The best trolling motor batteries help watercraft enthusiasts make the most out of their boats, canoes, rafts, and kayaks. Electric trolling motors are extremely efficient and quiet propulsion devices, and trolling motor batteries are required to keep them functioning. Deep cycle batteries provide hours of reliable power for a day full of fun on the water, while starter batteries will get the motor running in the first place, and dual-purpose batteries conveniently fulfill both power needs.
After reviewing many different trolling motor batteries we have identified the best available for your water-bound adventures. As we looked as these trolling motor batteries we considered factors such as amperage capacity, discharge tolerances, and vibration resistance in choosing our top picks, and then we compiled a detailed list of many more great trolling motor batteries to help you find one with the right power output for your trolling motor.
Once our research was said and done we chose the Weize Deep Cycle Battery as our overall top pick. It’s a well-made, relatively inexpensive, and secure battery box for the most common size of 12-volt battery.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Trolling Motor Batteries
Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating |
---|---|---|
Best Trolling Motor Battery Overall | Weize Deep Cycle Battery | 4.6 |
Best Dual-Purpose Trolling Motor Battery | Odyssey Thunder Marine Battery | 4.3 |
Best Budget Trolling Motor Battery | Neptune Light Trolling Motor Battery | 5.0 |
Best Deep Cycle Trolling Motor Battery | Mighty Max Battery | 4.5 |
Best Trolling Motor Starter Battery | Optima Batteries BlueTop Starting Battery | 3.6 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Trolling Motor Battery Overall: Weize Deep Cycle Battery
Highly-regarded for its substantial power, unquestionable reliability, and convenient design, the Weize Deep Cycle Battery is the best battery you can buy for your trolling motor. It’s a deep cycle battery, which means that it has been designed to run at a low voltage for a long period of time, and it can withstand consistent discharge from week-to-week, day-to-day, or however often you use your motor. The 100 ampere-hour capacity provides a large reservoir of power to draw from that can power a trolling motor for an entire day on the lake.
This Weize Deep Cycle Battery is a valve-regulated sealed lead acid battery that requires no maintenance and is virtually spillproof. It has a heavy-duty calcium-alloy grid that is mated with absorbed glass mat technology, meaning that there is fiberglass sandwiched between the lead plates that are highly resistant to vibration and are soaked in battery acid. All of this technology results in a battery with a long lifespan that can easily recover from deep discharges.
Though this battery can be used for many applications from golf carts to RVs and sump pumps, it excels as a marine trolling motor battery. The outer shell has been designed to reduce heat build-up, and it has been fitted with a convenient rope carry handle. The terminals support gaiter clips and bolt-on connections. This excellent trolling motor battery comes backed by a 12-month warranty.
Weize Deep Cycle Battery Key Features:
- 100 Amp-hour capacity
- Valve-regulated sealed lead acid battery
- Heavy-duty calcium-alloy grid with AGM technology
- 12-month warranty
Best Dual-Purpose Trolling Motor Battery: Odyssey Thunder Marine Battery
Dual-purpose trolling motor batteries like this Odyssey Thunder Marine Battery combine the benefits of a true starting battery and a deep cycle battery into one convenient package. While dual-purpose batteries are quite practical, they do tend to have a poor reputation for longevity. That’s because crank starting batteries are not designed to withstand the constant and deep discharges that deep cycle and dual-purpose batteries are subject to.
Odyssey counters this negative claim by suggesting that this Thunder Marine Battery can have a 10-year lifespan and the company guarantees that it will perform admirably for at least four years with a full replacement warranty. Now that’s value! With one purchase, you’re getting a powerful starter battery with 880 cold-cranking amps as well as a long-lasting 68-amp AGM deep cycle battery. It’s also vibration-resistant and can withstand extreme temperatures down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit and up to 176 degrees Fahrenheit.
This is a totally maintenance-free, completely sealed battery that will never leak or spill. Odyssey claims that this battery has the highest recharge efficiency of any battery on the market, and they say that it can be stored on the shelf with an open circuit for up to 2 years. This is the ultimate trolling motor battery for those who prize convenience and simplicity above all else.
Odyssey Thunder Marine Battery Key Features:
- 68 Amp-hour capacity
- 880 cold cranking Amps
- Resealable venting AGM design
- 4-year replacement warranty
Best Budget Trolling Motor Battery: Neptune Light Trolling Motor Battery
The Neptune Light Trolling Motor Battery is ideal for small to mid-range trolling motors on light watercraft. This battery has been specifically designed for Minn Kota and Sevylor trolling motors, and it should be able to power any comparable electric trolling motor as well. Its purpose-built design ensures that it is marine-ready and has both the power and reliability required for long days out on the open water.
