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Investing in one of the best trolling motor batteries is a game-changer for those hoping to stay out on the boat for an extended time. The idea of being stranded somewhere with an unreliable battery is daunting, but trolling motor batteries can save the day as a dependable power source.

From lithium to AGM options, the world of motor batteries is a vast one, but this means finding the ideal power source for your boat is easy. Before diving into a trolling motor battery purchase, it’s wise to consider your budget, specific boat, the number of batteries needed to keep you on the water, and the weight of the battery too.

Quick Overview

1

Best Overall Battery

Bunfloe LiFePO4

Price: $226.99+

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2

Best Deep Cycle

Optima Battery

Price: $400.68+

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3

Best Lightweight

VMAX857 AGM 12V

Price: $114.93+

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4

Best Rechargeable

Weize 12V

Price: $174.99

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How To Choose The Best Trolling Motor Battery

Choosing the best trolling motor battery is essential for a successful day of trolling. With so many trolling motor batteries available, finding the best fit for your boat can be tricky! Taking the time to learn exactly what your boat needs is crucial, and there are a few things to consider before jumping into a battery purchase.

Battery Type

Trolling motor batteries come in various types, such as lead acid, AGM, and lithium. AGM deep-cycle marine batteries are a common option with many boat owners, however, lithium batteries are becoming an increasingly popular choice. They are said to be an even more reliable and efficient option than AGM batteries, but this comes with a substantially bigger price tag and an advisable purchase of a battery management system.

Lead acid batteries are used by many boat owners, however, they tend to not perform quite as well as AGM and lithium. Exploring the needs of your rig, including the power required to keep you on the water all day long, and the budget you have available will lead you to the best trolling motor battery for your specific needs.

Budget

Batteries of all types vary in price, and going for the most expensive trolling motor battery doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get the best battery for your boat. Once you’ve calculated a figure for your budget, research the options available, along with the pros and cons, and reviews.

Not all batteries are created equally, so purchasing a high-quality, dependable battery is vital. After all, it could be the difference between a relaxing return ride home from trolling, or an exhausting one needing lots of rowing if the battery packs in!

Amp Hour Rating

Whether you’re the kind of adventurer who likes spending just a couple of hours trolling or an avid fisherman, taking to the water for hours, there’s a motor battery out there for you.

A big consideration when choosing a battery is the Amp hour rating it has. This represents the length of time the motor will run for and in turn, how long you’ll be able to stay on the water.

If your goal is to spend a long time using your trolling motor, it’s wise to opt for a battery able to store a significant amount of power.

Construction

Marine batteries go through a lot, and we trust them to keep us safe and secure. Trolling batteries need to be sturdy, stable, and capable of powering a boat motor, and some perform better than others. Ideally, the best trolling motor batteries are those you can trust to have solid construction and the ability to hold and maintain charge well.

Best Overall Trolling Motor Battery

Bunfloe LiFePO4 ($226.99+)

Pros

  • Provides 8000+ cycles
  • Waterproof and suitable for outdoor storage
  • High chemical stability

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Bigger than a standard 7 or 9 amp hour lead acid battery

Taking the spot for the best overall trolling motor battery is the Bunfloe LiFePO4. This Bunfloe is an innovative powerhouse of a battery, capable of completing at least 8000 cycles. This is a staggering amount, and the kind of power I know would bring me peace of mind on the water, so I can truly be at one with the waves, and not have to be concerned with power.

If you’ve always had a lead acid battery on your motor and are looking to upgrade, this lithium option is a worthwhile investment. The price is a little higher than other marine batteries out there, but with so much potential and an array of impressive features, it’s a great choice.

Attention to detail is key in the construction of this Bunfloe. The battery has a fluorescent sticker, so it’s easy to see, even in the dark of a power outage.

There’s also a built-in system to prevent the battery from overcharging and getting damaged, and it’s waterproof, which is a must for marine batteries!

Safety is paramount for me, and so I love that the LiFePO4 is non-toxic, and has high chemical stability, reducing the risk of the battery overheating and igniting. Along with the steep price, the only other downside is the size, as it may not slot comfortably into a standard lead acid slot as the size is slightly different.

