Best Trolling Motor Battery (2023 Review)

The old school guys that used to fish lakes and lagoons by way of the different waterborne craft will be the first to tell you how much trolling motors have changed the very face of vessel fishing. Bass fishermen, in particular, have taken to using these quiet, electric motors. They use them not only as a means of accessing otherwise unattainable fishing grounds but also for their stealth and vessel control capabilities.

Trolling motors are, quite simply, electric motors that have been designed with a shaft and propeller attached at the end. They typically are fastened to either the bow (front) or transom (back or stern) of the boat with a swivel mount. This way they can be either electrically or manually lifted in and out of the water for use. Because trolling motors are a separate unit from the outboard engine(s), they need to be powered by their own marine battery.

Rather than that, Before choosing the best trolling motor battery we should aware of some boating rules such as how to pass a fishing boat and such basic rules.

Following these two important rules will have you closer to finding the best trolling motor battery for your particular trolling motor.

Trolling motors require deep cycle 12v marine batteries.

Regular car batteries can not deliver the maintained power supply that deep cycle batteries are built to provide. Using a regular 12v car battery will not do. It will destroy the battery, and likely ruin the trolling motor to boot. Each trolling motor provides a certain amount of thrust power (rated as pounds of thrust). Most trolling motors are built in either 12, 12/24, 24, or 36-volt models. The higher the voltage, the more pounds of thrust a motor can provide. Going with a higher voltage motor means you will need to run it off of more than 1 battery. Run at least 2 batteries for 24v motors, and 3 for 36v electric motors.

Each trolling motor provides a certain amount of thrust power (rated as pounds of thrust).

Most trolling motors are built in either 12, 12/24, 24, or 36-volt models. The higher the voltage, the more pounds of thrust a motor can provide. Going with a higher voltage motor means you will need to run it off of more than 1 battery. Run at least 2 batteries for 24v motors, and 3 for 36v electric motors.

Marine Batteries as they Relate to Thrust Power

Before we get into the characteristics of deep cycle batteries themselves, it seems wise to take a look at how much thrust power you need. Thrust power is rated in pounds, or pounds of thrust. The first thing to consider when deciding how many pounds of thrust you will want to have is the weight of your boat (almost every boat manufacturer will have an online directory of boat specs). Consider the fact that your overall boat weight is an inconstant factor (you might bring an extra buddy, and some extra gear, coolers, etc. sometimes). Also, take into account natural conditions such as the wind, current, and swell that may call for more thrust power. The most realistic number when it comes to pounds of thrust per boat weight ratio is, 5lbs of thrust per every 200 pounds of a fully loaded vessel. Running motors at full capacity will quickly drain your battery. Another reason to move up in motor voltage, and/or move up in a number of batteries.

If you have a longer, heavier boat, you’re obviously going to need more lbs of thrust out of your trolling motor. This might mean a decision to use a 24 or 36-volt trolling motor. Perhaps you always bring a group, carry extra weight for other reasons, or often fish against wind and current. These factors might also edge you closer to a larger motor. Whichever way you end up going, your decision will determine the number of marine batteries you’ll need to power the unit. Extra power costs extra money, and so do extra batteries. Don’t worry though! We’ll be providing a mixture of the best options in marine deep cycle batteries for any situation.

Knowing your Marine Battery – The Deep Cycle Difference

Getting your trolling motor supplied with plenty of power doesn’t require you to become an expert in batteries. However, some basic knowledge about deep cycle batteries, and how they differ from car (or cranking) batteries can go a long way. A cranking (also starting) battery is designed to give a high burst of amps for a short period of time. After the starting battery has done its job, it isn’t required by the car to provide any more energy. Instead, the alternator works to restore any spent energy released by the battery. Car batteries are not designed to be able to provide sustained power to accessory devices.

On the other hand, marine deep cycle batteries are constructed to provide both cranking powers (though not as high a burst of amps as a car battery) and sustained provisional power. Deep cycle batteries are used on all kinds of ships, yachts, boats, RV’s, and commercial trucks as an alternate power supply for accessories such as lighting, pumps, ovens, stoves, water heaters, etc. Bass fishing boats are basically doing the same thing. They’re just using the deep cycle battery to power their trolling motor instead. Other instruments (such as fish finders) can also be powered by your deep cycle battery if desired.

Marine deep cycle batteries are different than starting batteries on the inside too. Car and marine batteries have rows or columns of plates inside, which is where energy is stored. The plates used to store energy in a deep cycle battery are much thicker than those of their cranking cousins. Top grade deep cycle batteries also use a gel to help stabilize the plates against the constant shifting motions associated with being on the water. This is a desirable feature, especially if you boat in rough conditions. If the plates inside your battery slip, move, or shift, it will either be ruined or lose much of its capacity.

Understanding Terminology – Reading the Best Trolling Motor Battery

One last thing to take a look at before we get into some actual marine batteries is the meaning of the abbreviations used in their descriptions. They are important in finding the right battery for your needs. These are some of the abbreviations you might see on a marine battery.

These are the abbreviations that matter when you’re looking for battery specs. Any others you see will be related to the product model, and don’t have a bearing on the battery performance (except perhaps for taking manufacturing quality into account). Ampere hours will typically range from 35 – 100 in deep cycle batteries, but can be found in lower and higher hours as well. The higher number meaning the battery can provide more energy (and will be bigger too). The sealed lead acid used in batteries is an unstable substance, and the absorbed glass mat contains the acid effectively (so it can’t spill). The absorbed glass mat also stabilizes the plates inside the battery, making it much more difficult for them to shift.

Picking the Right Trolling Motor Battery and Setup

When it’s all said and done, the boating fisherman really wants two things out of his trolling motor and battery(ies). He wants; 1) To have enough power or pounds of thrust to maneuver his boat in any circumstance, and 2) To have enough battery life to easily cover his sessions on the water. If your vessel runs fine on a 12V trolling motor, you can move up to dual batteries to get more time on the water. If your boat’s weight puts you on the border between a 12V or 24V trolling motor, we suggest you splurge at first if possible. You’ll be glad you did out on the water.

As you narrow down your search for the best trolling motor battery, you’ll notice that the ones using the absorbed glass mat (which are also fully maintenance and spill free) can cost twice as much. We’ve done the research for you here at Fishermen’s Angle, and will recommend two such top model batteries. We will follow these up with three more marine deep cycle batteries not equipped with the AGM, but much more reasonable in price. We only recommend products that have received high ranking reviews. Be sure to read the wrap up after our battery recommendations for insightful tips on charging, mounting, and other helpful tid bits.