Able to store 35 amp-hours worth of energy, this battery will be able to power a small trolling motor throughout the day, and a mid-range motor for several hours. You can link up multiple batteries to extend your overall range, or to use for charging accessories like depth finders and smartphones. This model has both high cranking amps and a low self-discharge rate, making it a true dual-purpose battery.
The patented sealed terminal posts ensure the longevity of this battery by preventing corrosion and leaks. It’s 24-pound weight and compact 7.68″ by 5.16″ by 7.13″ dimensions mean that it is exceptionally portable. This battery comes backed by a 12-month warranty.
Neptune Light Trolling Motor Battery Key Features:
- 35 Amp-hour capacity
- Sealed lead acid AGM battery
- High cranking amps and low self-discharge rate
- 12-month warranty
Best Deep Cycle Trolling Motor Battery: Mighty Max Battery
The Mighty Max Battery is a highly-capable mid-range trolling motor battery that can power a 40-pound thrust trolling motor for about 10 hours. If you need a more powerful deep cycle battery for a larger motor, check out our top overall pick, but if you’re in the market for a battery that can reliably power your mid-to-small-sized trolling motor, you won’t find one better than the MIghty Max Battery.
This is a sealed lead acid AGM battery with a high discharge rate that pumps out adequate amounts of power as you need it. It has been designed with deep discharge recovery in mind, meaning that you can drain its battery levels often and it will rebound fine with a full recharge for many uses and years to come. It has a long service life, and its sealed design requires no maintenance or water level checks on your part.
This is a multi-use battery that can be utilized in a variety of applications, and it works wonderfully as a trolling motor battery. You can wire multiple units together to form a 14V, 36V, or 48V power bank if you require extra power. Each battery comes backed by a 12-month warranty.
Mighty Max Battery Key Features:
- 55 Amp-hour capacity
- Sealed lead acid AGM battery
- High discharge rate and deep discharge recovery
- 12-month warranty
Best Trolling Motor Starter Battery: Optima Batteries BlueTop Starting Battery
Optima Batteries is a class leader in starter batteries, and the company’s Optima Batteries BlueTop Starting Battery is their finest line of trolling motor batteries. Using a patented SpiralCell Technology, Optima Batteries are comprised of two spiraling lead plates that are coated in lead oxide. These continuous lead plates are much more efficient and precision-controlled than traditional flat AGM lead plates. The result is a higher performing battery with a longer lifespan.
This is purely a starter battery and should not be used to continuously run your trolling motor over hours of use. Though it does have a sizeable 50 amp-hour power reservoir, this is to help maintain its high charge level. In order to maintain this battery’s longevity, you should not let it discharge down to low battery levels. Its proprietary design does enable it to recharge up to three times more than other marine batteries, and it is up to 15 times more vibration-resistant.
The dual SAE and 5/16″ stainless steel stud posts give you multiple ways to hook up the battery to your motor and other devices. Its reliable power output is sure to start up your trolling motor every time, and its sealed design is completely maintenance-free. The BlueTop line of batteries are totally spillproof and can be mounted in nearly any position.
Optima Batteries BlueTop Starting Battery Key Features:
- 50 Amp-hour capacity
- 800 cold cranking Amps
- Dual SAE and 5/16″ stainless steel stud posts
- Patented SpiralCell Technology performance
Who Should Buy A Trolling Motor Battery
Every person who owns a small boat with a trolling motor should have at least one trolling motor battery, if not several. Trolling motors are the best way to move a vessel at low speeds on any water surface. They are best used for fishing, bird watching, and relaxed open water travel. Canoes, kayaks, and rafts can all be equipped with trolling motors as well. Every electric trolling motor should be paired with an adequate sized battery to keep it running for hours without fail.
The best way to mount a trolling motor battery is with a marine battery box. With the right setup, you’ll have the power you need at all times, and the battery will be securely mounted in place where it can be easily accessed and will be safely protected from the elements.
Important Features to Consider
There are a few important considerations to think through before purchasing a trolling motor battery.
- Battery type. It’s important to know the difference between the three types of trolling motor batteries. There are starter or cranking batteries that are designed to start a trolling motor, there are deep cycle batteries that are designed to run a motor for a long period of time once it has already been started, and there are dual-purpose batteries which do their best to tackle both jobs within a single battery. Using separate cranking and deep cycle batteries is the more efficient option, but a dual-purpose battery is more convenient.
- Amp capacity. The amp capacity, otherwise known as ampere-hours, is how much energy the battery can store. The larger the amp capacity, the more energy it will hold, and the longer it will run.
