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6 Best Trolling Motor Batteries – (Reviews & Buying Guide 2021)

If you are a boat owner, then you know how hard it is to keep your boat in perfect condition. If you have a boat with a trolling motor, then you also know finding the best trolling motor battery is essential.

Investing in a trolling motor and a trolling motor battery is always a good idea. You can install such a cell in your boat, canoe or even lightweight kayak. A high-quality trolling motor battery will help you get the most from your boat every time you are out fishing. Trolling motor batteries not only discharge electricity gradually over long periods but they can also power other gadgets you have onboard with you.

However, to find a reliable unit, you must consider many different factors- the type of battery, size, Amp-Hours, etc. That’s precisely the reason why we have created this ultimate buying guide. With all our useful information and reviews on the best trolling motor batteries, we are sure you will find what you look for.

Best Trolling Motor Batteries Comparison Chart

PRODUCTDETAILS
Mighty Max ML-35 Light Trolling Motor Sevylor Minn Kota

Mighty Max ML-35 Light Trolling Motor Sevylor Minn Kota

  • Price: $
  • Dimensions: 7.68 x 5.16 x 7.13″
  • Weight: 23.15 Lbs
  • Amperage: 35 AH
  • Voltage: 12 Volt
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VMaxtanks 857 Marine Deep Cycle Battery

VMaxtanks 857 Marine Deep Cycle Battery

  • Price: $$
  • Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 6.6″
  • Weight: over 20 pounds
  • Amperage: 35 AH
  • Voltage: 12 Volt
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Optima 8052-161 Bluetop Starting and Deep Cycle Battery

Optima 8052-161 Bluetop Starting and Deep Cycle Battery

  • Price: $$$$$
  • Dimensions: 12 13/16″ x 6 1/2″ x 9 3/8″ 
  • Weight: 59.8 pounds
  • Amperage: 75 AH
  • Voltage: 12 Volt
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MightyMax ML-55 Boat Electric Trolling Motor Deep Cycle Battery

MightyMax ML-55 Boat Electric Trolling Motor Deep Cycle Battery

  • Price: $$
  • Dimensions: 9.02 x 5.43 x 9.13″
  • Weight: 38.58 lbs
  • Amperage: 55 AH
  • Voltage: 12 Volt
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VMaxTanks MR 127 Deep Cycle AGM Battery

VMaxTanks MR 127 Deep Cycle AGM Battery

  • Price: $$$
  • Dimensions: 12.1 x 6.7 x 8.46″
  • Weight: 68 lbs
  • Amperage: 100 AH
  • Voltage: 12 Volt
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Odyssey 34M-PC1500ST Trolling Thunder Dual Battery

Odyssey 34M-PC1500ST Trolling Thunder Dual Battery

  • Price: $$$$
  • Dimensions: 10.85 x 6.76 x 7.82″
  • Weight: 49.5 lbs
  • Amperage: 68 AH
  • Voltage: 12 Volt
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1. Mighty Max ML-35 Light Trolling Motor Sevylor Minn Kota

Mighty Max ML-35 Light Trolling Motor Sevylor Minn KotaIf you are looking for decent power for a few hours on the water, then this battery can deliver just that. Mighty Max presents you with an ideal battery for boats with trolling motors which is compact and lightweight. The dimension of this battery is 7.68 x 5.16 x 7.13 inches. There is room for mounting multiple batteries if need be, without worrying about adding too much extra weight.

The manufacturer uses state of the art, heavy-duty, calcium-alloy which enhances their performance immensely and extends their service life.

This 12-Volt battery with 35 amp-hours in capacity can withstand strong shakes and movement making it quite durable. It is a sealed lead-acid battery, and thus it is spill-proof. This is quite helpful as you have freedom when it comes to mounting the battery in different positions. Another positive point about this battery is that it is maintenance-free and delivers high performance both in high and low temperatures.

Pros

  • Highly portable as it is small and lightweight
  • Performs well in high and low temperatures
  • Zero maintenance
  • 1-year warranty

Cons

  • Recharging takes time
  • Low AH capacity

2. VMaxtanks 857 Marine Deep Cycle Battery

VMaxtanks 857 Marine Deep Cycle BatteryVmaxtanks brings you a high-performance battery with a robust build ideal for boats and Minn Kota trolling motors.  The battery is intended for trolling motors that have between 30 to 35 pounds of thrust. It will be able to power for 6 hours at the lowest speed and about 3.5 hours at a medium trolling speed. That is why it is imperative to bear in mind that more powerful trolling motors will shorten the life span of the battery.

