A trolling motor is an electric-powered outboard engine that is mounted on the bow or transom of a small boat. It provides a secondary mode of propulsion. You must use the best trolling motor battery to run a motorboat. It consists of an engine that is enclosed in a waterproof casing that attaches to a prop shaft that, when submerged, prevents engine overheating.
A trolling motor allows you to move at different speeds which can help you catch fish. However, it’s ineffective when you don’t have a trolling motor battery. The best trolling motor battery will let you stay and move on the water for hours. Additionally, it will power your motor and maybe even your other onboard appliances as well.
Table of Contents
- Comparison of 10 Best Trolling Motor Batteries in 2021
- Top 10 Best Trolling Motor Battery Reviews in 2021
- 1. MinnKota Trolling Motor Power Center
- 2. Experts Power EXP12180 Lead Acid Battery
- 3. Newport Vessels Trolling Motor Battery
- 4. UPG UB121000 Deep Cycle Battery
- 5. Optima Deep Cycle Marine Battery
- 6. Mighty Max Trolling Motor Deep Cycle Battery
- 7. Interstate Batteries AGM Deep Cycle Battery
- 8. VMAX MR127 Deep Cycle AGM Battery
- 9. Weize Deep Cycle Trolling Motor Battery
- 10. Ampere Time Deep Cycle Battery
- How to Care for Your Trolling Motor Battery – Step by Step Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Final Verdict
- Relevant Resources
Comparison of 10 Best Trolling Motor Batteries in 2021
| IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | MinnKota Trolling Motor Power Center |
| Check Price |
 | Expert Power EXP12180 Battery |
| Check Price |
 | Newport Vessels Trolling Motor Battery |
| Check Price |
 | UPG Deep Cycle Battery |
| Check Price |
 | Optima Deep Cycle Marine Battery |
| Check Price |
 | Mighty Max Battery |
| Check Price |
 | Interstate AGM Deep Cycle Battery |
| Check Price |
 | VMAX MR127 AGM Deep Cycle Battery |
| Check Price |
 | Weize Deep Cycle Battery |
| Check Price |
 | Ampere Time Deep Cycle Battery |
| Check Price |
Top 10 Best Trolling Motor Battery Reviews in 2021
Which one is the best? It’s a million-dollar question. So, to answer that question, we offer several excellent options for you to choose from:
1. MinnKota Trolling Motor Power Center
This is a battery holder which provides you with a perfect compartment to stow your battery securely. The appliance is of much help for those who have a problem carrying heavy-duty best trolling motor battery from place to place. It’s especially ideal for small boats lacking a battery compartment.
It is more than everything you need from a deep cycle battery holder. Even better, this unit looks neat and is built with quality materials. Circuit breakers, accessory power supplies, and a convenient battery meter are all combined in a solidly built power center.
The handy features the holder affords are fairly worth the price. It has easy-to-access external battery terminals that allow trolling motor leads and charger leads to be connected without opening the box. Additionally, it features two manual reset circuit breakers: 60 amp for trolling motor and 15 amp for accessory plugs.
- A perfect motor center for small-sized boat transom apps
- Small compact design for boat owners that need a place for their battery to hold
- The battery case provides two twelve-volt accessory plugs and a manual reset circuit breaker
- A built-in meter for users to see the exact state of charge in the battery that is in the case
- Seamless and quick access for the battery terminals to connect the leads
- The size is only for 24 and 27 size batteries
- No battery is included
- Primarily for small boat applications
Also Read: Best Outboard Motor on the Market Right Now
2. Experts Power EXP12180 Lead Acid Battery
A 20-hour lead-acid battery that comes right with bolts and nuts plus the manufacturer has included direct instructions on how to change the battery yourself. Moreover, the body of this battery is made from shock and vibration-resistant material that can also withstand high heat temperatures.
Furthermore, the Expert Power brand is known around the world for its durability, quality as well as good service. Also, the bottom of this battery is made from a GM which stands for or absorbed glass mat that prevents the lead-acid battery from leaking.
This Expert Power best trolling motor battery is easy to install and change as the manufacturer has included a clear step-by-step instruction booklet in the packaging box. As a result, customers have reported that they were able to change the battery themselves whenever needed by following the instruction provided.
