Best Battery for Electric Trolling Motor

The 7 best batteries for electric trolling motors are as follows:

  1. Universal Power Group 12V 100Ah Battery Click here to see it on Amazon – Our #1 Top Pick!
  2. Mighty Max 12V 55Ah GEL Click here to see it on Amazon
  3. Everlast 12350DC-NB 12V 35Ah Deep Cycle SLA Battery
  4. VMAXTANKS VMAX V35-857 12V 35Ah AGM Battery
  5. Odyssey PC680 Battery
  6. Optima Batteries 8016 – 103 D34M
  7. ExpertPower 12V 33Ah Rechargeable Deep Cycle Battery

Keep in mind that trolling motors need a consistent and steady source of power. A starting battery is a completely different type of battery – this one is designed to release a large amount of power at once in order to crank and start an engine.

Read on to learn more about the best batteries for electric trolling motors and their specs.

Also, we hope you find the links here useful. We may get a commission if you purchase something through a link on this page, so thank you!

Also, for an excellent battery for an electric trolling motor, take a look at our top pick, the Universal Power Group 12V 100Ah Battery:

Click here to see it on Amazon.

Best Battery for Electric Trolling Motor – Top 7 Picks

1. Universal Power Group 12V 100Ah Battery

The Universal Power Group 12V 100Ah Battery measures 12.17 inches x 6.61 inches x 9.16 inches. It weighs 63.93 pounds. This is a rechargeable battery that can be mounted in any position.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

It also provides resistance against shocks and vibrations. This battery should be replaced every 3-5 years and comes with a one-year warranty.

The below video shows the Universal Power Group Battery close up not for a trolling motor but for home use:

2. Mighty Max 12V 55Ah GEL

The Mighty Max 12V 55Ah GEL is a maintenance-free, rechargeable battery that measures 9.02-inch x 5.43-inch x 9.13-inch. You don’t need an acid pack for this battery.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

This battery has an advanced design, which you can use right out of the box, and you can extend the standard life by adding electrolytes. This battery can be mounted in any position and has shock and vibration resistance. There’s a 30-day refund policy and a one-year warranty with this battery.

3. Everlast 12350DC-NB 12V 35Ah Deep Cycle SLA Battery

The Everlast 12350DC-NB 12V 35Ah Deep Cycle SLA Battery is a maintenance-free, rechargeable battery with the acid pack packaged separately for safety.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

It has a high discharge rate, has a wide operating temperature, and long service life. This battery can be mounted in any position and resists shocks and vibrations. You can expect long-lasting high performance in both high and low temperatures.

4. VMAXTANKS VMAX V35-857 12V 35Ah AGM Battery

The VMAXTANKS VMAX V35-857 12V 35Ah AGM Battery measures 7.7 inches x 5 inches x 6.1 inches. It has heavy-duty lead-tin alloys that provide an extra margin of performance and service life, either in float or cyclic applications.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

This is a maintenance-free battery, which means you don’t need to add water or check the specific gravity of the electrolyte. The VMAX BC1204 12V 3.3Amp is the recommended charger for this battery.

The below video shows a closer look at the VMAX battery:

5. Odyssey PC680 Battery

The Odyssey PC680 Battery has a service life of 3-10 years. It also has a 70% longer cycle life compared to conventional deep cycle batteries. It has a fast recharge; it can be 100% charged in only 4-6 hours.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

It can tolerate extreme temperatures and has vibration resistance. This battery also offers mounting flexibility and comes with a non-spillable design. It is non-returnable as well.

6. Optima Batteries 8016 – 103 D34M

The Optima Batteries 8016 – 103 D34M is a starting and deep cycle battery. It has 12 volts and 750 cold-cranking amps. It offers optimal starting power even in bad weather and can be mounted in basically any position.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

This battery is ideal as a boat or RV battery. It is very resistant to vibration and adds to its durability. It also has a backup capacity of 120 minutes, giving you constant performance.

7. ExpertPower 12V 33Ah Rechargeable Deep Cycle Battery

Last but not least is the ExpertPower 12V 33Ah Rechargeable Deep Cycle Battery. This battery comes with AGM technology and has a wide temperature range as well.

Click here to see it on Amazon.

It measures 7.72 inches x 5.16 inches x 6.34 inches and weighs 23.2 pounds.

It is a maintenance-free battery and also boasts of an easy, one-time installation. This battery has screw-in terminals and is very user-friendly. It will get your system up and running in no time.

