A deep cycle battery won’t crank engines but offers 36V lifepo4 battery more efficient deep cycling, meaning the battery will last significantly longer than a dual-purpose battery. This battery should also be safer to discharge, as it can handle deeper discharging compared to dual-purpose batteries. Absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries are considered an upgrade on wet cell batteries. They offer a longer-lasting battery while also a much longer lifespan, usually lasting 3-4 years, while no maintenance is required either. A 12-volt, 100 amp-hour battery would last two hours on a trolling motor drawing 50 amps at full power. That said, you probably won’t be pushing your trolling motor at full power for that long.
By contrast, car batteries work in a pampered environment, and it’s important to keep that in mind. But they require proper ventilation, can leak and spill acid, don’t hold a charge as well in storage, and can be damaged by the vibrations typical in marine use. Unfortunately, battery tech is confusing, and unless you really do your homework, you’ll shortchange your motor and yourself.
To get an accurate amp draw estimation, read your motor’s user manual or check our amp draw chart. Former COO and Publisher, Jason Sealock came to Wired2fish shortly after inception in January of 2010. Prior to that he was the Editor-in-Chief of FLW Outdoors Magazines. He set the content direction for Wired2fish while also working directly with programmers, consultants and industry partners.
When it comes to battery group sizes, there are quite a number of options available. Think of the amperage hour rating when deciding on which size to buy. Lead-acid batteries also heavier than AGM batteries because the lead plates inside are flooded with water. They also need maintenance because you need to check for corrosion as well as the fluid levels. The battery is leak-proof, thanks to the absorbent glass mat inside the battery which also protects the lead plates from grinding on each other. It has a 70% longer life cycle, compared to other similar batteries, and it has 400 cycles at a depth of discharge of 80%.
Best Budget: Interstate Deep Cycle Batteries
Transport of this battery is made easy by integrated carry handles. Lastly, the VMax Lithium Iron battery comes with a 5-year pro-rated warranty. Being an AGM battery means it requires virtually no maintenance and it will handle vibrations without lowering the charge. That’s why we recommend replacing or recharging your whole set of batteries at the same time instead of one at a time.
It is versatile as it can work for various other applications that range from scooters, wheelchairs, solar panel systems to just trolling motors. These batteries are great for storage because they are lightweight and have a low self-discharge rate. Even after long periods of no use, they still maintain a charge.
Boat Test: 2025 Scout 261 Xss
These batteries refer to the cells in the battery immersed in a solution of sulphuric acid and water. This battery requires maintenance as per frequent usage and overcharging. It is recommended to check the battery before using, to make sure adequate water is in the battery. You can add purified water if the water level is down to prevent the battery from being damaged.
The batteries have a 5-year full warranty and a 10-year limited warranty. Working at all hours of the night to help fishermen make sure they are good to go the next morning for an early tournament. They are also currently developing other options so their lineup will continue to expand after perfecting this first battery for marine electronics—their bread and butter knowledge base. All of this is in an effort to make sure fishermen feel confident they are getting a well made, solid battery at the price. Where most folks run into trouble is charging a really cold battery, and the heat builds up condensation inside the battery.
Ongoing Maintenance Of Trolling Motor Batteries
Our writers and editors eat, sleep, and breathe the outdoors, and that passion comes through in our product reviews. You can count on F&S to keep you up to date on the best new gear. And when we write about a product—whether it’s a bass lure or a backpack—we cover the good and the bad, so you know exactly what to expect before you decide to make a purchase.
This trolling motor battery also runs a steady output through its range, so it doesn’t lose power as the capacity goes down. Best of all, a lithium battery weighs almost half a similar lead-acid battery making it easier to handle and improving boat performance. Boats may leave the factory with the same battery size, but what it needs after you add accessories, requirements will change.
Larger batteries are also recommended if you have a larger boat. The heavier the boat the more power is drained each hour, so a larger battery should be considered if you’re using a bigger watercraft. However, AGM batteries are much more expensive than wet cell batteries, so remember that the additional durability comes with a higher price point. That said because it ensures a longer-lasting battery, the extra price may end up paying for itself over the years.
The best battery manufacturers will provide the best service to help you pick the exact right batteries for your personal setup, not just try to sell you the most expensive battery. Full disclosure, we know a lot about lithium power now thanks in large part to spending time learning from the engineers at these companies and owners like Lester Miller. What you really pay for in this battery are the quality components and build and the service and hassle free warranty. They are making batteries to last a long time, but they are standing behind them with a no-hassle, long-term warranty with quick, immediate service. What we’ve appreciated most is how well these batteries manage power, especially in demanding conditions. Whether it’s the heat of a summer day on the water or freezing temperatures while camping, LiTime’s batteries have handled it all.