Best Trolling Motor Batteries: Editor’s Recommendations

If you are planning on going fishing, it is important to make sure that you have a good trolling motor battery. A trolling motor is attached to your kayak at either the bow or the stern and helps your boat to “troll” along the waters at varying speeds. These motors generally contain batteries and, unless you want your boat or kayak to stop in the middle of the lake, you are going to want to make sure that you have a right battery.

No one prefers finishing their fishing day ahead of schedule because of dead trolling engine batteries. Fortunately, the present AGM trolling engine batteries are better than anyone might have expected, with great limit and less support.

That is where we come in! We have compiled the following guidelines and lists to help you find the perfect battery for you, so you can peacefully fish, without worrying about whether or not your motor is going to stop working.

How We Choose Right Type

When buying the perfect trolling motor battery, there are a number of things that you need to take into account. We have found the most important things to consider when buying your trolling motor battery, and will discuss why each one is important below.

Price

This one is a no-brainer: you obviously need to take into account the price tag of the battery you are wanting to purchase, as well as your budget. If you know that your budget is under $200, you will want to make sure that you aren’t looking at any batteries that cost more than that.

On the flip side, if you find a really amazing price, you may want to check and make sure that the dealer or brand is reputable with good reviews. Another good tip for pricing is to check different sellers to find the best price available.

Brand

There are a multitude of different brands selling trolling motor batteries, and they can all seem pretty similar. However, you definitely want to make sure that you are buying a battery that comes from a good, well-known brand.

The brands we mentioned earlier in this article (Vmax Tanks, Optima and Minn Kota) are always good options, though there are other high quality, reputable brands out there as well. Always look for a brand that has good customer reviews and has a good warranty that fully covers your battery for at least a year.

Durability and Lifespan

When buying a battery, you want to make sure that you are buying one that is going to last you a long time. What use is a battery that only lasts 6 months? Companies often make claims about how long their batteries last, and about how durable they are, but their warranties don’t always back up these claims.

Customer reviews are often a good way to tell how long a battery lasts, and if a company covers their product under the warranty for a long time you can be assured that it will last a long time.

Vibration Resistance

This is something that, while highly important, is often overlooked. Batteries can be badly damaged or even ruined by intense vibrations. Fishing boats often travel over choppy or rough waters, and the trolling motor battery is generally subjected to a lot of vibration.

Some batteries are more vibration resistant than others, and you should always try to buy a battery that falls into this category.

Size

If you have a bigger boat you might not care about the weight of your trolling motor battery. However, smaller boats can be weighed down by the heavy weight of a trolling motor battery, and if your boat is small you may want to look for a battery that weighs under 40 pounds. Also, every trolling motor is going to require a specific size of battery and so you should make sure to find out what size you need before shopping around.

Reserve Capacity/Hours Per Charge

If you are planning on taking longer fishing trips, or if you plan on fishing every day, you are going to want a battery that can go for a long time per charge. Nobody wants to be forced to take a day off of fishing because their trolling motor battery isn’t charged!

The best source for finding out how long a battery truly lasts is customer reviews. Customers will often report exactly how long they used the battery for and how much charge was left at the end of their trip. Look for a battery that lasts at least 4 hours, though preferably the battery will last around 8 hours.

Top Brands

There are many brands for trolling motor batteries in the market. Example: Optima, Vmax Tanks, Universal Battery, Trojan, NorthStar, ACDelco, Braille, Odyssey, Chrome Battery, West Marine, Power-Sonic, Minn Kota etc. But used some important criteria we recommendations top three below:

Minn Kota

This is one of the top brands in the trolling motor battery business. This business began way back in 1934 in the town of Fargo, North Dakota by the inventor of the trolling motor: Mr. O. G. Schmidt. With such a long history, Minn Kota is a company that you know you can trust.

This company is highly committed to improving the fishing and motor trolling business through new innovations and ideas and they have had many “firsts” in this business.

