Finding the Best Lithium Battery for Trolling Motors of 2023
What is the best lithium trolling motor battery for your fishing needs? Find out what to look for in the best trolling motor battery and why our lithium batteries are perfect for your fishing adventure!
Are you frustrated with constantly buying replacement trolling motor batteries or having to haul the heavy lead-acid models in and out of your boat? Tired of fighting battery terminal corrosion or in dealing with dangerous leaking battery acid that results from hours of bouncing around on the water while you fish?
Many anglers are now choosing lithium batteries in order to benefit from all sorts of advantages such as better performance, long-term cost savings, lighter weight, and durability on the water.
But with so many options available, it can be hard to select a battery that is right for your needs.
This post will provide advice on all aspects of purchasing and using lithium batteries for your trolling motor - starting with their advantages versus traditional varieties such as lead acid batteries, followed by an exploration into different battery types that would fit best for fishing boats, factors which need taking into consideration before making a purchase decision along with tips for caring for them properly after buying.
So let’s start our journey towards finding just the perfect type of power source suitable specifically according to your requirements!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Understand the size and performance requirements when picking out the best marine trolling motor batteries, such as 12V, 24V, and 36V trolling motor systems.
- Consider factors like weight and boat performance, cost/value, max amp draw warranty, and customer support when buying a deep-cycle lithium trolling motor battery.
- Follow manufacturer's guidelines on charging and proper storage to maintain your battery's health.
Benefits of Lithium Trolling Motor Batteries
Lithium trolling motor batteries are a great choice for powering boats and trolling motors and provide lots of advantages in particular due to their long run times, quick charging cycles, and higher voltages compared with traditional lead-acid or AGM battery types.
They are also maintenance-free, with ours lasting over 10 years guaranteed! And with the exceptional value that Enduro Power Batteries lithium marine batteries provide, you will likely sell your fishing boat before you consider purchasing new batteries!
Here are a few added benefits of lithium marine trolling motor batteries.
Weight
A LiFePo4 battery like the ones that we offer are an ideal trolling battery because they are lightweight, weighing in at 50% less than other deep cycle batteries. This means that you will have improvements when maneuvering around tight areas such as docks or riverside rocks and other obstacles that require precise handling from your boat's engine performance standpoint.
It also means that your deep cycle marine batteries will not work as hard moving the weight around on the water, resulting in longer periods of time on the water.
And, of course, the lighter weight makes these batteries ideal for taking out and moving around as compared to other batteries.
More Battery Capacity
Lithium trolling motor batteries will have more battery capacity than their lead acid counterparts. Because the maximum depth of discharge for traditional batteries such as standard flooded lead acid batteries is 50%, and AGM batteries is 60%, there are limitations to how long you can spend on the water before having turn turn off the trolling motor so that you don’t damage the battery.
On the other hand, our lithium trolling motor batteries can provide 100% of their amp hour capacity without being damaged. This means that you do not have to constantly monitor your battery state of charge and can instead focus on trying to put yourself on the fish.
Related: Learn more about the importance of the proper battery capacity in your fishing application!
Faster Recharging Cycles
When using a trolling motor, lithium batteries are an excellent choice due to their long run times and faster recharging cycles. This means you can spend more time fishing without worrying about running out of power while also being able to get back on the water sooner after charging.
When using the proper lithium battery charger, you can recharge your lithium trolling battery in a matter of hours, ensuring that you can get back out on the water day after day and for longer periods of time.
Constant Power
With higher voltage and amp-hour capacity than other types of batteries, they provide consistent power throughout their discharge cycle, which not only makes them reliable for your motor but helps extend the lifespan of the battery too, making it economically sound.
Types of Lithium Batteries
When deciding on which battery to use for your trolling motor, there are two main options of lithium batteries - LiFePO4 and Li-Ion. Lithium trolling motors featuring a LiFePO4 power source can handle tough environments with ease due to their high durability and maintenance-free requirements.
All of our lithium marine batteries use the LiFePo4 battery technology, offering a longer life span and more than enough reliable power to keep you out on the water all day.
Choosing the Right Lithium Battery for Your Trolling Motor
When selecting the right lithium battery for your trolling motor, there are three main factors to consider: voltage compatibility, amp-hours and run time, as well as maximum amp draw. Weigh all these against your fishing habits, boat size and budget before making a decision.
