Trolling Motor Batteries: Top Picks for Your Craft!

While it might not be the most exciting piece of equipment on your watercraft, your trolling motor battery is key to the operation of your trolling motor, and should not be ignored. Marine batteries actually differ significantly in terms of performance and functionality, so it makes sense to get one that won’t let you down when you need it most.

If you’re not that familiar with marine battery technology – you’ll be happy to know they’ve come a long way in recent years. Whereas marine batteries used to be limited to finnicky lead acid models, modern AGM batteries are fully sealed and require little to no maintenance – so you’ll have one less thing to worry about on your boat.

Picking the right trolling motor battery for your craft and needs can seem a little tricky and technical, so I’ll attempt to break it down as simply as possible. Let’s take a look at some of the key features to be aware of when choosing a marine battery.

Quick Answer: 7 Best Trolling Motor Batteries

• Best Overall: Odyssey 31M-PC2150ST-M Trolling Thunder
• Best High Capacity: VMAX MR137-120 AGM
• Best Medium Sized Battery: Weize 12V 55AH Deep Cycle Battery
• Best for Smaller Craft: VMAX V35-857 AGM
• Best Dual Purpose: Optima Batteries 8016-103 D34M BlueTop
• Lithium Ion: Battle Born LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery 100 Ah
• Budget Pick: Mighty Max ML35-12 35 Ah

---

Types of Trolling Motor Batteries

There are a number of different types of trolling motor batteries commonly used.

Liquid Acid

Liquid acid batteries – also called wet-cell batteries – are designed to be charged and drained frequently. These batteries use an electrolyte (typically distilled water) to flood the lead plates, so they require more maintenance. They’re also a lot heavier than newer battery types.

Liquid acid batteries are not completely sealed, so they have the potential to leak battery acid and corrode if you’re not careful. Due to their finicky nature, they have a shorter shelf life than AGM batteries.

Also, due to their non-sealed design, they can’t be shipped in the mail, so these batteries have to be picked up in store.

AGM Batteries

Modern AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries are completely sealed, and won’t leak battery acid or require topping up with water. They’re super low maintenance, don’t require special vented housing, and can be left in your boat without worry about corrosion.

They also charge more rapidly than liquid acid batteries, and pound for pound provide more power, so they’re great for smaller craft like canoes, kayaks, and rafts. Their enclosed design also means you can install them in a variety of different positions on smaller craft.

When you’re talking about boats and trolling motors, vibration can be a major factor. AGM batteries perform far better with vibration than liquid acid units do – greatly increasing their utility.

They’ll perform well in cold temperatures, so you can use them year-round without any concern.

With all of these advantages, AGM batteries are generally the superior choice for most people. While they cost more than their Liquid Acid counterparts, the added functionality more than makeup for the cost. We’ll be focusing on these types in this article.

Lithium Ion

Lithium-ion batteries are the newest and most expensive battery type. These are the same type of batteries found in modern smartphones, laptops, and newer power tools. They’re extremely long-lasting, have impressively long shelf lives, work equally well in hot and cold weather, and weigh significantly less than other battery types.

The only downside to these batteries is cost. They can easily run $300+ per battery, so if you want top-shelf performance, you’ve got to be ready to shell out a few extra bucks.

Deep Cycle vs. Dual Purpose vs. Starting

Not all marine batteries are created equal. Batteries differ greatly in terms of functionality and intended use.

Starting batteries are built to discharge a high level of power in one go – which is what you need to turn over and start a large engine. These batteries aren’t suited for use with trolling motors, as they aren’t designed for a slow gradual discharge.

Dual-purpose batteries are designed with two purposes in mind. They can be used to start up engines as well as to provide a steady supply of power to trolling motors, electric downriggers, and other boat electronics. While they can perform both tasks reasonably well, they’re sort of a jack of all trades – decent at both but excelling at neither. If you’ve got a small craft with limited space to store a battery, then a dual-purpose battery makes a good option.

Deep Cycle Batteries are designed to provide a slow and steady power supply over a long period of time. These batteries are ideal for powering trolling motors and other boat electronics and will last far longer than dual-purpose batteries.

If you have a medium to large craft with enough room for more than one battery, going with a starting battery and a second deep cycle battery usually makes sense.

