While you are set to hit the water and get some fishing in, you are likely to have a trolling motor to support you exactly where you want to be. A trolling motor is a precious piece of tool for anglers using a boat, so, trolling motors must be powered using the best trolling motor battery.
They require plenty of power for you to enjoy a full day of adventure. You absolutely don’t want your outdoor adventures cut short because of a dead battery.
Things To Consider When Buying A Trolling Motor Battery
Battery technology has come a long way over the years. Even though batteries may seem like an easy and straightforward buy; if you want to find the perfect one for you and your boat – there are a few things you should know. Here, we shall cover all the crucial factors that make a great trolling motor battery.
Battery Type
There are two distinct types of deep-cycle 12-volt batteries suggested for use with trolling motors: Lead Acid Wet-Cell & AGM Batteries. Deep-cycle batteries are intended for discharging smaller amounts of current over a longer period and for more frequent recharging.
Lead Acid Wet-Cell: For a long time wet cell lead-acid batteries were the standard. It is one of the most affordable types of batteries on the market.
These batteries use liquid electrolytes (usually water) to flood the lead plates. The liquid must have the proper level to use to flood the lead plates. Corrosion is another issue to contemplate. These batteries are capable to handle frequent draining and re-charging. These are typically heavier than most other batteries and last 1-2 years only.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly trolling motor battery then a wet cell is a good choice.
AGM Batteries:
Absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries are considered an upgrade on wet cell batteries. AGM Batteries are completely sealed (sealed lead acid/SLA), last longer on a charge, and have a longer life span, usually 3-4 years, without any maintenance.
They cost almost double wet cells, although they are the best option for smaller vessels and also for durability and performance out on the water.
The ampere-hours (Ah)
The ampere-hours (Ah) is the unit of measurement for the total charge inside a trolling motor battery. A general rule of thumb is that the higher the Ah number the better. Higher Ah ratings usually imply a more expensive battery.
Your trolling motor determines what size battery you require. It’s essential to know what group size battery you need. Also, the weight of the vehicle and the speed of the motor will affect the amp draw, so bear this in mind while looking at ampere-hours.
For good run-time, you want to have a group 24 battery that supplies you 70-85 amps per hour at 12 volts. This trolling motor battery serves well for smaller boats.
For better run-time, you want to have a group 27 battery that supplies you 85-110 amps per hour at 12 volts. This trolling motor battery serves better for bass boats.
For the best run-time, you want to have a group 31 battery that supplies you 95-125 amps per hour at 12 volts. This trolling motor battery serves great for larger bass boats.
How long will a 100Ah battery run a trolling motor?
For example, a 100Ah battery should be able to deliver 100 hours of 1 amp consumption, or 10 hours at 10 amps, 5 hours at 20 amps, 4 hours at 25amps, etc.
The formula is Amperes * Hours = Amp Hours (Ah)
Reserve Capacity
Reserve Capacity is the amount of time you have until the battery drops below the minimum voltage.
- A 30-pound motor has a max draw of about 30 amps
- A 40/45 pound motor has a max draw of about 42 amps
- A 50/55 pound motor has a max draw of about 50 amps
- A 70-pound motor has a max draw of about 42 amps
- An 80-pound motor has a max draw of about 56 amps
- A 101-pound motor has a max draw of about 46 amps
- A 112-pound motor has a max draw of about 52 amps
Most batteries will come with an Ah rating, but if it doesn’t, divide the RC (reserve capacity) by 2.4 to get the estimated amp hour rating. Say for example a battery has a 1600 RC, you would divide 1600 by 2.4, or 1600/2.4 = 66.6Ah.
Voltage
Most trolling motor batteries are 12V, showing they’ll power any 12V motors and electrics on board the boat. Yet, a more powerful trolling motor battery for larger boats may require 24 Volts, so you’ll need two 12V batteries in such a case.
Unless you have a high-end motor then you’ll probably have a 12V motor, so most trolling motor batteries have a proper voltage to power your motor.
Battery Charger
When picking a battery, it’s equally as important to select a good charger that is compatible with the battery you are using. You can use a portable one or use an onboard battery charger for the greatest convenience. Make sure to get one that is compatible with your type of battery. This will aid you to get the best performance of the battery.
Battery Tips
- Never combine battery types or old batteries with new batteries.
- Charge batteries as soon as possible after each use – leaving batteries in a discharged state will decrease their durability and performance.
- Regularly check wet-cell battery fluid levels and top-off as needed
- Check terminal connectors regularly for signs of corrosion – clean with a paste of baking soda and water.
- Store batteries in a cool, dry area in the off-season and maintain a trickle charge.
