Nothing ruins a day faster than a dying trolling motor battery on a boat. The performance and efficiency of the boat on the water, after all, revolves around the best deep cycle battery for trolling motor.
Buyer’s guide
Having a wide range of options makes it harder for customers to choose the best deep cycle battery for trolling motors as it is not just the price and appearance that counts. Essential key features like battery type, amp-hours, power system, design, and construction play a significant role in determining the performance and functionality. deep
What is a deep cycle battery?
A deep cycle battery is constructed using;
- Thicker plates
- Denser active material
These two modifications in the construction are made to withstand repeated charge and discharge cycles of the battery.
How deep cycle battery is better than conventional batteries?
- Provide higher bursts of power for a short period of time.
- Deliver sustained power with a lower current draw over an extended period of time.
- Less damage.
- Less maintenance.
Battery type
Speaking of deep cycle batteries for trolling motors; you will find the two most common types that offer the best performance under any kind of circumstances.
LEAD ACID WET-CELL BATTERIES
- Best for frequent draining and recharging.
- Affordable.
- They last between 1 to two and a half year.
- Standard deep cycle trolling motor battery costs around $100.
- Lead Acid batteries need time and again maintenance; topping off the water.
- These batteries are prone to vibrations and spillage.
AGM BATTERIES (Absorbed Glass Mat)
- AGM batteries are tightly sealed.
- They last longer on the charge and provide a longer lifespan.
- Unlike traditional deep cycle batteries, AGM batteries last more than 3 to 4 years.
- These batteries cost twice the price of conventional deep cycle battery.
- AGM batteries do not require any maintenance at all.
LITHIUM BATTERIES (EVEN BETTER OPTION)
- Lithium-ion batteries last 10 times longer in comparison to led acid and AGM.
- It offers 80 per cent of rated capacity over 2,000 miles.
- Lithium-ion batteries are fast charging.
- They are half the weight as compared to other alternatives.
- These batteries provide constant power.
- They are temperature resistant.
- Lithium-ion batteries require no maintenance at all.
- They are safe and non-hazardous.
AMPERAGE HOUR RATING
Take amperage as the power of a battery when it is fully charged. The power a battery holds can also be referred to as the amp hour rating. For instance, a battery with a 115 amp rating will last longer than a battery with a 100 amp hour rating.
- If a motor is ringing at a slow speed and pulling nothing more than 4 amps, the battery must last 20 hours. (100 amp/5 amp = 20 hours)
- A similar battery with 100 amp will last only 2.5 hours if the motor is pulling 40 amps.
- Amperage hour rating is associated with motor amperage draw, how much amperage a particular battery draw in a given period of time, at a given speed.
To approximately determine how long a battery will last on a certain motor, the battery’s amp hour rating is divided by an amperage draw. For instance;
- 100 amp-hour rated battery.
- 20 amp draw at medium speed.
- The run time would be 5 hours.
100 amp hours rated battery / 20 amp draw = 5 hours of run time
VOLTAGE
Voltage is known as the power a battery holds or the “state of charge”. To know how much charge is left in your battery, voltage is seen.
- Deep cycle batteries are 12-volt.
- To check the voltage you must check the power system of a battery.
- The state of charge varies between battery types and the model.
The state of charge for various battery types are mentioned below.
|
State of charge |
Lead-Acid Battery Voltage |
Gel Battery Voltage |
AGM battery voltage |
|
100% |
12.70+ |
12.85+ |
12.80+ |
|
75% |
12.40 |
12.65 |
12.60 |
|
50% |
12.20 |
12.35 |
12.30 |
|
25% |
12.00 |
12.00 |
12.00 |
|
0% |
11.80 |
11.80 |
11.80 |
*These figures are based on an open circuit reading.
CHARGING TIME
Deep cycle batteries are a unique source of boat power. These batteries are designed to discharge themselves to zero and then charge back up to a completely new, full state. Charging time is the time required to charge a battery to its full potential. A small trolling motor battery takes less time to charge.
The time required for a battery to fully charge depends on the number of batteries that needs to be charged and the number of amp-per-battery (bank) your charger is capable of producing. A charger with a higher number of amp charges the battery faster in comparison to a charger that offers lower amps.
Every battery is different in construction and model, have different charging requirements, such as;
- 5 amps – 10 to 12 hours of charging time
- 10 amps – 4 to 6 hours of charging time
- 15 amps – 3 to hours of charging time
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Here are some of the other factors that significantly affect the battery you are buying.
- Design and construction
- Material
- Maintenance
- Weight
Collectively, on the whole, everything from the weight of the battery to construction, design, model, power, amperage, and charging time determines the long term performance of the battery.
