To get the best performance out of your trolling motor, you have to have a deep cycle battery to power that trolling motor. Contrary to what most people believe, these trolling motor batteries are not at all related to traditional car batteries; they are poles apart and therefore, they can’t be used interchangeably. The main difference between a kayak trolling motor battery and a car battery is that car batteries are mainly used to start the engine whereas the trolling motor batteries are primarily used as power backup and therefore, it is quite expected that people would expect beastly performance from these trolling motor batteries.
However, it is a fact that trolling motor batteries are still being treated as aliens by most kayakers. But things are changing slowly but surely. If you have equipped fish finders or a trolling motor in your kayak, you have no other option other than to purchase a powerful and features a rich trolling motor battery.
Best 7 Trolling Motor Batteries
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Finding the right trolling motor batteries for your kayak is not that easy and straightforward. There are hundreds of different models of trolling motor batteries are available in the market. To help you out, here we have listed the best 7 trolling motor batteries that you can use on your boat or kayaks without a second thought –
1. OPTIMA BlueTop High-Performance (Deep Cycle Marine Battery) AGM battery
Optima Batteries 8016-103 D34M can offer a superior level of performance even in harsh conditions. This Optima Deep Cycle Marine Battery does not require any such maintenance and therefore, it is no wonder that this trolling motor battery has gained so much popularity among kayakers.
This dual-purpose Deep Cycle Marine Battery flaunts a unique SpiralCell design and offers higher reserve capacity. Since this battery weighs just 43.5 pounds, it can be mounted on any position of your likings. Optima Batteries 8016-103 D34M is highly resistant to vibration and it can offer at least 120 minutes of uninterrupted power supply.
OPTIMA BlueTop High-Performance AGM battery works exceptionally well both in RV and in the boat. It does not take long to get recharged fully.
Features –
- 15 more resistant to vibration.
- 120 minutes of reserve capacity.
- 870 ampere – Marine Cranking Amps.
- Spill-Proof.
2. ExpertPower 12v 33ah Rechargeable AMG Deep Cycle Battery
ExpertPower 12v 33ah Rechargeable Deep Cycle Battery is used for multiple purposes. You can use it to power General Electronics, Medical Devices, Solar Collectors, Emergency Systems, Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) or Home Alarm System. Made from premium quality materials, ExpertPower 12v 33ah Rechargeable Deep Cycle Battery sports a spill-proof construction.
ExpertPower 12v 33ah Rechargeable Deep Cycle Battery is small but still manages to punch above its weight. Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Technology is incorporated in the design and structure of this trolling motor battery. Installation is very simple and it requires little to no maintenance.
3. Mighty Max Battery 12V 35AH SLA Battery for Minn Kota Trolling Motor
Mighty Max Battery 12V 35AH SLA Battery for Minn Kota Trolling Motor offers great performance even under extreme conditions. It flaunts a sleek and cool design and it has got a calcium-alloy grid that adds to its already impressive performance. Mighty Max Battery 12V 35AH SLA Battery is making full use of Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) technology. Be it indoor environments or enclosed environment, Mighty Max Battery 12V 35AH SLA Battery can offer an exceptional level of performance.
It does not leak and it does not require any such maintenance at all. Apart from using with Minn Kota Trolling Motor, you can use it to power Motorcycles, Lawn and Garden Tools, Golf Carts, Engine Starters, Electric Vehicles, Consumer Electronics and more. It enjoys wide operating temperatures and enjoys a high discharge rate.
Mighty Max Battery 12V 35AH SLA Battery is known for its remarkable ability to resist vibration and shocks. Even in extreme temperature, it can offer superior performance. The company offers a 1 year warranty.
4. Universal Power Group 12V 100Ah Battery For Trolling Motor
Universal Power Group 12V 100Ah Battery For Trolling Motor have a short recharged time that makes it ideal for most kayakers. This battery offers an outstanding level of performance and it does not even cost that much. It is even extremely lightweight but it has a great capacity. It can power a 35-pound thrust trolling motor for an entire day.