Amp Hours (Ah)

Marine batteries are typically rated in amp hours. Amp hours are a unit of electric charge, equal to the charge transferred by a steady current of one amp flowing for one hour. In short, a higher amp hour rating means it has a higher capacity to store electrical charge and will be able to power your motor and other electronics for longer.

Picking the right amp hour rating will depend on the amount of power required by your trolling motor. There is no “right” battery size, as your needs will differ depending on your boat’s weight, your motor size, and how much you use it.

Smaller batteries tend to be in the 25 Ah to 50 Ah range, while larger batteries are often 100+ Ah. For smaller vessels like kayaks and canoes, you’ll want to go with at least 25 Ah. For bass boats and other medium-sized craft, you’ll generally want to go with at least 75 Ah.

Keep in mind that batteries with a higher Ah rating will generally cost more than their smaller counterparts.

An easy way to calculate how long your battery will last is to divide the batteries’ Amp hours by the amp draw of your motor.

Group Size

Group size is an industry-standard for batteries that indicates the physical size of the battery. Its set by the BCI (Battery Council International). Generally speaking, the large the group size, the higher the amp hour capacity.

If you need a battery with a higher group size, consider the added size requirements. You may need a larger battery tray than the one you already have.

---

Best Overall: Odyssey 31M-PC2150ST-M Trolling Thunder

If you’re looking for one do-it-all battery that will perform exceptionally in a variety of conditions, the Odyssey Trolling Thunder is the one for you. It’s a dual-purpose battery that functions as both a sprinter and a long-distance runner, so it will work both as a cranking battery and as a deep cycle battery for powering your trolling motor and other boat electronics.

With a 100 Amp hour capacity and a reputation for a long-lasting life cycle, this battery is a cut above the competition. It operates up to 10 years long on average and features either a 3- or 4-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Excellent vibration resistance means you’ll never need to worry about damage from impact shock or motor vibration. It’s also been tested in a wide variety of temperatures (from -40° up to a 176° Fahrenheit), so you be confident it will work no matter how extreme the environment.

The AGM design means maintaining the battery is a breeze, with no level checking or maintenance required. Recharging is also extraordinarily fast, with a full recharge taking just 4 to 6 hours.

While it cost a fair bit more than single-purpose batteries, the added functionality, and extraordinary performance more than justify the added expense.

Key Features

• Group Size: 31
• Battery Type: Dual-purpose, AGM
• Capacity: 100 Ah
• Weight: 78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 13” x 6.80” x 9.41”
• Reserve Capacity: 205 minutes

---

Best High Capacity: VMAX MR137-120 AGM

If you’re looking for a high capacity battery to run your trolling motor and other electronics, you’ll have a tough time beating this beast of a battery. It features an impressive 120 Amp hour capacity, providing enough juice to run your electronics all day long on the water.

The battery has an impressive life span of 8 to 10 years, and with heavy-duty lead-tin alloy grids it will provide consistent performance even after years of repeated discharges. It also performs well in extreme temperature environments, so you’ll have no worries using it when it gets frosty out there.

The battery weighs a hefty 75 pounds, making it heavier than smaller capacity batteries. Like other AGM batteries, its completely spill-proof and maintenance-free, so you can spend less time worrying about your battery and more time fishing!

Key Features

• Group Size: 31
• Battery Type: Deep Cycle, AGM
• Capacity: 120 Ah
• Weight: 75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9″ x 6.8″ x 8.5″
• Reserve Capacity: 230 minutes

---

Best Medium Sized Battery: Weize 12V 55AH Deep Cycle Battery

Ideal for medium sized craft, this 55 Amp hour deep cycle battery from Weize is not only highly effective, it’s also priced fairly reasonably. It utilizes a state of the art, heavy-duty calcium alloy grid to provide long-lasting consistent performance on the water.

The AGM technology ensures no-spill performance and means it won’t require any maintenance once installed. The 55 Ah capacity provides enough juice to power a 30 lb thrust trolling motor for an entire day, so there’s no need to worry about running out of battery capacity.

A 1-year manufacturer’s warranty comes included with purchase, which is less than most high-end batteries. However, when you consider its lower price, the shortened warranty length makes sense.