Balancing your personal preference along with technical bits of the battery can get you the best deal at the best price, without compromising the quality and performance. A light weight trolling motor battery offers enhanced portability, compromising the charging time. Finding the best deep cycle battery for trolling motor depends as much on personal preference as on its technicalities.
Top best deep cycle batteries for trolling motors
Here are some of the best deep cycle batteries for trolling motors that offer ultimate performance along with the best price, construction, and quality.
1. Optima Batteries 8016-103 D34M – best deep cycle battery overall
Features
- Dimension: 10 x 6.88 x 7.8 inches
- Weight: 43.5 pounds
- 12-Volt
- 750 Cold Cranking Amps
- Dual SAE
- 5/16 inches Stainless Steel Stud Posts
- 55 Ah C20 capacity
The first battery on our list is the 750 CCA, BlueTop starting and deep cycle marine battery. As it says in the name the battery is a great starting as well as a deep cycle battery. It has a sturdy structure; made to endure harsh weather conditions may it be extremely cold or extremely hot.
It has a one-hundred-and-twenty-minute reserve which makes it reliable. Its exterior has been designed to minimize vibrations, reportedly up to fifteen times more than its competitors.
It utilizes AGM technology which makes it maintenance-free, but a common downside of AGM batteries is the risk overcharging.
Pros
- Reliable
- 120 min reserve
- AGM
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Risk of overcharging
2. Vmaxtanks Vmaxslr125 – affordable best deep cycle battery
Features
- Dimension: 6.8 x 12.9 x 8.7 inches
- Weight: 75 pounds
- 12 Volt
- 125Ah Group
- 31 AGM Deep Cycle Heavy Duty Battery
The next heavy-duty battery on our list is Vmaxtanks Vmaxslr125, it is a massive piece of machinery weighing in at seventy-five pounds. It is a premium-quality battery which means it’s expensive.
But it delivers the quality it promises. It has a life span of eight to ten years and features custom manufactured, military-grade plates. It comes with a built-in handle carrier but many people reported it was not as durable. If you want great quality, heavy-duty product regardless of the price point then this is the battery for you.
Pros
- Heavy duty
- Premium quality
Cons
- Non-durable handle
- Expensive
3. Interstate DCM0035 Sealed Lead Acid (AGM) – best small deep cycle battery
Features
- Dimension: 5.16 x 6.42 x 7.68 inches
- Weight: 22.9 pounds
- Voltage 12 Volts
- Compatible Devices Alarm
- Reusability: Rechargeable
- 35 ah sealed lead acid battery
Weighing in at only 23 pounds the Interstate DCM0035 deep cycle battery is the smallest deep cycle battery on our list today. It rates at 35Ah and is sufficient for small boats and canoes. Its AGM technology makes it maintenance-free and reliable.
It’s a Group U1 battery and recharges quickly. Due to its small stature, it can be mounted in any position safely.
However, since it is so small it does not pack much power and cannot support larger boats. It has a 1-year warranty. Perfect for low power requiring motors.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Cost friendly
- Easily mountable
Cons
- Cannot support stronger trolling motors
4. Expert power 12 volt 18ah – best value deep cycle battery
Features
- Dimension: 7.12 x 3.03 x 6.3 inches
- Weight: 12 pounds
- Voltage 12 Volts
- Reusability: Rechargeable
- Battery Type: 12 Volt
- 18 Amp
- 20 Hour Sealed Lead Acid Battery With nuts and bolts
Another affordable item for those lake lovers who want to enjoy fishing or boating but don’t want to spend a fortune on it is the Expert power rechargeable battery. It’s a 12V battery and rates at 18Ah.
It is small, lightweight, and convenient. It utilizes AGM technology and comes with a non-conductive plastic coating. It has a twenty-hour battery life and helps avoid short-circuits thanks to its well-positioned terminals.
However, since, it is such a small, affordable product – it is not very durable. Still, it is a great option for new kayakers since its user friendly and very easy to install.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Easy to install
Cons
- Not durable
5. Universal UB121000-45978 12v 100AH – top-rated deep cycle battery
Features
- Dimension: 16.44 x 12.75 x 12.56 inches
- Weight: 60 pounds
- SLA/AGM maintenance free
- Lead Acid rechargeable battery
- 12V, 24V, 48V
- 100Ah Solar Wind
With a hundred-ampere hour battery charge the Universal UB121000-45978 is a 12 Volt AGM battery. It is a maintenance-free battery, unlike lead batteries that need to be filled with water, and has been designed to reliable with rapid recharging and superior performance.
It has a one-year warranty which is not sufficient in our personal opinion. It is a strong deep cycle battery so it cannot be used as a starting motor.
This is its biggest downside as you will require a separate battery for starting your motor.