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Best Deep Cycle Marine Battery

Optima Batteries Deep Cycle Marine Battery ($400.68+)

Pros

  • 750 cold-cranking amps
  • Flexible mounting
  • Durable

Cons

  • Reports of poor packaging
  • May not be as long-lasting as other battery types

This Optima deep-cycle battery is capable of powering trolling motors and does so effectively thanks to 750 cold-cranking amps, and a high-performance AGM system.

Weighing 43.5 lbs with stainless steel stud posts, this battery is a durable option, able to power up even during cold, unpleasant weather.

Similar to our last Bunfloe option, this battery isn’t the cheapest, but Optima’s unique spiral-cell technology puts the brand in a league of its own.

With impressive vibration resistance and flexible mounting, I can store this battery anywhere in my boat, giving me the freedom I need when I’m out trolling.

Marine batteries, whether they’re dual-purpose or not, can weigh a hefty amount! Carrying a heavy battery load on a boat isn’t the best idea, especially if yours is already on the weighty side of things. At under 44 lbs, Optima has manufactured a battery able to power a variety of boats successfully, without increasing the overall weight of the vessel too much.

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Best Lightweight Trolling Motor Battery

VMAX857 AGM 12V Marine Battery ($114.93+)

Pros

  • US-based
  • Maintenance free
  • Vibration resistance

Cons

  • Maximum of 3500 cycles – less than lithium options
  • Reports of battery not holding charge well

The small but mighty VMAX857 AGM 12V marine battery offers high-quality performance, military-grade construction, and a budget-friendly price that’s hard to beat.

Weighing in at only 25 lbs, this battery is friendly for a wide range of trolling lovers who don’t fancy lugging around a heavy battery that will weigh their boat down.

VMAX batteries are capable of handling a range of weather conditions and are the ideal option for beginners not planning on spending a long period on the water without a charge.

Since this AGM marine battery is both small and budget-friendly, I’d be tempted to purchase a couple of them for backup or emergency use.

AGM batteries are known for not having a long-lasting battery life compared to their lithium counterpart. This VMAX maxes out at 3500 cycles which is half of what our best overall spot, the Bunfloe lithium battery offers. This capability is represented in the lower price, however, but if you’re looking to do some serious trolling, a lithium battery may be a better, and more cost-effective option as it likely won’t need replacing for many years to come.

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Best Rechargeable AGM Trolling Battery

Weize 12V 100Ah Rechargeable Deep Cycle SLA Battery ($174.99)

Pros

  • 2- year warranty
  • Leak-proof
  • Low self-discharge rate

Cons

  • Weighs 60 lbs
  • Some reports of corrosion

I spend enough time maintaining and researching upgrades and parts for my boat, so I don’t want the hassle of constantly monitoring my trolling motor battery.

The Weize 12V 100Ah rechargeable deep cycle battery is a maintenance-free, sealed lead acid battery, with impressive life span and capability.

Prolonging the life of this Weize battery is simple, and can be done by charging and storing it in the correct conditions.

As an AGM, it doesn’t compare to the long lifespan of lithium batteries, however, it’s a fraction of the cost and still offers impressive durability and vibration resistance to keep it in better contusion for longer.

With a 2-year warranty, I feel comfortable knowing I’m covered if I face a problem with this Weize trolling motor battery. It’s best to contact the company directly with any issues, as other sites may not be able to provide the help needed.

Before replacing an old battery, take a little bit of time to measure it as you’ll be able to choose a battery that’s the perfect size.

Measuring 12.99” x 6.73” x 8.43”, this battery should fit comfortably in your old battery slot, and since it’s sealed, the risk of any leaking is reduced considerably.

I’d advise purchasing a waterproof battery case for an added layer of protection. This increases the overall price of the Weize AGM battery, but being such a budget-friendly option, the final figure will still be far less than lithium or branded battery!

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Conclusion

In this article, we explored the many different types of batteries for trolling motors, from AGM batteries, to wet cell batteries and other types available on the market.

We’ve explored the factors that go behind choosing the best trolling motor battery and ranked the products we’ve picked by relevant categories.

You will find pros and cons for every battery because ultimately, the choice is individual and the product you get is completely dependent on you and your needs.

It’s important to invest in a high-quality battery to increase the performance of your trolling motor system and create everlasting memories while fishing!

With all things covered, hopefully your next purchase will last long, and satisfy your needs!


Written By Beth Johnson

September 30, 2023