Whether you fish freshwater or salt, inshore or off, or are powered by paddle or engine, trolling motors open many doors. Pairing your trolling motor with the right battery is the first step to unlocking these benefits.
Getting it right ultimately means more fishing, less hassle and years of performance. Here’s our take on the best trolling motor batteries, no matter the need or circumstance.
Quicklook: 7 Top Trolling Motor Batteries
- Best lithium trolling motor battery: Dakota Lithium 36V 110Ah
- Best deep cycle trolling motor battery: Relion RB24V100 Lithium Iron Phosphate Deep Cycle Battery, 24V, 100Ah
- Best AGM trolling motor battery: Bass Pro Shops Power Series Deep-Cycle AGM Marine Battery
- Best trolling motor battery for 80 lb thrust: LiTime 24V 100Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery
- Best kayak trolling motor battery: Dakota Lithium 12V54Ah
- Best 12v trolling motor battery: Relion Group 31 RB100 Lithium Iron Phosphate Deep Cycle Battery, 12V, 100Ah
- Best trolling motor battery on a budget: Goldenmate 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery
Best Trolling Motor Battery Options
Determining the best troll motor battery for you means choosing between power, size, shelf life and budget. Fortunately, these days there are good trolling motor batteries for every person and type of boat and budget.
Dakota Lithium 36V 110Ah
The Dakota Lithium 36V 110Ah is a beast. It’s large enough to power trolling motors all day, delivering the thrust you need to fish hard. Delivering 200% of the power of traditional batteries, it weighs half as much, charges up to five times faster and can last up to eight times as long as other types of trolling motor batteries.
Best for: Lithium batteries
Features:
- 11-year warranty
- Delivers full power throughout its charge, as opposed to other battery types that deliver less power as their charge decreases
- With 36 volts, this battery provides lots of power output for a long time
Disadvantages:
- Relatively expensive
- Its large footprint makes it less than ideal for smaller boats
Price: $2,299.99
Relion RB24V100 Lithium Iron Phosphate Deep Cycle Battery, 24V, 100Ah
Relion’s RB24V100 Lithium Iron Phosphate Deep Cycle Battery combines the benefits of a lithium trolling motor battery with the deep cycle battery’s long-lasting power. At 24 volts, it’s a great option for boat owners who lean heavy on the trolling motor.
Best for: Deep cycle batteries
Features:
- Weighs 50-60% less than equivalent batteries of other types
- Provides up to 10 times the lifespan of lead-acid batteries
- Rated to deliver 80% of stated charge, even after 2,000 cycles
- Low maintenance
Disadvantages:
- It’s a lithium battery and it’s not cheap.
- 24 volts is a sweet spot for some boaters, but it’s not as small as a 12 volt or as powerful as a 36 volt.
Price: $1,224.99
Bass Pro Shops Power Series Deep-Cycle AGM Marine Battery
Available in three sizes, the Bass Pro Shops Power Series Deep-Cycle AGM Marine Battery delivers battery life, power, and on-the-water performance. It provides two operational modes: starting/cranking and deep-cycle. AGM batteries are a great choice for trolling motors.
Best for: AGM batteries
Features:
- Warrantied for up to three years
- Ample reserve capacity
- Available in three sizes
- Leakproof
Disadvantages: Heavier than comparable lithium batteries
Price: $174.99-$229.99
LiTime 24V 100Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery
In the world of trolling motors, thrust is a function of voltage. 12 volt batteries, depending on their amp hour rating, generally provide between about 20 and 70 pounds of thrust. Offering 80 pounds of thrust, the LiTime 24V 100Ah LiFePO4 Lithium is a great choice for those needing a bit more out of their trolling motor batteries.
Best for: 80 pounds of thrust
Features:
- Lightweight and more portable than you might imagine
- High quality construction with automotive grade components
- Rapid charging
Disadvantages: Measuring 21 inches across, you won’t be able to squeeze this battery into cramped compartments.