Lastly, you can find this battery in different packages ranging from one pack to 10 battery packs depending on whether you would like to buy in advance and have the spare batteries on hand. If you’re planning on buying the battery for the future make sure that you store it correctly as it can leak and potentially burn your skin.
- Available in different packs ranging from 1 to 10 batteries
- Known brand
- Good customer support
- 20 hours sealed lead acid battery with bolts
- Absorbed glass mat on the bottom that will prevent licking
- Wide temperature range
- Heavy
- No money-back guarantee
3. Newport Vessels Trolling Motor Battery
The Newport Vessels Battery Box is a fully functioning charging and power station. It has external battery ports that allow you to quickly and safely connect your accessories or trolling motor to it without unnecessarily opening the box.
For more convenience, this also has a direct USB charger and 12V accessory port. On top of that, this is also equipped with dual integrated circuit breaks. The circuit brakes are 10 Amp and 60 Amp. That protects your accessories and trolling motor against electrical damage.
The manufacturers of this product also gave thorough attention to small details. It has non-slip foot inserts so that it stays in place. It also has a built-in LED battery meter that measures the battery level with a button’s quick push. All-in-all, this is a convenient and secure battery box worth considering. However, please take note the battery itself is sold separately.
- Safe and easy to use external battery ports
- Dual integrated circuit breakers
- A direct USB charger and accessory port
- Equipped with non-slip feet
- Not very durable
4. UPG UB121000 Deep Cycle Battery
Deep cycle batteries are lead-acid batteries designed to offer a steady amount of current over an extended period. They come with thicker plates which enable them to be deeply discharged over and over again.
The Universal UB121000-45978 is a first-rate deep cycle battery that delivers excellent performance, albeit in a large and heavy package. Its battery only weighs 63.93 lbs., which is very lightweight when compared to other batteries.
Ideally, It has a charge voltage of about 14.5 to 14.9 volts and a float voltage of approximately 13.6 to 13.8 volts. Besides that, this battery is spill-proof allowing you to mount it in any position without worrying about dealing with any leaks. It is designed to resist vibration and shock and is maintenance-free.
- Does not require any ongoing maintenance
- Comes with a one year warranty
- Rated at 100AH
- Delivers excellent, consistent deep cycling performance
- Doesn’t require frequent charging.
- This is a heavy battery with a total weight of almost 64 pounds
Also Read: Best Wakeboard Tower Speakers – Top Sound Systems
5. Optima Deep Cycle Marine Battery
Admittedly, this is one of the best marine dual-purpose batteries with a nominal voltage of 12 volts. With a weight of around 45 pounds, and dimensions 7.94 inches, by 6.88 inches, by 10.06 inches this battery is easily transportable.
It comes with 870 A marine cranking amps and 750 A cold-cranking amps. When completely charged, its internal resistance is 0.0028 ohms, which makes it one of the best marine starting batteries with low internal resistance.
Ideally, this Optima battery has Spiralcell technology and AGM design, which provides better performance and more reliability, making it one of the best dual-purpose batteries out there. Optima Blue Top D34M is also one of the best marine batteries for trolling motor. Unlike other batteries that can only be used for either engine starting applications or deep cycle tasks, this battery can do work both ways.
- It is cost-effective when you consider the service it will give you
- Charges up quickly, up to ninety percent within thirty-five minutes
- Can last much longer even with deep discharges
- It suffers far less damage when overcharged
- If the right charger and setting are used, it cannot overcharge
- Long-life if it is well maintained, reaching over 1000-cycles
- This battery is light and more efficient
- You cannot add distilled water because it is sealed
- This battery cannot withstand excessive vibrations
6. Mighty Max Trolling Motor Deep Cycle Battery
Mighty Max 12 volt 55Ah closed lead-acid valve-regulated batteries are maintenance-free, affordable, and rugged. These SLA batteries are used for different applications including industrial and medical devices, computer systems, UPS backups, scooters, wheelchairs, electric vehicles, and more.
Providing power when you need it, this best battery for trolling motor makes use of a high-tech, tough, calcium-alloy grid that delivers amazing efficiency and service life in both float and cyclic applications. Interestingly enough, no electrolyte leakage can occur from the terminals or case of this battery.