Best Trolling Motor Battery
Here is a list of the best options when it comes to getting the best trolling motor battery.
Best Dual Battery for Starting and Deep Cycle
Optima OPT8016-103 D34M Blue Top
- Optima 8016-103 D34M Blue Top trolling motor battery that can be used for starting the boat as well as deep cycling. It has a 120-minute reserve capacity and a 750 CCA which makes it a reliable battery. This battery gives a good performance as well as a large capacity for practicality.
- Optima has been devised to do well in cold weather as well as other stressful conditions; its exterior can resist 15 times more vibrations compared to similar batteries made by other brands.
- The 8016-103 D34M BlueTop is a lightweight battery and it is easy to mount on a boat
Pros
- This can be used for starting the boat as well as for deep cycling.
- It is lightweight and can be mounted on the boat easily.
- Its vibration resistance design restricts the battery from getting damaged by engine vibrations.
Cons
- Overcharging or incorrect charging can damage the battery
100Ah Deep Cycle AGM Trolling Motor Battery
Universal Deep Cycle AGM SLA
- It’s particularly designed for deep cycling with a 100Ah rating. This is not a starter battery, and it should not be used for starting motors, or other machines that need motor starting.
- It is manufactured using AGM technology. There is no requirement for water level checking, so it is maintenance-free, which also makes it fast charging with improved performance.
- It discharges less than 3% of its capacity every month which makes it an efficient battery for storing energy
- The strong build reduces the risk of shock and vibration associated due to excess movement.
- 10 to 12 hours of charging is required to reach full charge.
Pros
- It uses AGM technology
- Highly efficient as it stores energy while only losing 3% of its energy capacity in a month.
- 100Ah rating delivers enough power to run a mid or small-sized motor efficiently.
Cons
- It cannot be used for starting outboard motors
Best Compact Deep Cycle Battery for Small Trolling Motors
Interstate DCM0035 Sealed Lead Acid (AGM)
- Interstate DCM0035 Sealed Lead Acid (AGM), Deep Cycle Battery, is a compact deep cycle trolling motor battery that’s good for use in small trolling motors. It’s a 35Ah battery, but it delivers alright. As it is AGM, this battery requires no maintenance.
- It is compact and one of the lightest and smallest trolling motor batteries weighing a mere 23 pounds while measuring 7.7 inches in length
- This battery comes in a thick and long-lasting plastic exterior which aids in guarding it against damages like bumps and vibrations that might affect its performance and the performance of other batteries.
Pros
- One of the smallest deep cycle trolling batteries, best for a small trolling boat or kayak.
- It performs very well in spite of its size.
- Leakproof, and it can be safely mounted at any angle on your boat.
- Doesn’t wear and tear fast
- Charges quickly
Cons
- Not a good choice for people who like a lot of deep cycling.
Best 100Ah Trolling Motor Battery
WindyNation
- It is a comprehensive trolling motor battery for deep cycling purposes. Besides, the battery is totally maintenance-free and it is sealed to avoid unnecessary pilferage of the lead acid.
- WindyNation 100 amp-hour, 12 Volt heavy-duty deep cycle AGM sealed lead acid batteries with heavy-duty plates are devised for deep, repetitive discharges.
- The battery is most suited for all the on-the-grid, off-grid, and other power suppliers.
- 1-year warranty.
Pros
- Negative and Positive Terminal Protectors
- Recharges pretty fast.
- 100 Amp-Hours at the 10-hour rating. 110 Amp-Hours at the 20-hour rating.
Cons
- Comparatively expensive
Battery for Solar Wind Deep Cycle
Mighty Max Battery
- This 100Ah deep cycle battery offers ample power for any type of fishing trip out on the water. The power of your motor will determine how long it lasts of course, although it should have enough charge to power the bigger motors for most of the day.
- The Mighty Max Battery is also made using AGM technology, which assists to recharge quickly and safely. It is a very stable battery. Like other AGM batteries, it doesn’t require much maintenance.
- SLA / AGM spill-proof battery has a characteristic of high discharge rate, wide operating temperatures, long service life, and deep discharge recovery.
- Rechargeable battery that can be installed in any position, withstands shocks and vibration. Long-lasting high performance in high and low temperatures.
Pros
- Long-life SLA trolling motor battery with zero maintenance
- Small battery and can be mounted in any position
- Long-lasting 100 Ah power – a better choice for bigger trolling motors
- Operates well under varying temperatures
- Resists shocks and vibration
Cons
- It’s a massive battery that weighs 63.9 pounds and is bulky.
Other Recommended Products
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