Weighing just 36 pounds, it’s light enough to easily remove and swap between different craft, and measuring 9 x 9 x 5.4 inches, its small enough to fit in more compact craft like kayaks, canoes, and Jon boats.

Key Features

• Battery Type: Deep Cycle, AGM
• Capacity: 55 Ah
• Weight: 36 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9″ x 9″ x 5.4″

---

Best for Smaller Craft: VMAX V35-857 AGM

This compact battery is the perfect choice for smaller craft like kayaks, canoes, and inflatable rafts. Its designed for use with smaller trolling motors (18 to 40 lb thrust), and can power a 40 lb motor for approximately 4 hours on a single charge. Keep in mind that it can also be used with larger motors, but the lower capacity means you’ll run out of juice faster.

Like its larger counterpart reviewed above, the battery’s heavy-duty grids provide consistent and long-lasting performance even after repeated over discharges. The AGM design means there’s no need to check levels or perform any kind of maintenance on the battery.

The battery weighs a featherlight 25 pounds and measures just 7.7” x 5” x 6.1”, making it small enough to mount nearly anywhere in your craft. The spill-proof design also means you can mount it any way you like.

Key Features

• Group Size: U1
• Battery Type: Deep Cycle, AGM
• Capacity: 35 Ah
• Weight: 25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7″ x 5″ x 6.1″
• Reserve Capacity: 75 minutes

---

Best Dual Purpose: Optima Batteries 8016-103 D34M BlueTop

If you’re looking for the cream of the crop marine battery that can do just about anything, the BlueTop from Optima is the battery for you. Striking design isn’t something that usually comes to mind when discussing marine batteries – but these batteries beg to differ! The distinctive blue top indicates the high capacity and extraordinary performance you can expect from these well-made AGM batteries.

Unlike most flat plate marine batteries, Optima batteries utilize individual spiral-wound cells comprising of two pure lead plates coated in lead oxide. This design makes each battery more energy-dense than the alternatives, delivers greater starting power, and greatly increases the vibration tolerance.

The design also makes it great for extreme temperatures and storing for long periods between charges. The low discharge rate means they’ll maintain a charge even after long periods of inactivity.

Don’t expect this battery to perform similarly to other 55 Amp-hour models, it provides far more efficiency and performance than a flat plate 55 Amp hour battery – hence the increased price. With 750 cold-cranking amps, it functions as both a cranking battery and a true deep cycle battery for sustained use.

Key Features

• Group Size: 34
• Battery Type: Dual-purpose, AGM
• Capacity: 55 Ah
• Weight: 44 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9″ x 10″ x 8″
• Reserve Capacity: 120 minutes

---

Lithium Ion: Battle Born LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery 100 Ah

When it comes to marine batteries, lithium ion is unsurpassed in its capacity, weight, and life cycle. While these batteries certainly aren’t cheap, if you’re after the absolute cutting edge in battery technology, you can’t beat lithium ion.

Battle Born’s BMS (battery management system) is one of the best in the industry and does a phenomenal job of regulating temperature volatility and limiting power output when necessary to protect the li-ion cells. This system functions as the “brains” of the battery. Most people don’t realize this system is the most important feature of li-ion batteries – and can mean the difference between a battery lasting a decade and conking out after a year.

The battery recharges incredibly quickly and can be discharged to 90% regularly, whereas most AGM batteries have a recommended discharge 50% depth discharge. It also weighs a fraction of comparable lead acid or AGM batteries, at just 31 pounds!

The battery has an estimated life span of 3000 cycles, which is far greater than the 300 cycles typical for lead-acid batteries. Everything comes backed up with an industry-leading 10-year warranty – so you can be sure you’ll be covered in case anything goes wrong.

Key Features

• Battery Type: Deep Cycle, Lithium-ion
• Capacity: 100 Ah
• Weight: 31 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8″ x 6.9″ x 9″

---

Budget Pick: Mighty Max ML35-12 35 Ah

If you’re looking for a well-made, functional trolling motor battery without breaking the bank, then this light-duty battery is the one for you. It’s designed for use with smaller trolling motors in the 20 to 40 lb. thrust range, so don’t expect a single battery to power a full-sized motor for an extended period of time.

