Outboard Motor VS Trolling Motor: Differences and How to Choose

The motor you choose for your boat shapes your entire experience on the water. It impacts speed, distance, power, steering, mobility, noise, and even sustainability. With so many factors to consider, selecting the right motor is crucial.

Two popular types of motors are trolling and outboard motors. Both serve to propel your boat, whether you're fishing or cruising. But which one is right for you? Here's a breakdown of trolling vs. outboard motors.

Table of Content

Understanding Marine Electric Boat Motors

1.1 What Makes Electric Boat Motors Unique?
1.2 Types of Electric Boat Motors
1.3 What's the Difference Between a Trolling and Outboard Motor

Types of Batteries for Electric Boat Motors

2.1 Deep Cycle VS Starting Batteries
2.2 Why Lithium Deep Cycle Electric Boat Batteries Better Choice

Question: Can I Use Marine Trolling Motor Battery in Electric Outboard Motor?
Why Choose LiTime for Your Marine Battery Needs?

Part 1: Understanding Marine Electric Boat Motors

1.1 What Makes Electric Boat Motors Unique?

Electric boat motors, unlike traditional gasoline engines, rely on electrical power to propel watercraft. These motors are known for their low noise, zero emissions, and low maintenance requirements, making them an attractive option for environmentally conscious boaters. With advancements in technology, electric motors now offer comparable performance to their gasoline counterparts, ensuring a seamless transition to sustainable boating.

1.2 Types of Electric Boat Motors

(1) Electric Outboard Motors

These are the most common type of electric boat motors, designed to be mounted on the back (transom) of the boat.
They come in a variety of power outputs, typically ranging from 3-50 horsepower or higher.
Advantages include easy installation, compact size, and quiet operation.
Downsides are limited battery power and travel distance compared to gas outboards.

what is marine outboard motor

(2) Inboard Electric Motors

These motors are installed inside the boat, often in the engine compartment.
Provide more power and longer range than outboard motors.
Require more complex installation but allow for better weight distribution in the boat.
Available in power outputs up to 200 horsepower or more for larger boats.

(3) Stern Drive Electric Motors

Similar to inboard motors but with the drive mechanism positioned outside the hull.
Offer some of the advantages of both inboard and outboard designs.
Provide good power and range while maintaining a compact footprint.

(4) Pod Drive Electric Motors

Innovative design with the motor and drive unit in a single, integrated pod.
Mounted under the boat, often in pairs for better maneuverability.
Allow for greater efficiency and precise steering control.
Higher cost and complexity compared to other options.

(5) Trolling Motors

Small, lightweight motors designed for precise slow-speed maneuvering.
Mounted on the bow or stern, can be foot control, hand control and remote controle.
Used in conjunction with a main propulsion system for fishing and precise boat positioning.

what is marine trolling motor

Trolling Motor on Bow & Stern

1.3 What's the Difference Between a Trolling and Outboard Motor

1) Purpose and Propulsion

Trolling motors are designed for auxiliary propulsion. They're commonly used on small fishing boats, dinghies, sailboats, and canoes. Their primary role is to move the boat slowly and quietly. Outboard motors, on the other hand, are the main power source for your boat. They deliver more power to propel the boat and handle heavier loads.

2) Size and Power

Outboard motors come in many shapes and sizes. You can find electric, gas, large, or small versions, offering a wide range of power. Trolling motors, however, are usually smaller and simpler. They tend to be battery-powered or run on small gas engines, offering less power since they're meant for lighter tasks.

3) Speed and Range

Trolling motors are built for slow, steady movement. They’re perfect for fishing, where a slow crawl is needed to move the boat while trailing a line. Outboard motors, by contrast, are faster and can cover greater distances. They’re ideal for longer trips and faster speeds.

4) Additional Features

When choosing between a trolling motor and an outboard, consider extra features. Modern motors come with added technology, portability, and easy controls. For example, some outboards have electric steering or nitro assist. Brands like Yamaha offer advanced features in their outboard models, making the boating experience smoother.

Conclusion

Trolling and outboard motors differ in many ways: function, speed, power, range, and additional features. Trolling motors are small, quiet, and designed for limited power, usually as a secondary motor. Outboard motors are more powerful, faster, and suitable for longer trips.

Both types of motors play distinct but important roles in the overall functionality of a boat, catering to different aspects of boating and fishing activities.

Part 2: Types of Batteries for Electric Boat Motors

2.1 Deep Cycle VS Starting Batteries

Marine outboard motors and trolling motors typically use marine deep-cycle batteries. These deep-cycle batteries are designed to provide a steady amount of power over a longer period of time, making them well-suited for the demands of marine use, including starting the engine and powering onboard electronics.

Below are the differences between marine deep cycle and starting batteries:

1) Starting Batteries:

Starting batteries, also known as cranking batteries, are designed to provide a high burst of power for a short duration, typically to start an engine.

High Cranking Amps (CCA): These batteries can deliver a large amount of current quickly to start the boat's engine.
Shallow Discharge: They are not designed for deep cycling (discharging to a low capacity), as frequent deep discharges can damage them.
Construction: They have thinner plates compared to deep cycle batteries, optimized for quick bursts of energy rather than long-term use.
Typical Use: Starting batteries are ideal for applications where the main demand is starting the engine, with minimal electrical load afterwards.