This feature assures the efficient, safe operation of this battery in any position. Absorptive Glass Mat System (AGM System) battery makes use of fine mat separators (glass fiber) where enough electrolytes are absorbed to provide the longest life and steady serve.
- Advanced AGM Technology
- Very durable
- No maintenance is required for it
- 100% OEM Replacement
- It’s very compact and light
- Maintenance Free
- 1 Year Warranty
- It’s spill-proof so you can position it the way you want
- It can take a while to recharge
Also Read: Best Marine Radio – to Communicate Effectively
7. Interstate Batteries AGM Deep Cycle Battery
This best trolling motor battery is sure to provide you with long life and reliable power for whatever application you’ll use it for. Be its medical devices, lighting, agriculture, or mobility.
This sealed unit can be mounted at any angle and is cleared of water, surface, or air transport. Deep Cycle Battery is the main part of different kinds of renewable energy systems that require the storage of electricity.
It is complete with heavy-duty tin alloy grids, military-grade custom-made plates, increasing its performance and durability manifold. It is highly resistant to vibration and wears and tear, making it all the more durable over long-term use.
- The design is solid and can withstand bad weather conditions and rough use
- These batteries have a shelf life of about ten years
- It’s maintenance-free
- It charges quickly, and stores charge for a longer time
- The battery is spill and leak proof
- The price might be slightly on the higher side
8. VMAX MR127 Deep Cycle AGM Battery
It doesn’t matter the brand of motor you have installed in your boat, this VMAX MR127 12 Volt 100Ah Deep Cycle Maintenance-Free Battery affords you maximum power at every second of its operation. The VMAX 12 volt deep cycle best marine battery is well known for its high-quality.
Even better, it is compatible with all leading brands. Not the best part yet, it is also among the best trolling motor batteries that deliver consistent performance. It’s built to tolerate vibrations, nicks, and bumps of regular use, recharges quickly, and easy to mount.
This battery is specially designed for use with trolling motors and delivers consistent reliable power, and comes in a long-lasting plastic enclosure to safeguard it from vibration and shock. The VMAX MR127 is a great deep cycle battery that’s available at a slight premium compared to competing batteries. It charges extremely quickly, making it a convenient option if you’re looking for a battery that will often be used on your boat.
- Tin alloy grid
- Get charged in less time
- A solid body
- AGM technology
- Durable
- Expensive
9. Weize Deep Cycle Trolling Motor Battery
Another great sealed lead acid battery can be recharged however keep in mind that it comes in a packaging box without screws or bolts plus the wire harness is not included as well. This battery is universal and can be used for a number of items such as trolling motor, golf carts, lawn tools, and even RV’s.
The battery is valve-regulated and comes with a 30-day refund warranty. However, make sure that you never charge this battery on a sealed container plus never charge the battery right after it got discharged.
Lastly, note that this battery is not suitable for short circuits and should be stored in a dry and dark place whenever not in use. Also, never try to disassemble it and make sure that it does not stay in a place where the temperature rises higher than 50 degrees Celsius.
- A universal battery that is suitable for trolling motors as well as golf carts
- Affordable
- 30-day return policy
- Manufacturer’s warranty
- Leakproof outer body
- Valve regulated
- Available in one capacity only
- Lacking customer service
- Requires a special charger that can be hard to find
Also Read: Kayak vs Canoe – Choose Which Is Better
10. Ampere Time Deep Cycle Battery
This is a rechargeable automotive-grade lithium battery for off-grid applications. It is compatible with solar and mobile phone devices. This battery’s main feature is its LiFePO4 cells with higher energy density for more reliable and powerful performance.
Despite that, you don’t need to worry about safety when using this battery because it has the highest-level UL testing certificate for its battery cells. That makes this battery ideal for motorhomes, RVs, and campers. Another notable feature of this battery is its built-in BMS.
That prevents overcharging, over-current, over-discharge, and short circuits. That also allows you to use the batter as soon as its charge without affecting its memory. What’s even more remarkable about this battery is that it can last up to 10 years or 4000 to 8000 cycles to give you value for your money. That is much more than what you get from regular lead-acid batteries that can only last for 200 to 500 cycles.
