Your kayak trolling motor needs a battery that’s dependable, long-lasting, and safe. There are several kinds of trolling motor batteries, but lithium-ion is the best option to meet the needs of a trolling motor.
We want to help your research before you jump into a battery purchase that leaves you stranded. Read on for our recommendations of the best kayak trolling motor battery for your next adventure. Are you ready to make the jump to lithium for your bass boat trolling motor? Find out the advantages of making the switch and how to select the best lithium trolling motor battery for serious anglers and long fishing trips.
Which Best Lithium Trolling Motor Battery Is Right for Your Bass Boat?
Choosing the right lithium trolling motor battery requires some estimating based on the size of your motor and how long you need to stay on the water.
Determine Your Amp Hour Requirements
To find out how long your trolling motor will run on a lithium battery, consider these factors:
The voltage of the trolling motor. 12V motors use less battery power, while 24V and 36V motors will require a larger battery or several 12V batteries linked in series.
The amp draw of the trolling motor. Make sure that your trolling motor’s max amp draw is less than the continuous discharge rate of your battery. As an example, a 30 lb 12V trolling motor draws close to 30 amps. A 112 lb trolling motor might draw 52 amps at 36 volts.
At a minimum, the lithium trolling motor batteries you choose must have a max continuous amp discharge rate that is greater than your trolling motor requires.
Estimate How Long You Run Your Trolling Motor Between Charges
Having selected the right continuous draw rating and voltage for your trolling motor, now you need to determine how many hours you will use it before recharging, and whether you use the trolling motor for propulsion or spot locking.
For a half day of fishing, you can roughly estimate that the available amp hours will be equal to your amp draw. So, if your motor draws 30 amps, you need at least a 30Ah lithium trolling motor battery.
For a full day of fishing, double the estimated amp draw to calculate the minimum amp hour rating you will need. This will allow you to select the Ah rating, voltage, and size of your bass boat lithium batteries.
Your trolling motor may also give you an estimate of amp draw when it is not being used for propulsion. Using the motor at less than full power will extend the run time.
Calculate Your Total Run Time and Battery Sizes Needed
The equation to calculate total run time is (Total Battery Capacity/Total Max Amp Draw x 60 minutes = Motor Run Time at Max Power)
We generally recommend that you double the Ah rating if your budget allows so that you have double the minimum you have calculated. This helps ensure you never have to worry about running out of power on the water.
What Is A Kayak Trolling Motor?
A kayak trolling motor is a lightweight, self-contained unit that includes an electric motor, a propeller, and steering controls. You affix the motor to the bow or stern of your kayak, connect it to a battery, and you instantly have a powered vessel.
There are hand-controlled and foot-controlled models. Kayak trolling motors typically run on a standard 12V marine battery. These little motors are easy to control, easy to self-install, and you won’t break the bank making the upgrade.
What to Look for When Buying a Kayak Trolling Motor Battery
When you’re on the hunt for the best kayak trolling motor battery, you should understand what aspects are the most influential in terms of quality. Let’s check out a few essential components to consider.
Weight
Think about how heavy your battery is. When you’re on the water, weight matters. A heavier battery will create more drag on your vessel and make your motor work overtime to keep pace.
Amp Hour Rating
Amp-hour (Ah) ratings tell you how long a battery will last when in use. It means that if you have a battery rated for 100 amp-hours, you can expect it to offer 100 amps of power for 1 hour. It doesn’t mean that your battery will only last for 1 hour because it depends on the power draw. For example, if your motor only draws 50 amps, it’ll last for 2 hours.
Keep in mind that your battery will draw more or fewer amps depending on its speed and conditions. If you’re going full-speed upriver, you’ll use significantly more amps than if you’re going low-speed downriver.
For most trolling motor setups, a 100Ah battery will get the job done. However, suppose you’re taking a lengthy trip, your kayak is heavier, or you’ll be traveling long distances upriver. In that case, your motor might draw more amps, necessitating a battery with a higher amp-hour rating.
Size and Portability
The size and portability are just as important as weight. You need a battery that you can easily move for charging. You’ll also want a portable battery if you want to move the battery between kayaks or put it in storage. If it’s too big, you may have balance problems that cause trouble while on the water.
Maintenance Requirements
Battery maintenance makes all the difference for the sake of time and the battery’s lifespan. Maintenance items might include topping off the electrolytes in lead-acid batteries, cleaning off corrosion, preventing rust, and monitoring the charge.
Some batteries require significantly more maintenance than others. Ideally, you want a battery with little to no maintenance required.Recommended battery:12 volt 100ah ionic lithium deep cycle battery
Lifespan
Purchasing a kayak trolling motor battery is an investment, and you want to get plenty of time for your money. Consider the average lifespan of a battery before making your final purchase. A battery can last anywhere from one year to 15 years or more, depending on the type you use.
Should You Connect Your Lithium Trolling Motor Batteries in Series?
There are pros and cons to choosing a single 24V or 36V lithium trolling motor battery vs. connecting several 12V lithium batteries for trolling motors in series. When you connect batteries in series, you increase the voltage, not the amps produced.
Choose a single 36V battery for:
Full single days of run time without recharging, or up to 2 days of use at low power
Simplicity of charging, moving, and installing
Lightweight compared to using three 12V batteries, keeping your boat riding higher
Choose multiple 12V batteries in series for:
Multiple days of run time without recharging, suitable for long camping trips and tournaments
Competitive professional bass boats prefer a bank of three 12V 100Ah lithium batteries wired in series to create 36V of power that lasts longer
The ability to change configurations, using one 12V for smaller trolling motors or adding additional 12V lithium batteries for bigger trolling motors when needed
Safety, redundancy, and the ability to repurpose the battery bank for other uses like RV living or off-grid power
Important Tips:
Do not mix battery types or ages.
Charge the battery immediately after each use.
Store the battery charged.
Check the fluid level of Lead Acid Wet-Cell batteries regularly and top off with water when necessary.
Check terminal connections for signs of corrosion, which increases resistance and lowers the power output of a motor.
Clean any corrosion with baking soda and toothpaste.
Store batteries in cool dark place connected to a trickle charger to avoid completely draining the battery.
Use in combination with our Smart Battery Box to get the most out of your trolling motor battery.