Price: $445.19
Dakota Lithium 12V54Ah
When you’re packing a trolling motor battery for your kayak, you need reliable performance in a compact, lightweight footprint. The Dakota Lithium 12V54Ah has this covered. Measuring roughly 8 inches by 9 inches by 5 inches, it’s tailor made for kayak fishing.
Best for: Kayaks
Features:
- Charger included
- 11-year warranty
- Long lasting
Disadvantages: It’s a lithium battery, and is priced as such.
Price: $399.99
Relion Group 31 RB100
The Relion Group 31 RB100 Lithium Iron Phosphate Deep Cycle Battery is a great option for anyone seeking a classic 12v trolling motor battery. Delivering an impressive combination of power and durability in a relatively compact footprint, it’s a lighter weight alternative to other forms of 12v batteries.
Best for: 12v trolling motor battery
Features:
- Maintenance free
- Offers all of the benefits of a lithium battery
- More powerful than equivalent batteries of other type
Disadvantages: More expensive than other 12v battery options
Price: $629.99
Goldenmate 12V 100Ah
The Goldenmate 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery packs all the benefits of lithium trolling motor batteries into a price that’s affordable for many anglers. Featuring a long lifespan with low maintenance requirements, it offers stable, consistent power to your trolling motor.
Best for: A trolling motor battery on a budget
Features:
- Up to 10 times the lifespan of other types of trolling motor batteries
- High and low temperature protections that prevent battery damage in extreme conditions
- Easy to recharge and maintain
Disadvantages: Weighing in at 55 pounds, this battery won’t be your lightest option.
Price: $186.97
Assessing Your Marine Battery for Trolling Motor Options
The right trolling motor battery for you depends on a variety of factors, like your budget and the type of boat you own.
- Capacity and voltage: A great first step to narrow down your choices is to check the manual of your trolling motor for battery specs. Generally speaking, the larger and heavier your boat, and the bigger your trolling motor, the more power you will need.
- Weight and size: You’ll want batteries that can fit in the spaces on your boat, and are light enough to move if needed.
- Lifespan and maintenance: Lithium batteries last a long time and require less maintenance, but are typically more expensive than alternatives. AGM batteries provide great performance with a lower price. Other types of batteries may be cheaper, but require more maintenance.
- Cost and value: A higher-quality battery may cost more upfront, but can offer more reliability and runtime, and require fewer replacements over time. The cheapest options don’t necessarily offer the greatest value overall.
- Charging time and convenience: Batteries with shorter charging times may get you out on the water faster, but the convenience may come at the cost of capacity. Find out whether the ones you’re considering are compatible with onboard chargers or solar panels if you want the option to extend your trips.
- Safety and environmental concerns: Robust safety features protect you from hazards like overheating and acid leaks. Environmentally friendly lithium-ion and AGM batteries reduce the risk of pollution and align with eco-conscious boating practices.
Choose Wisely to Meet Your Needs
Modern trolling motor batteries have come a long way over the last decade, both in terms of performance and longevity. Incorporating their benefits into your setup can help you catch more fish, and make your time on the water more carefree.
Given the wide variety of marine batteries now on the market, the task of narrowing down the options may seem overwhelming. From our perspective, you can’t go wrong with any of the recommendations on this list.
FAQ
What is the longest lasting battery for a trolling motor?
Lithium-ion batteries generally offer the longest lifespan and runtime for trolling motors. They can last 10 years or more with proper care, and can go longer between charges than traditional lead-acid batteries.
What size battery for a 30 thrust trolling motor?
Depending on composition and make up, 12 volt batteries are rated to provide 30 pounds of thrust.
How long will a 12V 100Ah battery last on a trolling motor?
A 12V 100Ah battery typically lasts from four to eight hours on a trolling motor, depending on factors like motor thrust, speed, and water conditions. At lower speeds or with intermittent use, the battery may last closer to eight hours, while operating continuously at high speeds will considerably reduce your runtime.
