Are you looking for the best lithium trolling motor battery? If yes, this comprehensive guide is for you. Over the years, lithium batteries have proven to be reliable and we are here to show you the best models for trolling motors.
Trolling motors make a handy companion for fishermen. They move the boat quietly through the waters to avoid spooking the fish. Furthermore, these motors are ideal for use in virtually all kinds of water conditions.
All trolling motors are powered by batteries. However, the kind of battery the motor employs depends on the thrust. If the thrust of your boat is 55 lbs or less, you will need a 12V battery. On the other hand, trolling motor boats with more than 55 lbs of thrust up to 80 lbs require 2, 12V batteries.
Today, most manufacturers have their electric trolling motors designed around a 12-volt, 24-volt, or 36-volt brushed DC electric motor. With this design, they can take advantage of the availability of 12-volt deep cycle batteries which are specifically for marine applications.
Best Lithium Trolling Motor Batteries
If you are having a hard time finding the best lithium trolling motor batteries, here are some of the quality options worth your consideration. Let’s have a look.
1) Dakota Lithium – 12V 10Ah LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery
Dakota Lithium – 12V 10Ah LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery is the Best Lithium Trolling Motor Battery. It is created to help users with deep-cycle battery applications and long-lasting energy storage.
The battery lasts 4x longer than traditional batteries. With its long-lasting design, it provides great value for the buyers and reduces wastage. Furthermore, this battery employs an advanced battery management system that controls its cell balancing, short-circuiting, as well as high and low voltage cutoff.
Another facet that makes it the best lithium trolling motor battery is its fast charging. It takes a small time to charge it when the charge is depleted. Over and above that, it has a remarkable lightweight construction thanks to its advanced lithium iron phosphate technology. It also has a compact size of 5.94” x 2.55” x 3.78”.
Specifications
- 12 volts
- 10 Ah storage capacity
- 11 years warranty
- 120 watts
- F2 Terminal
- Dimensions: 5.94″D x 2.55″W x 3.74″H
- Cell Composition: Lithium-Phosphate
- 2,000 cycles
- Number of cells:6
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Fast charging
- Eco-friendly
- Smart battery management system technology
Cons
- Quality control issues
2) Tracker Lithium Gen2 Super High Output Lithium Deep Cycle Battery
This is one of the most advanced lithium batteries ever made. It boasts a high peak discharge capability for strong starting power that trolling motors need to navigate vegetation and strong currents.
The selling point of this lithium deep cycle battery is its next-generation design. It outperforms lead-acid batteries and other imitators by protecting against harmful chemical leakages. Moreover, the battery has a fully encapsulated design that protects it from moisture damage.
In terms of construction, this lithium battery has a heavy-duty design that integrates crucial-duty safety functions. It is extremely resistant to vibrations to add durability. On top of that, it has built-in fire protection that gives additional piece of mind.
Specifications
- 5-year warranty
- 31 lbs heavy
- Built-in fire protection
- Fully encapsulated
- Strong starting power
- Extremely vibration resistant
- Critical-duty safety functions
Pros
- High peak discharge capabilities
- Compact and lightweight
- Heavy-duty construction
- Fireproof
Cons
- Big budget
3) ECO-WORTHY 24V 100AH Mini Size LiFePO4 Lithium Battery
ECO-WORTHY 24V 100AH Mini Size LiFePO4 marks our third recommendation for the best lithium trolling motor battery. It comes with a compact size that fits most trolling motors with ease. On top of that, it has a lightweight construction which makes it more convenient to carry.
This battery can reach 3000+ deep cycles, which is equivalent to 6 lead-acid batteries. Furthermore, it has high energy density and weighs just 39.3 pounds which is 1/3 the weight of lead-acid batteries. The high energy density provides longer continuous runtime which is essential for boating and fishing applications.
Another impressive thing about this battery is its battery management system. It has a built-in battery management system that protects it from overcharge, over-discharge, and charge over-current in addition to short-circuit, cell voltage self-balance, and high-temperature discharge cut-off.
What’s more, the battery is built with versatility in mind. It is compatible with RV/camper caravans, golf carts, and solar systems not just trolling motors. It also comes with 3 charging methods: a charger, solar panel with charge controller, or generator with DC-DC charger.