Universal Power Group 12V 100Ah Battery comes equipped with a rope carrying handle and it comes enclosed in a robust and rugged case. This battery can easily be mounted and can withstand shocks and vibration. This spill-proof battery can last long if you know what you are doing.
5. Vmaxtanks Vmaxslr125 AGM Deep Cycle 12v 125ah SLA rechargeable Battery
Vmaxtanks Vmaxslr125 AGM Deep Cycle 12v 125ah SLA rechargeable Battery has huge storage capacity and it is really dense. You can hook it up with solar panel and it works perfectly.
When used in flat mode, these Vmaxtanks Vmaxslr125 AGM Deep Cycle 12v 125ah SLA rechargeable Batteries can easily last 8 to 10 years. Storage information is provided on the website of the manufacturer. The main drawback of Vmaxtanks Vmaxslr125 AGM Deep Cycle 12v 125ah SLA rechargeable Battery is that it is one the heavier side. It does not emit any toxic gas or chemicals which is a huge plus. Military-grade plates are used in the construction of this trolling motor battery and that means, you don’t have to worry about its performance.
6. VMAXTANKS VMAX V35-857 12 Volt 35AH AGM Battery
VMAXTANKS VMAX V35-857 12 Volt 35AH AGM Battery is a heavy-duty trolling motor battery. It is a reliable, versatile and high-performance AGM Battery. It is far superior to the Wet Lead Acid Batteries that are commonly available in the market. You would not face any trouble and it can provide at least 3 to 4 hours of continuous power. It is far more lightweight than a traditional Wet Cell Battery and it is extremely easy to move around.
It is non-hazardous and non-spillable trolling motor battery. The plates of the battery are protected by a tough Tank seal. VMAXTANKS VMAX V35-857 12 Volt 35AH AGM Batteries are designed to withstand repeated deep discharges.
7. WindyNation 100 amp-Hour 100AH 12V 12 Volt AGM Deep Cycle Battery
WindyNation 100 amp-Hour 100AH 12V 12 Volt AGM Deep Cycle Battery can act as a reliable source of power for your off-grid energy project. It has a non-spillable design which is convenient for most users. WindyNation 100 amp-Hour 100AH 12V 12 Volt AGM Deep Cycle Battery can easily withstand regular charge and discharge and the credit goes to its heavy-duty plates. This battery can be used in RVs, Telecommunication, UP, etc. You get a 1 year warranty with this product.
Different Types of Trolling Motor Batteries
Just like the trolling motors, the trolling motor batteries are available in different shapes and sizes. Some of the common types of trolling motor batteries are explained below –
1. Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-Ion Batteries are widely used in smartphones, laptops and other smart devices around the world as they do not take hours to get fully charged. These are powerful batteries and they can last really long if they don’t get overheated every now and then. However, it is a fact that these Lithium-Ion Batteries are relatively new in the trolling motor segment but they have already managed to carve out a niche for themselves among veteran kayakers.
The biggest benefit of using Lithium-Ion trolling motor Batteries is that they don’t weigh that much. So, carrying them around would not be such a big issue. However, Lithium-Ion trolling motor Batteries are a bit expensive but given their innumerable benefits, you can easily ignore the price tag.
Lithium-Ion trolling motor Batteries are used widely by anglers as they take less time to get fully charged and that means, anglers can concentrate more on catching fish rather than wasting time on charging their batteries.
2. AGM Batteries
AGM batteries are amazing. If you purchase an AMG Battery, you would not have to worry about sulfuric acid leakage at all. It has a unique construction that allows it to contain the harmful gases from coming out; so that means, you would not have to worry about investing in a ventilated case anymore.
The full form of AMG is – Absorbed Glass Mat and they sport a conspicuous fiberglass construction. Since they come in an enclosed box, you can easily change their position. Since they take less space on kayaks, they are getting increasingly popular among kayakers.
Unlike wet cell batteries that take really long to get fully charged, AGM batteries do not take that much time to get fully charged and the top of that, they are extremely lightweight. These AGM batteries are ideal for kayaks and boats as they are extremely powerful and lightweight.