Overall, it is a good product since it is very cost-efficient and has been built to last.
Pros
- Reliable
- Sturdy
- 100AH
- Spill proof battery
Cons
- Cannot be used as a starting battery
- One-year warranty
6. Power Sonic Deep Cycle PS-121000 – Most popular deep cycle battery
Features
- Dimension: 6.6 x 12 x 9 inches
- Weight: 68 pounds
- Voltage: 12 Volts
- Battery Cell Composition: Sealed Lead Acid
- 100 Ah SLA battery
Last but not least is the Power-Sonic PS-121000 deep cycle battery. It’s a premium-quality battery so, you already know – its pricey.
But just like other premium-quality batteries, it delivers great quality. It rates at 100 Ah making it a powerful option.
Whenever you will be on the lake, this battery will have your back.
Pros
- Maintenance-free
- Strong built-in handle
- Easy to install
Cons
- Heavy
- Expensive
7. VMAX MR127 12 Volt 100Ah AGM – budget efficient trolling motor battery
Features
- Dimension: 12”L x 6 5/8”W x 8 5/16”H
- Weight: 65 pounds
- Voltage 12 Volts
- Reusability Rechargeable
- Battery Cell Composition: Sealed Lead Acid
- Battery Capacity: 100000 Milliampere Hour (mAh)
- AGM Deep Cycle
Rating 100Ah, AGM technology-based, group 27 battery the VMAX MR127 is a 12V deep cycle battery that is reliable and strong. It’s maintenance-free and supports any 27-battery box. This makes it convenient and easy to mount.
It features a plastic exterior that minimizes vibrations and has a 30-day money-back guarantee, also a one-year warranty. It is one of the pricier batteries on our list and weighs quite a lot at 70 pounds. It is too large to mount for most canoes.
Pros
- Maintenance-free
- Quick charge
Cons
- Expensive
- Large
8. Mighty Max Battery Deep Cell ML55-12 SLA – high quality deep cycle battery
Features
- Dimension: 9 x 9.5 x 5.25 inches
- Weight: 36.6 pounds
- Voltage: 12 Volts
- Reusability: Rechargeable
- Battery Cell Composition: Sealed Lead Acid
- 55ah sealed lead acid
Let’s say you want a premium grade product, that delivers quality and service, but you do not want it to be heavy on your pockets too. Well, we have got you covered. Introducing the Mighty Max Battery ML55-12 SLA.
This battery provides almost the same quality as that of a premium-quality battery but at a much lower price. With this battery, you can enjoy the benefits of a high-quality product at a low price.
Additionally, it is maintenance-free and weighs only thirty-nine pounds. Some people have reported the need to buy terminal connectors separately for it to fit in their trolling motors. But spending a little extra on the connectors does not seem like much when you get such a good product at such a reasonable price.
Pros
- Affordable
- High quality
- Lightweight
Cons
- Need to buy terminal connectors
Conclusion
Choosing the right battery is a crucial task to ensure your comfort and ease when you are on the lake. To make the best out of your time, effort, and money, go for a battery that meets essential specifications without being heavy on your pocket.
FAQs
1. How often should I charge the trolling motor battery?
The trolling motor battery should be charged immediately after each use for longterm efficient performance. It ensures that the battery never runs out of charge and is always available for use. Besides charging the battery on time or when it is completely discharged, make sure not to overcharge a battery.
2. How long will a trolling motor battery last?
The lifetime of a trolling motor battery depends upon the type of battery it is for example AGM batteries have a life expectancy of somewhere between two years to four years whereas lithium ion-based batteries average around 10 years.
Another factor that can influence the lifetime of a battery is its usage – how often it is used and how it is taken care of.
3. Are AGM batteries better than wet cell batteries?
In terms of quality AGM batteries are better than wet cell batteries since they’re maintenance-free and have a good life span. They also charge quickly and don’t require much care. However, they are costlier as compared to wet cell batteries so it is a tradeoff between quality and price point.
4. Do I need a deep cycle battery?
Deep cycle batteries are meant to provide continuous charge. Trolling motors function perfectly well when they are used with deep cycle batteries since the motors are operated for several hours and a continuous charge is required. So, the more charge the battery offers the better and longer the motor will function.
5. Do I need to clean the trolling motor battery?
Not necessarily, if it’s an AGM battery it won’t require any maintenance except for the fact that you might need to wipe off some mud here and there, after using it and even other trolling motor batteries don’t require much cleanup besides a standard battery.
6. How should I store the trolling motor battery?
Most batteries are permanently installed into the boat so there’s no need to worry about its storage. However, if you don’t plan on doing so and need to store it somewhere then we recommend a cool and dark place such as a garage or a basement so, that it is below the room temperature.