- Automotive-grade Lithium battery
- Ten years lifetime
- Lightweight option
- 95% efficiency
- Lacks low-temperature cutoff
How to Care for Your Trolling Motor Battery – Step by Step Guide
Even the best battery won’t perform to its specifications if it is not properly cared for. Here are some tips to help your battery lasts as long as possible:
Always keep it fully charged
As soon as you make it to shore, get the charger on your battery and keep it full. A Battery can get a type of “memory”, and if it is left partly charged more often than it is full, it tends to drain to that point more quickly.
Charge it slowly
A constant and slow charge is better for your battery compared to a fast, heavy charge. Even better, this won’t overheat the plates in a typical battery as much, letting the battery last longer.
Stow Your Battery Properly
During the off-season, store it in a cool, dry place. And, if possible, keep a trickle charge on it.
Never Mix Types of Batteries
Avoid using an old and a new battery together.
Top It off with Distilled Water
If you’re using a wet-cell battery, check them from time to time and top them off with distilled water if necessary. However, never use tap water in batteries – only distilled water.
Check the Battery Terminals Regularly
Whenever you’re in the battery compartment connecting the charger, always check the battery terminals. Bond checking the terminals into another activity that you do: adding oil, gassing the boat, etc.
That way you won’t fail to check the terminals. If they are looking bad, disconnect the battery cables and clean the terminals up with water and baking soda. Then, dry them properly and reattach the cables. On the other hand, using a cell post spray on the terminals can help reduce the buildup that you might see on the terminals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What Is an AGM Battery?
A: AGM stands for (absorbed glass mat) battery. Its main feature is a special glass mat separator. This glass mat wicks the electrolyte solution between the battery plates. As a result, it enables the battery to hold the charge exceptionally better than lead batteries.
Q: Can an AGM Battery Explode?
A: You risk exploding an AGM battery if you try using a conventional battery charger. While there’s more chance of the battery being severely damaged and risk making it ineffective, an explosion is surely possible. Therefore, you should always use a proper charger for an AGM battery.
Q: Can I Use a Car Battery/ Law and Garden Battery for Trolling Motor?
A: Unless you want to destroy your trolling motor, do not use car batteries. And while you can use a garden tractor battery for starting the trolling motor engine, you can’t actually keep the motor running longer than about 10 minutes. Therefore, just stick to using proper trolling motor batteries.
Q: What Kind of Battery Do I Need for My Trolling Motor?
A: There are two types of batteries: starter batteries and deep cycle batteries. Starter batteries are used to discharge a large amount of current over a short time. These are used in cars. On the other hand, deep cycle batteries discharge small amounts of current over more extended periods. For your trolling motor, you need to use deep cycle batteries.
Q: Are There Different Types of Deep Cycle Batteries?
A: Yes, there are two kinds of deep cycle batteries: lead-acid wet cell batteries and sealed absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries. Lead-acid batteries are the most affordable option. They last for 2-3 years and require regular maintenance, including topping up the battery with distilled water from time to time. They may cost less but can be prone to leakage. These typically cost less than $100.
AGM batteries, on the other hand, are newer sealed batteries that don’t require much maintenance. They hold a charge for more extended periods but are more expensive. These batteries cost almost twice as much as lead-acid batteries but can last for about four years. If budget is an issue, go in for lead-acid batteries. However, for longer life and low maintenance, AGM batteries are the better choice.
Q: What Do You Mean by Amperage Hour Rating?
A: To put it simply, a battery rated for 115 amp hours will last longer than one with a 100 amp hour rating. Also, a 100 amp hour battery using four amps of current will last 25 hours. The same battery using ten amps of current will last for 10 hours.
Generally speaking, for a trolling motor, you would need to use a battery with at least a 100 amp hour rating. You should be able to get batteries with such ratings in lead-acid as well as AGM battery types.
Final Verdict
The hunt for the best battery does not have to be stressful. The above review is a suggestion of the best trolling motor battery. It only provides you with a long low maintenance life span, a fast charge time, high life span, and flexibility.
So, take a look at these batteries and ensure that you measure them up to get one that matches your needs. These batteries are available at various prices. Consequently, make sure that you don’t base your decision on cost alone but the features in them. By doing so, you can be certain to make the right investment and one that is worth your hard-earned money.
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