- AGM or GEL. Absorbed glass mat batteries can tolerate a deeper discharge depth, are highly resistant to shock and vibration, and they can tolerate extreme temperatures well. GEL batteries are also sealed and spill-proof batteries just like AGM batteries, but some do have the option of being refilled with additional electrolytes which can lengthen the lifespan of the battery. Both types work well for trolling motors.
- Weight and size. Along with more power and capability also comes increased size and weight. You’ll want to consider how big and heavy your batteries will be as this too will have an effect on your boating experience. Be sure that the battery you purchase can be mounted in the position that you need, as not all batteries can be mounted sideways.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will a trolling motor run on a battery?
The larger a trolling motor battery’s amp capacity, the more power it can hold, and the longer length of time it will be able to operate. How long a specific battery will last also depends on how powerful your trolling motor is and how fast you want to travel across the water. Trolling motors will typically list their maximum amp draw. You can estimate how long your battery will last by dividing its amp capacity, or ampere-hours, by the trolling motor’s amp draw. If your battery has a 100 amp capacity, and your motor draws 10 amps per hour, the battery will run for about 10 hours.
Will my car battery work for my trolling motor?
No, it will not. Your vehicle’s battery is not a marine battery, and it has been designed for a totally different set of circumstances. A car battery needs to crank up a car’s starter motor, and it is being consistently charged while the vehicle is in operation. Deep cycle trolling batteries are designed to operate at low draw levels, and they can be fully consistently discharged and used again. Using a car battery for a trolling motor can ruin both the battery and the motor.
How often should I charge my trolling motor battery?
You should charge your deep cycle battery as soon as you are done using it for the day. If the battery is left at low or no charge, this will ruin the battery’s capacity to fully charge and drastically shorten its lifespan. You should only use deep cycle battery charges to charge a deep cycle battery.
What is a cranking starter battery?
A cranking starter battery is a separate battery from your deep cycle trolling motor battery. Cranking starter batteries are used to start a motor, while deep cycle batteries are used to run a motor once it has been started. Dual-purpose batteries combine both of these capabilities into one battery, but they are typically less efficient than running two separate batteries, each for its intended task. A cranking battery should never be used to run your motor long term as repeated discharges can ruin a cranking starter battery. Deep cycle batteries are generally unable to start a trolling motor.
Other Trolling Motor Batteries We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other trolling motor batteries. Even though they didn’t make our five best battery box device list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for storing your batteries. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- Deep Cycle Trolling Motor Batteries
- Dual-Purpose Trolling Motor Batteries
- Budget Trolling Motor Batteries
Deep Cycle Trolling Motor Batteries
Dakota Lithium Trolling Motor Battery
A step above traditional lead caid batteries, the Dakota Lithium Trolling Motor Battery is comprised of lithium iron phosphate. This battery will last four times longer than a comparable lead-acid battery and multiple units can be linked together to form a 24V, 36V, or 48V power system.
Key Features:
- 54 Amp of capacity
- Lithium iron phosphate battery technology
- LiFePO4 charger included
Cost: $500
Ionic Bluetooth Deep Cycle Battery
The Ionic Bluetooth Deep Cycle Battery is another long-lasting lithium iron phosphate battery. This model has been equipped with a Bluetooth battery monitor that’ll tell you how much battery power it has remaining and will also keep you up to date on the battery’s overall health.
Key Features:
- 30 Amp capacity
- Lithium iron phosphate battery technology
- Bluetooth battery monitoring
Cost: $270
A smaller offering from Iconic, this Iconic Lithium Battery is made from the same advanced technology as the premium version we just went over. It has a 12 amp capacity and it comes backed by a five-year warranty.
Key Features:
- 12 Amp capacity
- Lithium iron phosphate battery technology
- 5-year warranty
Cost: $120
The VMAX AGM Battery is a lead and calcium plate battery that is completely sealed and can be mounted in any direction. It has a heft 50 amp capacity and is resistant to shocks and vibrations.
Key Features:
- 50 Amp capacity
- Non-spillable and non-hazardous
- 1-year warranty
Cost: $155
A beefy battery built to last with shock absorption and electrolyte suspension technology, the VMAX Deep Cycle Battery is fully compatible with boats powered by large 40 to 100-pound trolling motors.
Key Features:
- 100 Amp capacity
- Heavy-duty lead-tin alloys
- Utilizes AGM electrolyte suspension
Cost: $270
The Weize Pure GEL Battery has a high-efficiency of recovery that makes it ideal for daily use or frequent boating trips. The gelled electrolyte technology recovers quickly after a deep discharge and from frequent discharge cycles.
Key Features:
- 100 Amp capacity
- Designed to excel during daily use
- 1-year warranty
Cost: $225
The Weize Trolling Battery is a traditional lead-based marine battery that utilizes AGM technology. It’s a completely sealed, leakproof 12V battery that can be universally used for most 12V purposes.
