Marine Battery 12V
Budget-friendly
NPP NPD12-100Ah Deep Cycle AGM 12V Battery
Best lightweight
Mighty Max Battery 12V 55Ah Deep Cycle Battery
Best Dual purpose
Odyssey 31M-PC2150ST-M TROLLING Thunder Marine Dual Purpose Battery
Best high-end
Product Details
VMAX MR137-120ah AGM Sealed Marine Battery 12V
The heart of the VMAX is the unique physical and chemical structure of its plates. The special treatment and manufacturing process they undergo gains them unique reliability, strength, and high performance far exceeding those of other Pb-Ca plates used in similar-looking products. Using their specially designed Absorbed Glass Matt (AGM) between the VMAX plates adds many physical and electrical advantages that make it superior to the Wet Lead Acid Batteries.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty 12V AGM Deep cycle battery
- 8-10 years lifespan
- Electrolyte Suspension system
- Completely waterproof and shock-resistant
- Maintainance free operation
Cons:
- Price
- Heavyweight and tough to carry
This trolling motor battery is just a big beast. A tough Tank seals and protects the tightly packed plates delivering the VMAX in a 100% maintenance-free package. Though VMAX Tanks are best known for their long-life span, their capability to recover after repeated deep discharges is what makes them the favorite choice for any application. The price and weight may become an issue for some people.
I used two of these batteries on my boat for years, and the reason I switched was that a broken battery strap caused the case to become damaged. I have recommended this deep-cycle battery to Friends, family, and neighbors, one currently has one in his RV van.
Click here to read reviews on Amazon.com
NPP NPD12-100Ah Deep Cycle AGM 12V Battery
This NPP NPD12 is made with high-quality AGM calcium grids with 10 years of floating design life. The NPD is perfect for standby power supplies or frequent cyclic discharge applications. This battery is also equipped with a safety valve system to prevent pressure build-up within the battery.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Waterproof and shockproof
- Standard size
- 1 year warranty
- Easy to install
- Maintainance free
Cons:
- Heavyweight design
We liked this battery mainly because of its price. You can’t find another better alternative at this price. This battery’s rugged design also makes it chemical and water-resistant. Its weight is not so light as its price. Many people have claimed that this battery can work properly for more than 10 years.
I have two of these batteries, which I used in my sealed engine compartment because they are maintenance-free and, with low depth of discharge. They performed well for many years. Because I recently switched to lithium, I am currently reusing one of the batteries for a small solar lighting system in my fishing shed and the other in an RV.
I placed a note on my switch at the bottom of this article.
Click here to read reviews on Amazon.com
Battle-born lithium 12V 100Ah
This Battle Born lithium drop-in battery is designed and assembled in Reno, NV. This LiFePO4 – lithium iron phosphate deep cycle battery is great for use in a Boat, RV, or Off-grid power system. It is considered as one of the best of its kind in the market. It is also available in other variants like 24 volts – 50 amp hour.
Pros:
- Built-in BMS(Battery Management System)
- 100 amp continuous output
- Series wiring compatible for 24, 36, or 48 volt
- Lightweight and compact
- Made from 100% safe, non-toxic, renewable energy
- Very good long-lasting power (3000 to 5000 cycles)
- 10-year warranty
Cons:
- Price
We were impressed by the longevity of this product. The manufacturer has tested this battery and states that after 3000 cycles, you should still have 75% of your original amp hour rating. If you went fishing every Saturday and Sunday for the next 28 years, that would be 3000 cycles.
However, lithium batteries are affected by time, but we are not aware of that number, so the 10-year warranty would be reasonable. You can use it for years without any additional maintenance costs. It doesn’t generate any hydrogen gas like lead-acid batteries, thus making it completely safe to use indoors.
The Battle Born also has a reasonably shorter charging time due to its high C rate BMS. Also, the BMS is capable of series connections, making it a great choice for a Minn Kota Terrova 36-volt, or any other 36-volt trolling motor.
Its price may seem a bit much, but if you are buying this battery, you might never buy another trolling motor battery.
Click here to read reviews on Amazon.com
Click here for a full review article on multiple Drop-in Lithium Batteries
Banshee 31 Series Marine Battery Replaces Blue Top D31M
Unleash the Banshee this year with the new Group 31M deep-cycle marine battery with dual terminals. Banshee batteries are designed to withstand rigorous deep charges as well as long, slow recharges. The manufacturer states that their Enhanced Flooded Battery technology (EFB) is the reason the battery performs so well compared to standard flooded lead-acid batteries. The Banshee marine deep-cycle battery claims to be a direct replacement for Optima D31M batteries and has excellent recharge capabilities for long-lasting performance.
Pros:
- 800 CCA for starting power
- 105 amp hours
- Built-in Hydrometer – Indicator
- Dual post terminal design
- 2 year warranty
- Budget-friendly
- Comparatively less weight
Cons:
- 400 charge cycle rating at 80% discharge
- Regular maintenance is necessary
- Not compatible for rough use
This battery is one of the best budget-friendly ones which are available on the market. They are specially designed for long-lasting performance. But, as they are flooded lead-acid batteries, you should always mount them upright and regularly maintain them so you can have the maximum life from them.
We would recommend two of these batteries for 12 volt trolling motor systems on a slower moving boat because you can set them in parallel and run your main motor and your trolling motor on the same system.
Click here to read reviews on Amazon.com
Odyssey 31M-PC2150ST-M TROLLING Thunder Marine Dual Purpose Battery
ODYSSEY Batteries TROLLING Thunder Marine Dual Purpose Battery has both massive starting power and amazing deep cycling capability, up to 400 cycles at 80 percent depth of discharge. With 2 times the overall power and 3 times the life of conventional marine batteries, the ODYSSEY battery is ideal for TROLLING, starting, and powering the many onboard electronic accessories common in boats and recreational vehicles.