Specifications
- 24V rated voltage
- 100Ah rated capacity
- Built-in battery management system
- 3000+ cycles
- 100A maximum continuous discharging current
- 100A maximum continuous charging current
- Built-in battery management system
- 2lbs weight
Pros
- Durable and quality
- Great design
- Compact and relatively lightweight
- Versatile
- Multiple charging methods
- Compatible with RV/campers caravans, ships, trolling motors, golf carts, solar systems
Cons
- Plastic case
4) RELiON RB35 Deep Cycle Lithium Battery
RELiON RB35 Deep Cycle Lithium Battery is another compact and lightweight powerhouse that redefines energy storage. With its remarkable lightweight construction, it is ideal for multiple applications including marine use.
The battery fits most trolling motors without adding any unnecessary weight. It enhances performance and agility so you can take your fishing and boating expeditions to the next high level.
Furthermore, the battery offers more usable capacity and lasts up to 10x longer than conventional batteries. Regardless of its discharge rate, this battery provides 100% of its rated capacity. As a result, you can use it and still get a significantly long cycle life.
To complement the long battery life, this lithium battery charges more quickly than traditional lead-acid batteries. Over and above that, it is packed with more usable energy that makes it tolerant to the partial state of charge.
To top off everything else, the RELiON RB35 Deep Cycle Lithium Battery can handle a variety of conditions and extreme temperatures up to 149℉/65°C.
Specifications
- 8V nominal voltage
- 9lbs weight
- IP66 enclosure protection
- 35 Ah nominal capacity
- 35 A maximum continuous discharge current
- 0 V recommended low voltage disconnect
- 80-100 in-lbs terminal torque
Pros
- Lightweight construction
- Decent value for the price
- Waterproof design
- Durable and well-made
- Versatile
Cons
- None
5) Go Power! 100Ah Lithium (LiFePO4) 12V Deep Cycle Battery
Our last recommendation of the best Lithium trolling motor battery is the 100Ah Lithium (LiFePO4) 12V Deep Cycle Battery from Go Power. It is designed specifically for mobile operations to help you go further off the grid.
A defining feature of this battery is its capacity. It carries almost double the power of regular lead-acid batteries and provides 100 amp-hours of DC power which is more than sufficient for most trolling motors.
What’s more, the battery is built with convenience in mind. It is compact in size for convenient transportation. On top of that, it has an ultra-lightweight construction to ensure that it does not affect the balance of your boat by adding unwanted weight. It also has a quick charging function so it is convenient to charge in between outings.
This multi-functional lithium battery has a built-in battery management system for over and under-voltage protection. The system also offers reliable short circuit protection, charge and discharge over current protection, and temperature protection as well.
Specifications
- Lithium iron phosphate technology
- 8V nominal voltage
- 100 Ah rated capacity
- 6 VAC maximum charge voltage
- 50A recommended charge current
- -4℉ to 131℉ maximum discharge temperature range
- 10-year product warranty
- 8 cells
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Compact and ideal for mobile operations
- Good warranty
- Quality construction
Cons
- Comparatively expensive
Next Read: 5 Best Batteries for MotorGuide Trolling Motors
Why Lithium Trolling Motor Batteries?
Lithium batteries have taken the market by storm and it is for a good reason. Here are some of the benefits you can expect when you invest in the best lithium trolling motor battery.
- Fast Charging
Lithium batteries have faster charging capabilities than their lead-acid counterparts. This saves you more time when you have to charge the battery of your trolling motor in between outings.
- High Energy Density
What makes Lithium trolling batteries stand out is their high energy density. When fully charged, they can store the energy over a longer period compared with traditional lead-acid batteries. The longer runtime makes them perfect for trolling motors.
- Lightweight
When it comes to weight, lithium batteries for trolling motors are more lightweight than lead-acid batteries. The lightweight nature is important, especially for smaller trolling boats, where weight saving plays a big role in determining the overall efficiency and performance of the boat.
- Compact
Furthermore, lithium batteries are more compact than traditional lead-acid batteries with similar capacity. With the compact form comes greater flexibility and ease of placement on the boat.
- Low Maintenance
Another benefit of lithium batteries is low maintenance. The best lithium trolling motor batteries are virtually maintenance-free. They don’t require checks for water or acid levels like their lead-acid counterparts.
- Stable and Consistent Voltage
Moreover, the voltage in lithium batteries is more stable and consistent throughout the discharge cycle. With consistency and stability comes the dependable and efficient performance of the trolling motor in all kinds of water conditions.
- Higher Discharge Rate
Lithium batteries handle high discharge rates without dropping in voltage significantly. This helps the trolling motors to navigate vegetation, strong currents, or any other condition that requires strong bursts of power with ease.
Read Also: 6 Best Batteries for 24V Trolling Motors
Other Types of Trolling Motor Batteries
Other than lithium batteries, there are two other types of trolling motor batteries out there: lead-acid and absorbent glass mat (AGM).