It is built with heavy-duty lead-tin alloys that enhances the performance and service life in both float and cyclic applications. The AGM technology makes it maintenance-free, and there is no need to add distilled water during float service life.

The battery is tightly sealed and eliminates the fear of leakage. Moreover, the electrolyte is totally absorbed by AGM, and so this product is classified as non-hazardous. It can stand up to excessive movement and vibration which is an excellent feature for trolling motor batteries.

Pros

  • Reliable power source
  • Shocks and Vibration Resistant
  • Built with heavy-duty lead-tin alloys
  • 12 months warranty

Cons

  • Not compatible with strong trolling motors
  • Consumes a long time to recharge

3. Optima 8052-161 Bluetop Starting and Deep Cycle Battery

Optima 8052-161 Bluetop Starting and Deep Cycle BatteryIf you are looking for a battery to start your boat engine and to continue using the same in a deep cycle mode for trolling motors or powering appliances, Optima 8052 is an excellent choice. With a hefty 900 Cold Cranking Amp, it will not let you down even in extreme weather. It is undoubtedly priced high but well worth the money considering the great features it comes along with.

The spiral cell technology with pure lead plates makes the battery’s running time exceptionally high, and you are able to get more recharges out of it than any other traditional battery. They are great for trolling motors that have between 35 to 45 pounds of thrust.

Another great feature of this product is that it is able to stand up to the excessive movement sustained at sea. In fact, it is 15 times more resistant to vibration which will ultimately make it more durable.  The battery is spill-proof allowing you to mount the battery in almost any position.

Pros

  • Dual-purpose battery
  • 155-minutes reserve capacity
  • 2-year warranty

Cons

  • Pretty heavy
  • Risk of overcharging

4. MightyMax ML-55 Boat Electric Trolling Motor Deep Cycle Battery

MightyMax ML-55 Boat Electric Trolling Motor Deep Cycle BatteryThis is a reliable deep cycle battery ideal for trolling motors. Brought to you by Mightymax, the product is a 12-Volt battery that will deliver 55 amp hours. It can power a trolling motor that has up to 50 pounds thrust for 5 to 6 hours at the lowest speed.

MightyMax ML-55 can be an all-around battery as it can perform well in both high and low temperatures. You can expect high performance from this battery as they use a grid made from heavy-duty calcium-alloy which has excellent storage capacity. Also, it has high capacity recovery after a deep discharge.

The battery can be mounted in any position as it is SLA/AGM rated spill-proof deep cycle battery. This also means that the battery doesn‘t need any maintenance. Moreover, the product is quite durable as it can repel excessive shakes and vibration making it an excellent option for trolling motors.

Pros

  • 1-year warranty
  • All-round battery as it is suited in high and low temperatures
  • Heavy-duty, calcium-alloy grid

Cons

  • Overcharging issue
  • Takes time to recharge

5. VMaxTanks MR 127 Deep Cycle AGM Battery

VMaxTanks MR 127 Deep Cycle AGM BatteryThose looking for a deep cycle battery for boats and Min Kota or other trolling motors, VMax MR 127 is a superb choice. The 12-Volt battery with the capacity of 100 amp hours is strong enough to continuously run a 40 pounds thrust motor for 12 hours at the lowest speed. So at medium speed, it can run for 7.1 hours and 2.4 hours at full throttle.

The battery has a heavy-duty lead-tin alloy grids and provides long running time as well as service life. The unique physical and chemical structured plates of this battery are the result of a special treatment that they go through during the manufacturing process. This is highly beneficial in terms of strength and performance.

The product is tightly sealed and packed making them a maintenance-free package. An added feature of VMax MR 127 AGM battery is that they will be able to resist strong shakes and movement making it an ideal choice for trolling motors. The battery is well known for its capacity to recover quickly after a deep discharge.

Pros

  • Excellent for powerful motor trolling
  • 30-days money-back warranty and 12 months exchange warranty

Cons

  • Prone to overcharging
  • Extremely heavy

6. Odyssey 34M-PC1500ST Trolling Thunder Dual Battery

Odyssey 34M-PC1500ST Trolling Thunder Dual BatteryOdessey brings you a well reputed dual-purpose battery that has 880 Cold Cranking Amp. It is an ideal battery for recreational vehicles and boats for starting, trolling or powering appliances. The battery can run continuously for 4 hours on 40 pounds thrust at a medium speed.

The battery has an exceptionally high capacity for a deep cycle, up to 400 cycles at 80% depth of discharge. It is the ultimate choice for boat owners as a single battery onboard can crank up the boat engine and also be used for trolling motors.

Odessey trolling Thunder is built from pure lead plates and provides a long shelf life. It claimed to have 3 to 10 years of service life. It has a wide operating temperature range from 40 to 80 degrees Celcius.

