Trolling Motors Batteries Buying Guide
Trolling batteries are the main source of electricity for motors. Therefore, you need to choose them carefully; otherwise, you might end up stranded in the middle of open waters. Here are some things to consider before you purchase a trolling battery.
Battery Rating
The amp-hour rating is equivalent to the fuel tank gauge. It determines how long a battery will last, and it is an important factor to consider when choosing a trolling motor battery as it denotes your battery’s degree of charge.
Experts recommend that the battery should have a minimum 100 amp-hour rating, 175 minutes of Reverse Capacity (RC), and a Group 27 rating to ensure the battery doesn’t fail. The higher you go in amp-hour rating, the longer the battery duration you will get. I like to be safe when it comes to boating, so I’d get a trolling motor matching at least expert minimum recommendations. I’d have no problem going even higher, though.
The Voltage of Your Trolling Motor Battery
Standard batteries are usually available at 12 volts. Check your motor’s power system to determine if you require a higher voltage, as some need 24 or 36 volts.
The Type of Battery
You will find two types of batteries on the market. Both of these have certain advantages and disadvantages. Let’s discuss battery types below.
Deep cycle batteries
Deep cycle batteries discharge small amounts of current over an extended time period, enabling frequent charging. When used in trolling motors, they provide exceptional performance.
These batteries can be further categorized into two subtypes:
- Lead acid wet-cell: These batteries are the most common ones and are budget-friendly, with most of them available for $100. They handle frequent draining and recharging pretty well. While they can last for three years on average, the catch with these batteries is that they require regular maintenance by topping off the water. Adding to this, they are also susceptible to spillage and vibration.
- AGM: An AGM battery uses a completely sealed lead acid. They have a longer life span, and their charging lasts longer as well. The cost of these batteries is twice the traditional lead-acid alternatives, which reflects their performance and longer life span. On the flip side, they require virtually zero maintenance and are perfect for beginners. If I were to choose a deep-cycle battery, this is the type I’d go for. I like my products to last a long while and require little upkeep.
Lithium batteries
Lithium trolling batteries have the edge over deep cycle batteries because of a longer life span and little maintenance. Compared with lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries have 10 times better charging, with an 80% rated capacity over 2,000 miles. The fast-charging capacity of these batteries will ensure you get the most out of your purchase. Plus, they weigh half of their lead-acid alternatives.
Another pro of lithium batteries is there ability to handle acceleration. Due to sudden fluctuations in the speed of your boat, trolling motors require a certain amount of thrust or cranking torque. The negligible voltage drop in lithium batteries enables them to provide more power when the motor requires rapid acceleration, making them ideal for a good ride.