Minn Kota sells Trolling Motors for both fresh and saltwater, shallow water anchors, on board and portable battery charges and a variety of accessories including apparel, anchor winches, trolling motor accessories, talon accessories, charger and battery accessories.

Their trolling motors have been used by fishermen for over 80 years and their name is very well known. They use the newest, most cutting-edge innovations to create extremely tough, durable and long-lasting trolling motors, best trolling motor batteries and accessories.

Vmax Tanks

Another very well-known brand, Vmax Tanks is a fantastic brand for trolling motor batteries. Their specialty is batteries and they deliver batteries that are high performance, high quality and heavy duty. Their deep cycling capabilities are unmatched by any other company in the business and their batteries require the least maintenance of any batteries in the business.

While other companies tend to sell starting batteries that occasionally have deep cycling capabilities, Vmax creates deep cycling batteries that also have starting capabilities. This gives their batteries versatility and makes the company stand out as one of the best.

They also sell batteries that run on solar or alternative energies, making them good for the environment and safe. Their batteries are used in military grade equipment, electric vehicles, and industrial strength machinery, so you can be assured that a battery from this company will provide maximum performance. Vmax Tanks is the perfect solution for anyone needing a battery for Marine, RV or other tough applications.

Optima

Optima is another amazing brand that creates and sells trolling motor batteries. They are the only company with Spiralcell Technology ®, making their batteries different from all the other batteries in the world. These batteries have an extremely clean power source that also delivers super strong power.

Their batteries last longer than many other batteries in the business, making them a great choice for anyone wishing to buy a battery for prolonged use. Optima’s batteries are all vibration resistant and spill proof, so you will never have to worry about damage to the battery or to your vehicle. Each battery type they sell has a different color top, making it easy to find which battery you need and to replace any old batteries.

They create batteries for modern vehicles, trucks, SUVs, street cars, RVS and of course, boats with trolling motors. Optima is definitely one of the best battery brands out there, and their batteries are sure to satisfy.

Maintenance Tips

It is known that if you maintain your battery in the proper way, then it will serve you continuously for a long time and keep its performance. So, we have come with some tips so that you can get longer period service from your trolling motor battery-

1. Do not leave your battery in high or low temperature. It may decrease the performance.
2. When you start your trolling motor with the battery, listen carefully to the sound. If you hear any unexpected sound or cracking, then it’s time to look after your battery. It is weakening.
3. Charge your battery after each use, regular charge helps to keep the performance for a long time.
4. If you use a lead acid battery then check the water level of the battery regularly. Use distilled water and skip using tap water, or the battery acid that is found to purchase at local automotive stores. Do not forget to wear eye protection when you change the acid.
5.  Breaker and fuse are also important about your battery’s performance. Always try to use the recommended breaker and fuse. 
6. When you leave your battery idle, keep the tackle charge ongoing. It helps to prevent battery damage.
7. Always try to charge your battery regularly. Do not charge whenever you want. Continuous charging helps to keep the battery performance.
8. Do not overcharge your battery.
9. Do not charge the battery with high or low voltage.
10. When it gets dust, clean it properly.

Read more: Best 3 Bank Marine Battery Charger – Top Models Reviewed

Editor’s Speech

Trolling motor batteries come in a variety of different sizes and they all have different features. In case you’re supplanting a battery simply ensure that the battery’s amp hour rating and measurements will work for your needs. It’s extremely easy! Everything else involves inclination and taste. Make sure to counsel a circuit repairman when altering or if uncertain of specialized electrical circuits.

Find the battery that fits in your trolling motor and fits your needs best. Also remember to shop around to find the best price available and always read customer reviews! Most importantly, have fun fishing!

Editor’s Selected Top 12 Trolling Motor Batteries-

1. Optima 8006-006 Marine Starting Battery for Trolling Motors

• 12-Volt, 800 Cold Cranking Amp;
• This item used by Spiral Cell technology;
• It is dual SAE & 5/16″ stainless steel stud posts.