This is a battery that offers the most extended warranty -3 to 4 years full exchange warranty. The AGM design makes the battery-free from maintenance and can even be stored on an open circuit without recharging for 2 years. They are designed to protect against impact from shocks and vibration.

Pros

  • Long shelf life
  • Dual-purpose
  • 3 to 4 years warranty

Cons

  • Quite bulky
  • Open to damage due to overcharge.

What is a Trolling Motor Battery? Different Types

Best Trolling Motor BatteryTrolling motors, just like most electric motors, require specific batteries that are able to discharge electricity over an extended period gradually. If you like fishing, then you surely want to get the most out of your boat and motor. A reliable trolling motor battery will help you do just that.

Not all batteries are the same even though you might hear otherwise. But when it comes to picking the right marine tools and accessories, we all know that there are quite the discrepancies. You want a top-quality product with a big capacity. Not only that it will last longer, but it will also be a safe option. You never want any accidents while out there.

For this reason, if you want your boat to perform as well as possible, you need to know the different types of trolling motor batteries. They are divided into three major classifications:

  • Wet or Flooded Lead Acid (FLA)

Wet lead-acid batteries may also be presented as flooded trolling batteries. They contain a quantity of electrolyte fluid. They are called ‘flooded’ precisely because of this fluid that makes sure that the plates are submerged.

Such batteries require regular inspection of electrolyte level and addition of water, that’s why their maintenance is a bit harder than the one of other battery types. They don’t make these a lot anymore.

Their most significant advantage is the fact that they can operate reasonably well for about two to three years. They are cheaper to manufacture, therefore less expensive to purchase. However, you should choose to have such a battery only if you feel confident about maintaining it properly.

  • Absorbed Glass Mats (AGM)

AGMs, also called Sealed Lead Acid Batteries (SLA) use electrolyte absorbed mats. This allows hydrogen and oxygen to combine and create its own water. The result is a battery that can be placed in various places, regardless of the vibrations or mounting angles.

Absorbed glass mat batteries will give you a continuous charge over an extended time and are the type most people prefer when it comes to trolling motors. Such cells have a longer lifespan than wet lead-acid batteries.  This is the reason why they are more expensive than others.

Still, you don’t have to worry about the price as nowadays there are many different AGMs on the market and the prices begin to slowly go down. These days, absorbed glass mat batteries are what people mainly use on their boats. They are easier to take care of when compared to their flooded brothers, and their efficiency is higher. Besides the price, the other disadvantage is their weight. They are much more massive than their counterparts.

  • Gel Batteries

These batteries contain some gel-like fluid, and that makes them super resistant to vibrations. This fluid is there to both power the battery but to also provide some protection to it.

One of the disadvantages this battery has is the fact that you can’t investigate its inside. Therefore, you cannot know if the liquid gels properly. Many gel batteries require a special charger, so not every marine battery charger will be suitable. This happens because these units need to be charged at a much lower voltage than the average marine batteries.

These batteries also cost a bit more than other types. However, as we already said AGM’s currently dominate the niche, so using a gel battery for trolling motors is not that common. That doesn’t mean it is impossible as many gel-type trolling motor batteries will be perfectly suitable for your boat.

Advantages of Trolling Motor Batteries

Here are some of the benefits a trolling motor battery has to offer:

  • Discharge electricity gradually over long periods
  • Can power different gadgets you have onboard with you
  • They can last to five years
  • They have a low risk of overheating
  • Long lifespan

Disadvantages of Trolling Motor Batteries

Everything in this world has some negative sides. Let’s look at the ones of a trolling motor battery:

  • If you have a small boat, they may take up most of the space in it
  • Trolling Motor Batteries require regular maintenance. The type of battery you choose to have is also essential. If you decide on a flooded battery, for example, you will have to provide distilled water every single time you refill it.
  • You need to be very careful while working with them. Incorrect charging, for example, may permanently damage your unit.

Factors to Consider When Looking for a Trolling Motor Battery

Trolling Motor BatteryThe performance of your unit depends on different factors. Let’s have a quick look:

  • Battery Type

This is the most crucial factor. You need to choose your battery type carefully, considering where you are going to use your boat, what for, how big is your boat, how much time you can spare for maintenance, etc.

  • Size

Size is also an essential factor you should consider when choosing a trolling motor battery. Most trolling motors work with one 12V battery, which means that they won’t take up much space in your kayak or boat. However, when choosing a cell, you have to make sure it will fit the available space you have.

  • Weight

Size is closely connected to weight. If your boat is a small one you need to choose a battery that is light-weight and compact. A unit must help the performance of your vessel, not worsen it. Batteries usually weigh between 20 and 50lbs.