Key Features:
- 75 Amp capacity
- Absorbent glass mat technology
- Lead-played silver terminals
Dual-Purpose Trolling Motor Batteries
Maintenance-free and leak-proof, the ACDelco Professional Voyager is a well-rounded dual-purpose battery that won’t have any issue starting your trolling motor. It utilizes AGM technology for true deep cycle performance as well.
Key Features:
- 80 Amp capacity
- Valve-regulated gas recumbent technology
- High cranking amps
Cost: $225
Banshee Deep Cycle Marine Battery
The Banshee Deep Cycle Marine Battery is a fine choice for watercraft operation. It features a high energy capacity coupled with adequate cranking Amps and has a battery life indicator.
Key Features:
- 77 Amp capacity
- 800 cold cranking Amps
- Hydrometer battery life indicator
Cost: $220
Using GEL technology for a maintenance-free deep cycle, yet pumping out enough Amps to start a small trolling motor, the Might Max GEL Dual Battery is a top choice for smaller watercraft.
Key Features:
- 75 Amp capacity
- Can start small trolling motors
- 1-year warranty
Cost: $160
Odyssey Trolling Dual Purpose Battery
For long-lasting and high startup power, look no further than the Odyssey Trolling Dual Purpose Battery. This battery can get a powerful trolling motor started and keep it running throughout the day with its deep-cycle stable voltage.
Key Features:
- 100 Amp capacity
- 1150 cold crank starting Amps
- 4-year warranty
Cost: $450
Optima Batteries BlueTop Marine Battery
The Optima Batteries BlueTop Marine Battery is a mid-grade dual-purpose trolling motor battery. It is spillproof, can be mounted in any position, and has a vibration-reducing technology for a stable ride no matter whether you store it on your boat or RV.
Key Features:
- 55 Amp capacity
- 750 cold cranking Amps
- Mounting hardware included
Cost: $275
Optima Batteries Start and Cycle Battery
Using proprietary SpiralCell plate technology, the Optima Batteries Start and Cycle Battery provides power-packed performance in a compact package. This unit is a step above the previously-mentioned model in regard to power output and storage.
Key Features:
- 75 Amp capacity
- 900 cold cranking Amps
- SprialCell plate technology
Cost: $330
The VMAX Lithium ION Battery is the perfect battery for low powered trolling motors such as you would use on a kayak. It makes up for its limited power output with its versatility. This battery features dual USB ports and a 12V DC port.
Key Features:
- 30 Amp capacity
- 90 cold cranking Amps
- Features USB and DC charging ports
Budget Trolling Motor Batteries
A fine power source for low to mid-grade trolling motors, the Casil Deep Cycle Battery will keep your motor running thanks to its AGM design. It is a rechargeable and maintenance-free battery.
Key Features:
- 50 Amp capacity
- Sealed lead acid AGM battery
- 12-month warranty
Cost: $100
ExpertPower Deep Cycle Battery
The ExpertPower Deep Cycle Battery is a well-sorted sealed battery that’s best used with small trolling motors such as those meant for canoes and kayaks.
Key Features:
- 33 Amp capacity
- Sealed lead acid AGM battery
- Resistant to shock, vibration, chemicals, and heat
Cost: $70
Interstate Batteries Sealed AGM Battery
The Interstate Batteries Sealed AGM battery is great for small trolling motors. It utilizes a valve-regulating technology that nullifies spills and overpressure. It provides constant voltage and can safely recover from frequent discharges.
Key Features:
- 35 Amp capacity
- AGM and valve-regulating technologies
- 12-month warranty
Cost: $90
You can trust the Mighty Max Deep Cycle Battery as your next trolling motor because it has been specifically designed to power the Minn Kota Endura trolling motor. If you have that motor or one of similar power, this battery will surely work for you.
Key Features:
- 35 Amp capacity
- Built specifically for the Minn Kota Endura trolling motor
- 12-month warranty
Cost: $65
Rather than using acid, the Mighty Max Gel Battery uses factory-activated GEL. Because of this, you have the option to add more electrolytes to the battery to extend its lifespan.
Key Features:
- 35 Amp capacity
- GEL rechargeable maintenance-free battery
- Can be installed in nearly any position
Cost: $75
Designed specifically for the Tarpon 100 kayak electric trolling motor, the UpStart Battery Kayak Battery will succeed as a power source for other similarly-powerful small watercraft trolling motors as well.
Key Features:
- 35 Amp capacity
- Designed for the Tarpon 100 kayak electric trolling motor
- 12-month warranty
Cost: $70