What to Consider When Choosing a Battery for an Electric Trolling Motor

Dual Purpose Batteries

Dual purpose batteries gradually release a large percentage of their total capacity over a period of time. As its name suggests, this type of battery serves a dual purpose – starting and deep cycling. These can provide a consistent and steady electric power to your trolling motor, and at the same time, crank engines.

If you can only buy one battery for your entire boat – inboard or outboard motor and the trolling motor – a dual-purpose battery is the ideal choice. These batteries are designed to do everything and give a good (just good, not great) performance for deep cycling.

Deep Cycle Batteries

Deep cycle batteries release a large amount of their capacity over a long period. This type of battery lasts longer than dual purpose batteries when used on a trolling motor. However, even with a small deep cycle battery, you will still get a good performance.

Deep cycle batteries are the ideal choice if you’re looking for a battery just for your trolling motor.

Power System

The majority of trolling batteries are designed for 12V motors. So if you have a 24V trolling motor, you’ll need two batteries. Needless to say, it’s important to know and check your motor power system before buying any motor battery.

Amp Hours (Ah)

In a nutshell, the amp hours indicate how much electricity a battery can store. Deep cycle batteries are often rated in amp hours, but not all dual purpose batteries are rated. The rule of thumb is that small batteries will usually be 25 – 50Ah, while larger deep cycle batteries can reach 100Ah. For a trolling motor battery, the higher Ah means your battery can provide power for a longer period of time.

The design of the battery, the maintenance required (or lack of it), and its construction are other things you should look at when choosing the best battery for your electric trolling motor.

Next, we’ll take a closer look at the features of the batteries we’ve listed earlier.

FAQs About Trolling Motor Batteries

Q: How long will my battery last?

A: The service life of the battery greatly depends on how you use and maintain it. Generally speaking, trolling motor batteries can last anywhere between 2-6 years. Be sure to follow the user manual to ensure that you’re properly taking care of the batteries.

Q: Can I use any kind of battery for a trolling motor?

A: Generally speaking, if the battery you’re using gives out 12V of power (you may need more than one depending on your motor), you should be ok. However, you need to think about the deep cycle and dual purpose batteries we discussed earlier. If you are unsure, check the user manual for your trolling motor or consult a technician at a marine dealership.

Q: Do I really need a battery box/cover?

A: It is not 100% necessary, and if you don’t really have the budget for it, don’t sweat it! However, when you are able to get one, a battery cover is a pretty good investment since it will protect your battery from nicks, scrapes, and dents, not to mention getting wet from the rain and splashing water.

Q: Where is there more information on the wire sizes and lengths?

A: Depending on the voltage, draw, and distance, you’ll need specific wire measurements. You can consult an electrician in case you’re unsure of technical electrical circuits or if you are in the process of modifying your current setup. If you use a wire that is too small, you risk reducing the power of your trolling motor, causing it to drain your battery faster.

Conclusion – Best Battery for Electric Trolling Motor

Finding the best battery for an electric trolling motor shouldn’t be hard now that you have some insight into our top picks. Similar to electric motors and other devices, trolling motors need specific batteries, which gradually release electricity over an extended period of time.

Our list above includes batteries for electric trolling motors that can be used for deep cycling, starting, and both. Information such as the size, weight, and capacity of the battery is also included to help you choose which is the best battery for electric trolling motor for you.

As a recap, the best battery for electric trolling motor – our top 7 picks, are as follows:

  1. Universal Power Group 12V 100Ah Battery Click here to see it on Amazon – Our #1 Top Pick!
  2. Mighty Max 12V 55Ah GEL Click here to see it on Amazon
  3. Everlast 12350DC-NB 12V 35Ah Deep Cycle SLA Battery
  4. VMAXTANKS VMAX V35-857 12V 35Ah AGM Battery
  5. Odyssey PC680 Battery
  6. Optima Batteries 8016 – 103 D34M
  7. ExpertPower 12V 33Ah Rechargeable Deep Cycle Battery

No matter how great your batteries are, how you take care of them plays an important role in how long they will last. If you practice good storage and good maintenance, you can avoid discharging your batteries. It has been said that electric trolling motors are only as good as their batteries last. As such, some people think the trolling motor battery is more important than the motor itself.

Whichever battery you choose from our list will give your boat better performance and reliability.

Related reading:

Best Trolling Motor Battery [Top 10 Batteries]

12 Best Marine Batteries [Marine Battery Reviews]

Bow Mount Trolling Motor – 10 Best Motors [Reviews]

Spot-Lock Trolling Motor [What Is It? and Best Spot-Lock Motors]