Like other AGM batteries its spill-proof and virtually maintenance-free, and can be mounted in a variety of positions (not upside down). Each battery weighs just 23 pounds and measures 7.7” x 5.1” x 7.1”, so you can easily remove and transport it if needed.

It’s also the cheapest battery reviewed here, so in addition to powering small watercraft, it makes a great secondary or backup battery for a larger boat. Mighty Max backs up the battery with a full one-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Key Features

• Group Size: U1
• Battery Type: Deep Cycle, AGM
• Capacity: 35 Ah
• Weight: 23 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7″ x 5.1″ x 7.1″

---

How to pick the right trolling motor battery

Picking out the right trolling motor battery for your needs can be a confusing task. Let’s take a look at some of the key factors to consider when picking out the right motor for your craft. 

Trolling Motor Size

Perhaps the most important thing to consider when picking out a marine battery is your trolling motor’s power consumption. Pay particular attention to the amp draw of your trolling motor, as well as the power level you intend to use it at. Also, consider other boat electronics your planning to run as well.

As mentioned previously, you can make a quick calculation to determine how long a battery should last at whatever setting you plan to use it. Simply divide the battery’s Amp hour rating by the amp draw of your trolling motor and you’ve got a pretty good estimate of how long it will last on a single charge.

Reserve Capacity

Reserve capacity refers to the amount of time before a battery is discharged down to 10.5 volts when delivering 25 amps in an 80°F environment.

This might sound kind of arbitrary, but all you need to know is that a higher reserve capacity will keep your trolling motor running longer between charges. This measurement is useful for batteries that are regularly deep-cycled, so it’s not relevant for starter batteries.

Cold Cranking Amps

Cold cranking amps refers to the battery’s capability to deliver power in short bursts – such as when you’re starting an engine. If your battery is dual-purpose, both for cranking and deep cycling, then you should pay attention to this number.

A higher cold cranking amp number also indicates a greater ability to start an engine in cold temperatures, so if you fish in the fall and winter, pay particular attention.

If your battery is only going to be used for deep cycling, then this measurement is largely irrelevant.

Voltage

Most trolling motor batteries are 12 volt – which makes sense – as the vast majority of trolling motors are also 12 volt. Some high-end motors are 24 volt – so if you have one of these models, you’ll either need 2 x 12-volt batteries or a single 24-volt battery.

Weight

A battery’s weight generally has a direct correlation to its Amp hour capacity.

Larger, heavier batteries will provide enough juice to run a 55-pound thrust trolling motor from sun up to sun down without draining the charge. This means you’ll need to recharge less often, which will extend the lifetime of the battery.

Lighter batteries are ideal for running smaller trolling motors, as well as for smaller craft like kayaks, canoes, and dinghies. These batteries typically weigh less than 30 pounds, so they won’t have too much of an impact on your craft’s overall weight.

Warranty

When it comes to trolling motor batteries, good warranties are well worth seeking out. If you’ve owned a boat for a while, then you’ll probably know first-hand how these things can crap out unexpectedly.

Manufacturers differ significantly in the warranties they offer, with anything from one year up to 10 being fairly common. Make sure you take a look at what type of warranty the manufacturer offers, so you won’t end up with an expensive paperweight.

If you’re interested in learning how to wire trolling motor batteries, check out this in depth video:

Other Gear Needed

When you setting up your boat with trolling motor batteries, there are a few extra items that will greatly enhance your overall experience.

Charger: Firstly, a battery is only really as good as its charger. You don’t want to shell out a couple hundred bucks on a high-end battery, and then recharge it with a sub-par charger. This can cause damage to the battery and reduce its lifespan if done repeatedly. Always use the marine battery charger type recommended by the battery manufacturer.

Battery Box / Power Centre: While not strictly necessary, marine battery boxes or power centers are one of the best upgrades for kayaks, canoes, and small boats – and are worth every penny.

These boxes allow you to store your battery in a protective hard plastic shell that functions as a portable battery compartment. They often come with easy to read battery meters, external battery ports, built-in circuit breakers, and even USB charging ports for charging your cellphone and other devices.

---

FAQ’s