Optima 8006-006 is a 12 Volt, 800 amp trolling motor battery. It weighs around 38.4 pounds, is approximately 10” wide by 8” tall and has 5/16” stainless steel studs. It is said to be 15 times more resistant to vibrations than other batteries, making it very durable.

This battery is easy to start, even in bad weather, and has a reserve capacity of 100 minutes, which means that it will run at top voltage for 100 minutes before lowering the voltage.

It can be charged with most 12 Volt DC battery chargers, making it easy to use. However, many customers have said that it holds a charge very well, and will not need to be charged very often. This particular model can only be used for starting the motor and should not be used for cycling the motor.

What we liked

• 100 minutes of reserve capacity;
• Vibration resistant;
• Maintenance-free;
• Good performance in bad weather.

What we didn’t like

• No noticeable cons.

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2. 8027-127 D27M Optima Trolling Motor Battery

• It’s aPure lead spiral cell design;
• Solid cast cell connections makes durability and maximum plate height;
• It’s spiralcell technology makes superior vibration resistance.

This trolling motor battery weighs 53.8 pounds, is 12.2 inches wide and 8.7 inches tall and is made with spiral cell technology that uses the purest form of lead and adds vibration resistance and durability. The cells are very tightly compressed, which further adds to the battery’s vibration resistance and makes it even more durable.

Optima Batteries 8027-127 D27M BlueTop battery is completely spill-proof, meaning that you do not need to worry about battery acid leaking or spilling onto the floor of your boat. Due to the fact that the cells are tightly sealed, you are able to place this battery in virtually any position without any worries about spillage or damage.

It is a dual purpose battery, meaning that it can be used for both starting and cycling the motor. It has a very high reserve capacity of 140 minutes and is a 12 volt, 800-amp battery. This battery is great for those who tournament fish, as it lasts quite a while and has a high reserve capacity. This battery is also fairly easy to install and tends to ship quickly.

What we liked

• For both starting and cycling motor;
• Longer life;
• Vibration resistant;
• Maintenance-free;
• Fast charge.

What we didn’t like

• Heavy Battery.

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3. Ampere Time 12V 50Ah Lithium LiFePO4 Battery

• It is 12 Volts lithium battery that  has 640Wh energy;
• It is a non-spillable AGM construction;
• M8 Terminal;
• 1-2.5hrs to fully charge ;
• Warranty: 5 years.

This particular trolling motor battery weighs in at just around 11.57 pounds and is ‎7.79 by  6.53 inches. It is a 12 volt, 50 Ah battery. It holds a charge well, though you should make sure and charge it when it is not in use.

Ampere Time LiFePO4 Battery works great for deep cycling. It is a sealed battery, which makes it spillproof. This is great because it means that you won’t ever have to worry about this battery causing damage to your vehicle.

This battery is very durable and long-lasting. Ip 65 level waterproof made it more strong and durable. Fast charging mode is an extra benefit so you can charge in fastly in time of emergency. 

What we liked

•  Affordable price;
• Fast charging capacity;
• Build quality; 
• Greater Capacity.

What we didn’t like

• No negative issues found yet.

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4. VMAX MR137 Compatible with Bently Pontoons and Trolling Motor Battery

• It included 8mm HEX screw-in terminals;
• The battery has utilize an electrolyte suspension system consisting of AGM of a high porosity;
• Its heavy-duty lead-tin alloys provide an extra margin of performance.

This battery is extremely long-lasting and durable and is sure to last you between 5 and 8 years. It is a 12 Volt battery that is about 12.2″*6.6″*8.3″h and weighs around 69 pounds.

The VMAX MR137 has an electrolyte suspension system that guarantees to completely absorb and store the electrolyte, meaning it is spill proof. This battery also does not have any silica gel or other contaminants or toxins, making it a very safe and non-hazardous battery.