To help you make an informed choice on this type of motor batteries, let's take a closer look at each factor in detail.
Voltage Compatibility
When deciding on the appropriate battery for your trolling motor, it is essential to factor in voltage compatibility. Trolling motors come as 12V, 24V and 36V models.
So make sure that you match up your chosen batter's power with what's needed from the motor itself to make sure that the battery is compatible with the trolling motor.
If a trolling engine has thrust of around 55 lbs or less, then this will require a 12-volt battery. If more than 55 lbs of push is required, then a 24 Volt battery would be necessary.
And the top of the line trolling motors, like those offered by Minn Kota, will require the best 36 volt trolling motor battery to provide the corrent amount of steady power to run properly.
To ensure optimal performance levels while avoiding any kind of damage caused by wrongfully paired batteries – choosing one which matches the correct level of voltage will always be an important consideration when shopping for motor gear!
But don’t worry, you can connect multiple batteries in series to achieve the proper voltage. So if it makes sense for how much space you have, you may want to hook 12 volt lithium batteries in series at either 24v or 36v, depending on your trolling battery system requirements
Related: Learn more about wiring your lithium batteries in series.
Amp-Hours and Run Time
When choosing a lithium battery for your trolling motor, it is important to take into account the capacity in terms of amp-hours and run time. That way you can have enough power for your fishing needs.
You calculate an approximate runtime by dividing the battery's rated amps per hour with that of the motor's current draw (amp). This will provide sufficient power throughout a full day on water without fear or worry about running out, double its maximum rate would be ideal here.
For example, 112 pounds of thrust on a 36V trolling motor may have an approximate 20 amp draw at half speed. Thus if you have a single 100Ah lithium battery, you will have 100 Ah / 20 amps per hour = 5 hours of usable battery capacity at half speed.
Knowing these measurements helps ensure selecting batteries suitable for optimal use and performance from any type of trolling motor setup.
To increase the total battery capacity and provide more energy to your trolling motor over time, you can hook two batteries or more in parallel. When you connect two batteries in parallel, you will keep the voltage the same but double the amp hours and thus provide more usable energy.
Related: Learn more about wiring your lithium batteries in parallel.
Max Amp-Draw (or Discharge Rate)
When looking for a lithium trolling battery, it is vital to make sure you choose new batteries that are able to deliver enough power to your trolling motor. Thus you want to be sure that the maximum discharge rate of the battery exceeds that of what is required by the trolling motor.
Doing this will avoid overloading and secure steady power during its discharge cycle.
For example, is you have a 36 volt trolling motor may have an amp draw of 50 or more amps at full speed. If your trolling motor batteries are not rated with that max amp draw or more, then you will damage the battery and/or the trolling motor by trying to operate the trolling motor at that top speed.
To calculate an accurate max-amp draw rate, consider factors like boat size, type of motor used, as well as water conditions while in use. Knowing all these components can help you choose the correct lithium trolling battery with appropriate amps so your device performs optimally throughout every use.
Note that our lithium marine batteries come with a 50 amp maximum discharge rate, making them compatible with the leading trolling motors in the industry.
Other Factors to Consider When Buying a Lithium Trolling Motor Battery
When it comes to selecting the best trolling motor battery, weight and boat performance are both important aspects that must be taken into account. Cost versus long-term value, as well as any available warranties or customer support should also factor in when making a decision.
All these elements play an essential role in guaranteeing you make the most suitable choice for your needs.
Weight and Boat Performance
The heft of your trolling motor battery can drastically impact the performance of your boat. Lead-acid batteries are typically heavy and this can slow down vessels and limit their agility.
On the other hand, selecting a lighter lithium version for your trolling motor improves overall mobility as it helps speed up reaching maximum velocity with increased ease on shallow bodies of water so you have access to more fishing spots!
Opting for a lightweight lithum trolling motor battery amplifies both maneuverability and fishing experiences alike.
Cost and Long-Term Value
When weighing the cost of a lithium trolling battery, it's essential to take into account its potential long-term value. Lithium batteries are known for their longevity and all of ours comes with a 10-year warranty and exceptional customer service!
You'll be able to save money by not needing frequent replacements when compared with traditional deep cycle batteries. These types of power sources are maintenance free, meaning that it will also reduce your spending over time on upkeep costs, not to mention the energy saved in not worrying about the batteries.