2) Deep Cycle Batteries:

Deep cycle batteries are designed to provide sustained power over an extended period, making them suitable for powering electric motors and onboard electronics in boats.

Characteristics of Deep Cycle Batteries:

Deep Discharge Capability: These batteries can be discharged to a much lower capacity (often up to 50-80%) without damage, unlike starting batteries.
Thicker Plates: Deep cycle batteries have thicker and more robust plates, allowing them to withstand frequent charging and discharging cycles.
Capacity: They are rated in ampere-hours (Ah), indicating how much energy they can store and deliver over time.
Typical Use: Deep cycle batteries are used in applications where sustained power over longer periods is required, such as trolling motors, electric propulsion systems, and powering onboard electronics.

startting vs deep cycle battery

How to Choose Between Starting and Deep Cycle

Application Specificity: If your primary need is to start an engine and you have minimal additional electrical loads, a starting battery may suffice due to its high cranking amps and lower cost.
Long-Term Power Needs: For electric boat motors and applications requiring sustained power over longer durations, deep cycle batteries are more appropriate due to their ability to handle repeated deep discharges without significant degradation.

2.2 Why Lithium Deep Cycle Electric Boat Batteries Better Choice

Lithium deep cycle batteries are generally considered a better choice than lead-acid batteries for electric boat applications for several reasons:

1. Energy Density and Weight

Lithium: Higher energy density, meaning more energy can be stored in a smaller and lighter package. This is particularly important for boats where weight and space are critical.
Lead Acid: Lower energy density, resulting in heavier and bulkier batteries for the same amount of stored energy.

2. Efficiency

Lithium: More efficient, with charge/discharge efficiencies typically around 95-98%. This means more of the energy put into the battery is available for use.
Lead Acid: Less efficient, with efficiencies around 70-85%. More energy is lost as heat during charging and discharging.

3. Depth of Discharge (DOD)

Lithium: Can safely discharge up to 80-100% of their capacity without significantly shortening their lifespan.
Lead Acid: Typically limited to 50% discharge to maintain a reasonable lifespan, meaning you need more capacity to achieve the same usable energy.

4. Cycle Life

Lithium: Much longer cycle life, often 2,000 to 5,000 cycles at 80% DoD. High quality deep cycle lithium batteries like LiTime has the lifecycle 4000+ cycles at 100% DOD, which can be used for more than 10 years.
Lead Acid: Shorter cycle life, typically 500-1,000 cycles at 50% DoD.

5. Maintenance

Lithium: Virtually maintenance-free. They do not require regular water topping and have no issues with sulfation.
Lead Acid: Require regular maintenance, including checking water levels and ensuring the terminals are clean. Sulfation can occur if they are not fully charged regularly.

6. Environmental Impact

Lithium: Generally have a lower environmental impact over their lifecycle. While the mining and processing of lithium have environmental concerns, the longer lifespan and higher efficiency result in less frequent replacements and lower overall environmental footprint.
Lead Acid: Higher environmental impact due to the toxicity of lead and sulfuric acid, and the need for more frequent replacements.

7. Voltage Stability

Lithium: Provide more stable voltage output throughout the discharge cycle, ensuring consistent performance. Related reading: Full Guide of Battery Voltage
Lead Acid: Voltage drops more significantly as the battery discharges, which can affect the performance of electrical systems.

8. Safety

Lithium: Modern lithium batteries (especially Lithium Iron Phosphate, LiFePO4) are designed with safety features to prevent issues like thermal runaway and are generally considered safe.
Lead Acid: Can release hydrogen gas during charging, which poses a risk of explosion if not properly vented. They also contain sulfuric acid, which is corrosive.

Question: Can I Use Marine Trolling Motor Battery in Electric Outboard Motor?

In most cases, it's still recommended to use a battery designed for electric outboard motor since the surge discharge current of a trolling motor might not be sufficient. Outboard motors often require higher power for acceleration and sustained operation, which can lead to higher surge currents that trolling motor batteries may not handle well.

Even if the battery can technically power the motor, the performance might be suboptimal. You might experience reduced thrust, lower speeds, or shorter running times than expected.

However, it your outboard motor doesn't need that much power, it's also ok to use a trolling motor battery. For more detailed guide, can cantact service@litime.com.

If you’re planning to use an electric outboard motor, it’s best to invest in a battery specifically designed for such applications like LiTime Outboard Motor Batteries. These batteries are built to handle the high power requirements and ensure optimal performance and safety.

Why Choose LiTime for Your Marine Battery Needs?

At LiTime, we are dedicated to providing high-quality, reliable, and efficient lithium batteries tailored for marine, and also for RV, golf cart and other off-grid applications. Our products are designed to meet the rigorous demands of boating, ensuring you have the power you need, when you need it.

Choose LiTime and experience the difference that cutting-edge lithium battery technology can make for your boating adventures. Visit LiTime Warranty Policy and reviews for more information.

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