The biggest advantage of AGM batteries is that you would have to spend a dime for maintenance. You can even use them as deep cycle batteries for trolling motors as they offer a superior level of service and can be used to charge and recharge batteries multiple times.
Here are some other advantages of using AGM batteries –
- They can withstand vibration and their performance never gets adversely affected by vibration.
- These batteries can perform perfectly in cold weather.
However, the performance level of these AMG batteries takes a nosedive in warm weather. Moreover, there is always a possibility of overcharging it. So, you have to be really careful about that.
3. Wet-Cell Batteries
If you don’t have that much budget to purchase an AGM battery, you can always settle for a Wet-Cell battery. It is probably one of the most affordable options available for trolling motors. Wet-Cell batteries contain liquid acid and which is why sometimes, they are referred to as flooded cell batteries. These batteries are chiefly used in cars as they are designed to withstand frequent draining and charging.
However, of late, they are getting adopted by trolling motors as frequent charging and recharging are also a part of its eco-system. Also, they don’t get overcharged that easily which is a common problem with other types of trolling motor batteries.
However, there are some serious drawbacks of wet-cell batteries. These wet-cell batteries need more maintenance and you might have to add distilled water every now and then. Another serious drawback of wet-cell battery is that it is not sealed properly and that means, the acid may start leaking from it. These batteries are also extremely susceptible to corrosion and this can have a serious impact on its longevity. These batteries can’t deal with vibrations properly. Vibration can cause sulfuric acid leakage and that can cause significant damage to your boat. Moreover, you will also have to purchase a well-ventilated compartment contain the hydrogen gas that might get released by the battery. This is the reason why so many people these days are opting for AGM batteries.
Trolling Motor Battery FAQ
How Long Do Trolling Motor Batteries Last On Each Charge?
Well, it depends on the type of trolling motor battery you have. How long your trolling motor battery will last on a single charge is also dependent on the type of trolling motor that you have installed on your boat. The speed of the boat and the load of the boat can also have a crucial role in this matter.
At Kayak Manual, we think, you need to check the amp draw of the motor first. All you have to do is to divide the battery’s AMP hours by the trolling motor’s AMPs and you will get the number. For example, if the AMP hours of the trolling motor battery is 200 and the motor’s AMPs is 40, it means your battery will last 5 hours approximately.
How Should I Store The Trolling Motor Battery?
You hate the sight of a dead battery, right? Of course, you do and which is why you need to recharge the trolling motor battery each time you return from an intense, exciting and exhilaration fishing trip. I know this is tiring, but there is no way around it.
The trolling motor batteries should be stored in a dry and cool place. Most batteries don’t function well when they are stored in a hot and humid place. Conditions like these may shorten their life span. Now, you can’t store your trolling motor batteries in a place that gets too cold during the winter. Extreme cold can have a serious impact on the longevity of the battery and can have a negative impact on its overall performance.
Wet-cell trolling motor batteries need to be filled with distilled water in order to maintain the right fluid level. It would be great if you can recharge the trolling motor batteries with a low amp charger.
What Is The Lifespan Of A Trolling Motor Battery?
Different types of Trolling motor batteries are available in the market and depending on the type, their life span can also vary. Usually, a wet-cell trolling motor battery last anywhere between 1 year to 2 and a half year. Whereas a lithium-ion trolling motor battery can last 10 years if used properly but these batteries are expensive. If you want to hit the middle ground, you can opt for AGM trolling motor battery; an AGM trolling motor battery can last 3 to 4 years.
To increase their lifespan, you need to store these trolling motor batteries in a cool and dry place. That place should not be too hot or too cold.
How Long Do Trolling Moto Batteries Take To Charge?
Unlike lithium-ion trolling motor batteries that get recharged fast, AGM trolling motor batteries take really long time to get fully recharged. Sometimes, they take a day or two to get fully recharged. However, the charger’s AMPs determine how long it will take to recharge an AMG trolling motor battery. The higher the AMPs is, the shorter the recharge time will be.