Pros:
- 1150 Cold Crank Amp(CCA) technology
- Dual Purpose
- Virgin lead (not recycled/remanufactured)
- 3-4 years warranty Life
- Longer cycle life(claims)
- Non-spill design
- Waterproof and vibrant resistant
- Fast recharge capacity
Cons:
- 400 cycle rating
- Price
This battery is built like a tank! The deep cycling capacity of the legendary Odyssey Battery along with massive cranking power, makes this battery an all-in-one revolutionary battery. Its construction consists of pure virgin lead plates for maximum surface area and optimized recycling, an AGM design that eliminates acid spills. Everything is great about this battery except the price, which cannot be afforded by everyone.
Final note: this Odyssey battery Is our top choice for your main motor battery in spite of the cost because it is top of the line. It will meet or exceed most motor manufacturer specification requirements for your main motor. I used this battery for over six years as my main battery. Due to cost, I went with different batteries for each application.
Click here to read reviews on Amazon.com
Optima Batteries 8052-161 D31M BlueTop Starting and Deep Cycle Battery
Installing an OPTIMA BlueTop high-performance AGM battery in your boat or RV means exceptional running time and more recharges than you’d get out of a traditional battery. It’s the perfect marine battery for boats with trolling motors, and extensive electronic systems, and works well as an RV battery for RVs with creature comforts that tend to drain batteries quickly.
Pros:
- Dual-purpose
- 900 CCA
- Optimal starting power
- Spiral cell Technology
- Vibration resistant and waterproof
- Maintainance free
- Spillproof
Cons:
- 75 Amp Hours
- Price
- Charge capacity could be better
This battery works great for hot weather and long periods of no charging because of its high reserve capacity. We liked the design of this battery, which is an uncommon one. It is also spillproof and maintenance-free, ensuring that you don’t need to worry about them. It is very expensive though.
We chose this Optima battery model because of its features and price, but Optima makes a full line of batteries that may fit your needs better. Click the link to Amazon.com, and you will also see cranking (red top), dual-purpose auto (yellow top), or larger dual-purpose batteries (D34M).
Click here to read reviews on Amazon.com
Mighty Max Battery 12V 55Ah Deep Cycle Battery
Delivering power when you need it, the Mighty Max ML55-12 12 Volt 55 AH uses a state of the art, heavy-duty, calcium-alloy grid that provides exceptional performance and service life in both float and cyclic applications. The ML55-12 is an Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) technology with a valve-regulated design, that can be used in enclosed and indoor environments without leaking or maintenance, providing a superior performance for thousands of models.
Pros:
- 12V nominal voltage
- 1 year warranty
- Fully maintenance-free
- Spill-proof and shock-resistant
- Lightweight (39 lbs)
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Less charging capacity
This battery is best used for a 30-36 lb. thrust trolling motor. It weighs a bit more than the 35 amp hour battery but lasts a lot longer. Its cheap price and maintenance-free design add to its greatness. But we recommend you not to use this battery continuously for long amounts of time because customers have complained that it gets hot very quickly.
Click here to read reviews on Amazon.com
ExpertPower 12v 33ah Rechargeable Deep Cycle Battery
ExpertPower AGM Deep Cycle Rechargeable Batteries are made with the highest quality of materials available. Whether it’s the SECURITY of your home, the MOBILITY of your machine, or even just a personal HOBBY, be sure to use the most efficient batteries available.
Pros:
- Rugged construction
- Durable exterior
- 12V Nominal Voltage
- No-spill absorbent glass mat technology
- Maintainance free
- Easy to install
- Lightweight design (23 lbs)
Cons:
- Price
We loved the design of this battery because it is very lightweight and compact. You can carry it anywhere easily. This battery is also completely maintenance-free and easy to install. This is extremely durable, and it is also saltwater tested. Only the price is the low amp-hours of this product, but everything is just awesome.
Click here to read reviews on Amazon.com
Our Recommendation
Now it’s time for our top recommendation. We have come up with this versatile battery, which can give you everything that you want in a trolling motor battery at a reasonable cost. So, let’s recap it now.
VMAX MR137-120ah AGM Sealed Marine Battery 12V
Pros:
- Heavy-duty 12V AGM Deep cycle battery
- 8-10 years lifespan
- Electrolyte Suspension system – spill-proof
- Completely waterproof and shock-resistant
- Maintainance free operation
Cons:
- Price
- Heavyweight
This battery is one of the best deep-cycle trolling motor batteries available on the internet. We loved its durability and spillproof design. The fact that I have used these batteries for years and still use the orphan battery for lighting and radio in my storage shed gives me confidence that you will be happy if you purchase one or more of these batteries.
Keep in mind that you will need a different type of battery for your main motor and that when wiring your batteries in series or parallel, always buy them in sets, so they are the exact same size and age.
Click here to read reviews on Amazon.com
Conclusion
We have worked very hard and come up with the best trolling motor batteries for your boats. Now, it’s your turn to choose the best one for your boat. Whether you love to fish or you love to travel on your boat, you will need some good-quality batteries to enhance your experience. So, go ahead and grab one for yourself. Cheers!
Notes
Recently I upgraded my boat to a 24-volt lithium battery system. After a lot of research and interviews, I went with the Amperetime battery. I have a B-battery bank and I selected the Mighty Max 60ah AGM battery because it was the minimum amps to run my electric trolling motor.
The data that I gathered about 24-volt lithium batteries can be found in my article 24-Volt Lithium-Ion Trolling Motor Battery
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