There is no need for adding water or checking the gravity of the electrolyte on this battery, so you have no need to worry about maintenance. It is very shock and vibration resistant and runs for 7 more hours per charge. It is recommended that you purchase a VMAX charger for this battery to ensure that it charges quickly and efficiently. It has gotten very positive customer reviews and comes very highly recommended.

What we liked

• Heavy Duty;
• Shock and vibration resistance;
• Long-lasting;
• Maintenance-free.

What we didn’t like

• No noticeable cons.

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5. Flypower 60Ah 12 Volt Trolling Motor Battery

• Upgrade Parts/Accessories: Grade A
• Material: Lithium iron phosphate
• Max continuous charge current: 0.5C
• Max continuous discharge current: 1C
• Peak discharge current: 2C in three to five seconds;
• Maximum protection voltage: 14.6V.

This battery is also from Flypower and is fairly similar to the one mentioned above. It contains no silica gel or other contaminants and is not at all hazardous. 

This AGM Deep Cycle Group 27 is made with an electrolyte suspension system that ensures that all the electrolyte is absorbed and properly contained, preventing possible spillage of battery acid. This battery is both shock and vibration resistant, making it very durable and great for fishermen who may fish in rougher waters. These batteries are very well known and loved for their extensive lifespan and can last up to 10 years.

This battery is also maintenance-free, meaning less stress for you. The battery can last up to 12 hours per charge when used at low speed and charged with a VMAX charger. This battery weighs around 60 pounds and is about 12 by 8 inches.

What we liked

• Shock and vibration resistance;
• Long-lasting;
• Spill-proof;
• Maintenance-free.

What we didn’t like

• No noticeable cons.

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6. Tm AGM 12 Volt 35AH – VMAXTANKS Battery for Trolling Motor

• It is L=7.7″ W=5″ H=6.1″;
• It is heavy duty grids, provide an extra margin of performance;
• The battery provides maintenance free operation.

Another VMAX battery, this particular model is a bit smaller than the previously mentioned VMAX batteries. It is about 7 by 6 inches and weighs just around 25 pounds. Made with lead tin alloy, this battery has an extended lifespan and added durability.

The VMAXTANKS Vmax857 Tm AGM is also maintenance free and there is no need to check gravity of the electrolyte or add water to this battery during its lifespan.

The battery lasts about 8 hours per charge, and it is recommended that you charge it using a VMAX charger for added lifespan and proper charging. The battery is shock and vibration resistant, which adds to the durability of this product.

It is also made to properly absorb and contain all of the electrolyte and contains no contaminants, so it is safe and not hazardous at all.

What we liked

• Good performance;
• Maintenance Free;
• Cheaper.

What we didn’t like

• No bad issues.

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7. Mighty Max 12V 35AH Wilderness Tarpon 100 Kayak Battery

• Dimensions: 7.68 inches x 5.16 inches x 7.13 inches;
• The bttery 12V 35Ah;
• This bttery SLA/AGM maintenance free & spill proof.

This battery is quite a bit smaller than other batteries and is only 7.68 inches x 5.16 inches x 7.13 inches, though it can fit in most battery boxes by using some packing around the battery itself.

The 12V 35AH Wilderness Tarpon 100 Kayak battery is spill proof and utilizes AGM technology to ensure that all the electrolyte is absorbed and contained properly. It has a long lifespan and is very durable. It is made from a heavy duty calcium alloy, which adds durability and years on the lifespan.

The battery does not come with a charger, but can be charged using almost any 12 Volt battery charger (you choose these smart chargers), and can last for over 3 hours per charge. How fast it takes to charge is dependent upon the charger that you buy, but it does tend to charge fairly quickly.

What we liked

• Smaller and lighter;
• Cheaper;
• Spill proof.

What we didn’t like

• Less Battery life than others.

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8. Interstate Battery DCM0035  Lightweight Trolling Motor Battery

• It is L=7.68″ W= 5.16″ H=6.14″;
• This battery 12 Amps: 35;
• This item Weight (lbs): 23.1lbs.