Always read the product’s description as there you could find information about the dimensions and weight of the battery and decide if it is suitable for your vessel.

  • Amp-Hour Rating

Knowing what an Ampere Hour Rating is, is essential. This aspect matters a lot when picking the right battery. The Amp-Hour metric shows us how many amps will be discharged in one hour by the battery. By calculating this rating, we can determine how long the battery will survive on one charge. Obviously, if you have higher AHR, the battery will run for longer.

The small batteries in this class come with 20 aH. They are excellent for small boats. Larger vessels will likely require something in the 50 aH range.

  • Cold Cranking Amps

Generally, you will not run into CCA when looking at trolling motor battery characteristics, and specifications as CCA are only essential for starting batteries. However, if your battery has two functions- starting your electrical equipment and at the same time keeping it running, then you need to know what Cold Cranking Amps are.

CCA shows us how many amps the battery uses up during the first thirty seconds after being started. We assume that at this point the battery is cold, thus the name Cold Cranking.

  • Cycle Life

This shows us the lifespan of the trolling battery. Most companies, however, do not advertise the cycle life of their cells and just say that their unit is a “deep cycle battery” when it actually isn’t. In general, you can expect to get a cycle life of 24 to 48 minths. Our team recommends that you always read the reviews of the product you consider buying.

  • Lifespan

A battery has a decline in capacity over time. For how long a deep cycle marine battery can run is based on many different factors. The good thing is that we got it all written up for you in our guide.

We already mentioned that wet-cell batteries can typically last around two to three years. That is, however, if you maintain it regularly and properly. AGMs can last up to 5 years, depending on the manufacturer, proper usage, and again- regular maintenance.

Of course, the battery type is not the only factor that influences the lifespan. Maintenance, temperature, overheating, overcharging, etc., are all things that will affect the performance and life of your battery. Also, a good rule of thumb is that if the manufacturer gives more an extended warranty, then the battery must be better.

  • Brand

Your boat deserves the most reliable units. We know that budget can sometimes be an obstacle, but products that are too cheap and have an unknown brand name are something you must stay away from. What happens when your easy-on-the-pocketbook battery breaks down, and you have to buy another one? There is no point in buying a trolling motor battery every week, just find a high-quality unit and look for a well-known brand.

  • Durability and Vibration Resistance

When using a boat or kayak, it is only reasonable that you will feel vibrations. This, however, can harm your battery. Look for a shock-resistant trolling motor battery. This way you will avoid damage.

Vibrations may be the reason why your battery does not charge properly or does not charge at all, sometimes they may even cause short-circuit. Another thing that we would recommend is to get a battery that is sealed.

  • Ease of Use

A high-quality trolling motor battery should not only serve you for a long time but should also be easy to install. If you plan to purchase a battery online, always look at the comments other users have written. See how long it took them to mount the battery, is the user’s manual well-written, etc.

You also need to think about maintenance. Many batteries nowadays are really simple to work with – simply plugin, let it fill up and then use. However, there are some that require regular maintenance.

Battery Maintenance Tips

Battery care and maintenance are essential if you want your unit to have a long life and to work correctly.Trolling Motor Battery Reviews

  • When you start your engine or use your trolling motor always listen carefully to how they sound. If the engine finds it hard to crank or the trolling motor does not last as long as it used to, then this is a sign your batteries are weakening.
  • Always keep your battery receipts and write down your purchase date! If your battery fails in the warranty period, you may get a replacement or the store could pro-rate your next battery purchase.
  • Fill your battery as soon as possible after each time you use it. Cells that stay in a discharged state for too long will have a decreased longevity and performance.
  • Wet-cell battery fluid levels must be checked regularly. When needed do not forget to top them off.
  • Terminal connectors must be checked regularly for signs of corrosion.
  • Batteries must be stored in a cool, dry place. Also, do not forget to maintain a trickle charge.

Safety Tips

  • Never mix different battery types.
  • Never mix old batteries with new ones.
  • Gloves and eye protection are a necessity when you work on your battery.

Wrap Up

Well, guys, you are now pros when it comes to how to choose the best trolling motor battery. As you have successfully finished our buying guide, we really hope that our reviews on the best trolling motor batteries have helped you find the right product for your needs.

If you think our article was useful and it could help other people as well, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. Also, should there be anything you would like to add or share with us, write us a comment or send us an email- we love getting feedback from our readers.

We hope you like what you have just read and if that is indeed true, make sure you find some free time and go check out our other articles devoted to choosing the unit for you. Thanks for reading, and as always- stay put!

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