Lead Acid Batteries
Lead-acid batteries are a conventional choice that use basic technology to power the trolling motor. They work by immersing lead plates in sulfuric acid where electricity is generated by the chemical reaction of the two.
This type of battery is the cheapest of the three. They are generally more affordable and readily available. Furthermore, they have a proven technology that guarantees long-lasting use in a wide range of applications.
The downside of lead-acid batteries is they are significantly heavier and thus less ideal for mobile applications. They also require regular maintenance which makes them more expensive to run.
Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Batteries
Absorbent Glass Mat batteries are a step up from conventional lead acid batteries. They use sulfuric acid as well but they come with a fiberglass mat that absorbs any sulfuric acid that spills or leaks.
The primary benefit of AGM batteries is durability. they feature a significantly rugged construction that makes them resistant to vibration and shock. On top of that, these batteries typically last longer than their lead-acid counterparts. The sealed design also makes them maintenance-free.
Absorbent Glass Mat batteries however are more expensive than traditional lead-acid batteries. They are also heavier compared to their lithium counterparts.
How to Choose the Best Lithium Trolling Motor Battery
Each lithium trolling motor battery has distinct features. Before you settle on any particular model, take into account the following factors.
Voltage and Capacity
The first thing to consider is battery voltage and capacity. The voltage of the battery should match the specification of the trolling motor you intend to use it for. Most trolling motors with less than 55lbs thrust run on 12V batteries while models with 80lbs thrust are powered by 24V batteries.
When it comes to battery capacity, the trolling motor will dictate the ideal capacity. It is measured in amp hours (Ah) and the more Ah the battery has, the more its continuous runtime will be before needing to be recharged.
Size and Weight
The next important thing to consider is size and weight. The battery you decide to get should fit your trolling motor without adding unnecessary weight to the boat. If you have space limitations, measure the battery compartment of your trolling motor and use those dimensions to find a battery with the right fit.
Compact and lightweight batteries ensure functional handling. They are easy to install and remove from the trolling motor when the need arises. On top of that, they are versatile and suitable for other mobile applications.
Cycle Life
When it comes to lithium trolling motor batteries, the cycle life varies from one battery to the other. It is a measure of the number of charge and discharge cycles the battery endures before its capacity decreases significantly. A tip is to get a battery with the longest cycle life you can afford.
Charging Time
Another important thing to take into consideration is the time it takes for the battery to charge. The best lithium trolling motor battery has a fast charging rate of a few hours. With such a battery, it will be easy to recharge it in between outings.
Build Quality
The build quality of lithium batteries varies from one battery to the other. Opt for a battery that is made with durability in mind. With robust construction, the battery will withstand the rough handling that comes with boating and fishing. On top of that, the best lithium trolling motor battery needs to be fully sealed to prevent moisture damage.
Built-Protection Features
It is also important to take a keen look at the number of built-in protection features the battery brings to the table. A model with features like over and under-voltage protection, over and under-discharge protection, and short-circuit protection is preferable. These features help the battery function optimally and go a long way to enhance its safety and longevity as well.
Price
Don’t forget the price. Lithium trolling motor batteries tend to be more expensive compared to traditional lead-acid models. However, the long-term benefits and value that they offer are unmatched. So, take a look at the features that each battery has and pick one that gives you the best value for your money.
How to Select the Right Battery Size for Your Trolling Motor
The size of the best lithium trolling motor batteries varies from one battery to the other. It is therefore important to choose the right size battery relative to the size and type of boat.
When making your selection, there are two main factors to consider; voltage and thrust of your trolling motor. The higher the thrust, the more power the motor will require. And the higher the voltage, the larger the battery should be.
- If you have a 12V trolling motor under 50lbs, a 50Ah battery will suffice. These small-sized batteries work perfectly for small kayaks and boats.
- For a 12V trolling motor that has a thrust rating of between 50lbs and 80lbs, we recommend a deep cycle battery in the 100Ah range. Such a capacity will keep the motor running for several hours continuously. Alternatively, you can get a 24V battery that doubles the voltage.
- If you have a trolling motor larger than these or a large boat, you will need batteries even larger than the double 24V. For a 36V trolling system, a 150-200Ah battery will suffice. It will balance voltage and current to ensure that you have enough power to sustain you through all your trolling outings.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has given you some insights into the best lithium trolling motor battery. Ensure that the battery you get fits the allotted space on your boat for seamless installation. After getting the battery, practice regular cleaning and maintenance to keep in the best shape possible optimal and reliable performance.