Interstate Batteries Sealed Lead Acid (AGM) – DCM0035  is also fairly small and is a Group U1 battery. It weighs around 24 pounds and is 7.7 by 6.3 inches. It can be used on air, surface or water, making it very versatile.

It has a pretty good warranty, as long as you have your proof of purchase, and they will often send you a check for the price of a replacement if anything happens to the battery while it is under warranty.

It is a 12 Volt battery and though it does not come with a charger, you can charge it using any 12 Volt battery charger, such as the one that you might use to charge your car battery.

Although it is small, people have found that this battery lasts quite a while per charge, with some people reporting that they used it for over 4 ½ hours and still had 60% charge left on the battery.

Read more: Top 12 Deep Cycle RV Battery – Tested, Rated & Compared

What we liked

• Smaller and lighter;
• Maintenance free;
• Lightweight trolling motor battery.

What we didn’t like

• No noticeable cons.

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9. Optima 8016-103 – Deep Cycle Battery for Trolling Motor

• It is 10 inches x 6 7/8 inches x 7 13/16 inches tall, Weight: 43.5 pounds;
• It is 12-Volt, 750 Cold Cranking Amps;
• Made Dual SAE & 5/16 inches Stainless Steel Stud Posts.

This 12 Volt, 750 Amp battery is approximately 10 by 8 inches and weighs just over 43 pounds. It has 5/6” stainless steel posts and is 15 times more durable and resistant to vibrations than other similar batteries.

It is very easy to start and has plenty of starting power, even when the weather is bad. The spiral cell technology that Optima uses in all its batteries makes the battery very long lasting and durable.

The Optima 8016-103 D34M BlueTop is a dual use top rated battery, making it great for starting or cycling the motor. It comes in very sturdy, protective packaging so you can rest assured that your battery will get to you safe and sound. Since this battery is a sealed battery, it can be placed to charge or run at any angle and in any position, making it great for everybody and very versatile.

What we liked

• For both Starting and deep cycle;
• Reserve capacity of 120 minutes;
• Good for bad weather conditions;
• Vibration resistant;
• Maintenance free.

What we didn’t like

• Not noticeable.

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10. Kcvolro LifePo4 Battery 12v 100Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery

• It is 13.86 x 6.85 x 7.48 inches;
• ‎24.2 pounds weight;
• 11 Kilograms;
• Terminal Type: M8.

This battery has a fantastic service and quality so that it can easily be set with most of the tools. It is great for those who like to run at high speeds for a long time.

Kcvolro LifePo4 Battery utilizes an absorbed glass mat, which ensures that the battery is spillproof and prevents the cell from drying out. This also gives it more durability during bumpy rides, high vibration, or deep cycling. It is possible to extend the capacity up to 4 in series and 8 in parallel (Max 4S8P) to get more power and voltage.

It has a great warranty that covers a lifetime quality warranty & 30 days refund. Even lifetime servicing is also offered for this trolling motor battery.  It is 13.86 x 6.85 x 7.48 and weighs around 11 kgs, making it bigger than some of the other batteries we looked at.

However, the larger size does allow for a longer reserve capacity and allows for the battery to run longer per charge than other, similar batteries.

What we liked

• Lite weight;
• Heavy Duty;
• Vibration resistant;
• Spill-proof.

What we didn’t like

• No negative side found yet.

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11. Mighty Max 12V 55Ah Trolling Motor Battery for Pontoon Boat

This is a 12v 55Ah trolling motor battery perfect fitting for small to medium boats (especially Pontoon Boat). Who loves to compete with boats at high speeds or plan to travel long on the waterway undoubtedly it’s fit for them. This battery is made by a heavy duty calcium-alloy grid to keep better performance in float or cyclic applications.

It can redact well under low-temperature conditions. So it lasts longer than other batteries. Once charged, you can use 4 hours, also full speed. You can use more than 6 hours when you run at a low speed. 