Plus they also have a self-discharge rate of less than 3% per month. So you can store your boat away for weeks or months on end without having to either trickle charge them or worry about whether they will be ready to go when it is time to fish again.
Despite costing more initially than other alternatives available out there in relation to trolling motors and motor batteries - our lithium marine batteries are still seen as the most cost-effective choice in the long run!
Warranty and Customer Support
When buying a lithium battery for your trolling motor, having an excellent warranty and good customer support is essential. A helpful "no questions asked" replacement policy with prorated coverage will give you confidence that your investment is secure should any issues crop up later on.
Be sure to review the specifics of how exactly replacements are done (e.g. if it's over-the-counter or needs to be mailed). Equally important as the guarantee itself though, would be assessing just how well-suited customer service from the manufacturer might be for ensuring overall satisfaction with your product in case problems arise down the line.
Beyond this aspect of protection, checking into other details such as quality control processes employed by manufacturers when manufacturing batteries could help buyers make better decisions regarding their motor purchases ultimately since these types of considerations can have major implications after purchase.
One thing we pride ourselves on is our exceptional customer support, helping you not only to pick the perfect replacement battery for your fishing needs but also helping to walk you through the installation or any other questions or concerns that you may have.
Proper Care and Maintenance of Lithium Trolling Motor Batteries
To maintain optimal performance and prolong the lifespan of your trolling motor's lithium battery, certain guidelines must be strictly adhered to. This includes properly charging it in accordance with LiFePo4 battery manufacturer instructions as well as applying good storage and handling techniques.
By taking good care of your trolling motor's power source you can guarantee dependable results for many fishing trips ahead! Let us take a closer look at how we should correctly manage this essential part.
Charging Guidelines
When it comes to recharging your lithium trolling motor battery, the manufacturer's instructions should be followed closely. This typically includes applying Constant Current (CC) charging first and then proceeding with the Constant Voltage (CV) approach.
Always plug in your battery after use until it reaches its full potential of 100% while making sure connections are secured firmly and ventilation is sufficient during the charging period so that overheating does not occur.
Following these steps for proper voltage regulation will ensure extended life of lithium trolling motor batteries as well as optimal performance from them when needed!
Storage and Handling
For maximum battery life, it's important to store and handle lithium trolling motor batteries correctly. Keep the power unit in a cool area away from direct sun exposure, heat or high humidity levels.
Prior to extended storage time, make sure you charge up your motor’s lithium cell approximately halfway. Then disconnect it before storing.
The low self-discharge rate means that you do not need to worry about the battery losing power over time. With a longer lifespan than other deep cycle batteries and more usable battery capacity with a greater depth of discharge, you can keep your lithium trolling motor battery in storage for weeks or months without worrying about its ability to recharge to usable levels.
Although these types of cells are usually water resistant, they're not totally waterproof or meant to be left in standing water. So avoid any long periods where the model could be exposed to extended periods of rain or hot temperatures as this may reduce its performance capabilities over time.
By adhering strictly to proper handling guidelines for your lithium trolling battery you can ensure optimal operation lasting many years!
Summary
When compared to lead acid batteries, lithium trolling motor batteries have distinct advantages in their run time length and quick charging cycles as well as a more lightweight construction.
Knowing the specs like voltage compatibility, amp-hours for maximum draw of amps plus average running period will guide you towards selecting the most fitting battery for your boat's trolling motor.
To achieve reliable power on fishing trips long term it is also important to follow proper upkeep guidelines from manufacturers such as correct recharging instructions or good storage practices that go along with having this type of lithium powered engine battery.
So make sure you are making an informed decision while choosing the right one: get yourself some light yet strong powerful motors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lithium batteries OK for trolling motors?
Yes, it's safe to use lithium batteries for trolling motors, according to Minn Kota, a trusted electric trolling motor manufacturer. Their battery recommendations state that both lead-acid and lithium batteries can be used, so you can choose whichever best fits your needs.
However, our lithium marine batteries can be a great option for your trolling motor, they are lighter and provide a reliable source of power that is more efficient than the lead acid alternative. As well as this, they stand up to weather changes out on the water better and handle vibrations from use far easier without having to worry about leaking battery acid or battery terminal corrosion.
For all these reasons, lithium batteries could be an ideal choice when it comes to powering your trolling motors. So if you're looking for something new in terms of battery technology then look no further than Enduro Power Batteries ProConnect Series Batteries!