This sealed lead acid battery is spill-proof and highly resistant to vibrations and shock. It is built through AGM technology. It includes high discharge rate, deep discharge recovery, long service life, and wide operating temperatures. In any position, you can mount this battery. It’s offered with a money back guarantee and 1years warranty.

What we liked

• Maintenance free and rechargeable battery;
•  Encircle no wire harness and mounting accessories;
• deep discharge recover, wide operating temperatures, High discharge rate, long service life and;
• In any position, can mount this battery:
• It can redact well under low-temperature conditions.

What we didn’t like

• Can’t use it for the big boat.

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12. Universal Power Group 12V 100Ah Battery

The universal power group 12V 100Ah battery is a good battery for trolling motor and electric storage. It gives suitable strength with a long-term use compared to a dual purpose battery.

It is very effective thanks to integrated AGM technology, which enables the battery to save less than three percent of the total charge per month. Don’t need to add water or any other maintenance because of this technology. storage capacity 100Ah that’s a good point to choose this battery. 

Battery body built to tolerate normal weather conditions & protect from the leak. It can stave shocks and vibrations that make it a good and safe buy.

What we liked

• Spill-proof battery & SLA/AGM protect free;
• Resist shocks and vibrations;
• Warranty 1 year;
• Power delivery good;
• tolerate normal weather conditions & protect from the leak.

What we didn’t like

• Little heavier (64 pounds).

Read more: The Best Marine Battery Reviews – 10 Selected Models

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FAQs

What Is the Best Battery Type for Trolling Motors?

Most of the trolling motor batteries flop because of an absence of appropriate charging. We propose choosing a 12-volt profound cycle marine battery with at minimum a 110 amp hour rating, normally a gathering 27 size battery. The higher the amp-hour rating, the more run time you will get.

What Criteria Were Used to Choose the Best Trolling Motor Batteries?

When selecting the best trolling motor batteries, several trolling motor battery features were taken into consideration. These included battery capacity, voltage, weight, and durability. The ability to hold a charge for an extended period, along with being maintenance-free, were also important factors in the decision-making process.

Can I Use the Battery for Other Purposes

Yes, you can. Most of the batteries are made for dual purposes. Most batteries have terminals for both automotive and RV/ marine use. So, you can use it for your boat or your car. But a cheaper battery also serves as well for a car. Besides these, you can use it for extra power sources in an emergency.

Are They Also Deep Cycle Battery

Yes, though they are known as marine batteries mostly, but they are also known as deep cycle batteries. But remember that the marine battery and the deep cycle battery (here is a good list of deep cycle types) are different types. Basically they are different but they work the same. So sometimes they can be called a deep cycle battery.

Can I Use It for My Portable Hum Radio

No, the sucker of the battery is too heavy, it will damage the radio. So, it’s better not to use it for a portable hum radio.

Can I Use Another Battery Charger? Will It Harm the Battery

Yes, you can use another charger. But it’s recommended to use the included charger. You may use your boat’s built-in charger. It generally does not harm the battery but sometimes you may face problems. 

Can I Use These in My 1998 Holiday Rambler Endeavor

Why not? If the CCA is the same and it fits in the space then I do not see any reason that you can’t use it.

To What Extent Will a Battery Last With a Trolling Motor

 The battery with a 1-Ah limit ought to have the option to convey a current of 1-amp or release for a continuous 60 minutes. When in doubt, little batteries are generally appraised at 25-Ah to 50Ah and greater profound cycle batteries could be evaluated as high as 100 Ah. There is no perfect amp-hour rating for a trolling motive battery.

Would You Be Able to Utilize a Regular Battery for a Trolling Motor

A starter battery regularly utilizing a trolling motor can demolish both and even the engine. There are two sorts of deep-cycle 12-volt batteries suggested for trolling engine use: AGM batteries and Lead-Acid Wet-Cell.