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How Long Do Trolling Motor Batteries Last & Tips To Prolong

Mike Smith
Mike Smith
—
17/03/2023

A trolling motor is an essential component for anglers who want to navigate the water efficiently and quietly. A trolling motor has many advantages, but its performance is directly affected by the battery that powers the motor. Without a reliable battery, your trolling motor may not function properly and negatively impact your fishing experience. So how long do trolling motor batteries last? This article discusses trolling motor battery life and the factors that affect it.

What Are Trolling Motor Batteries

Trolling motor batteries are specifically crafted for powering boat trolling motors. They are intended to supply electricity for prolonged periods, especially during slow trolling through fishing areas.

In contrast, boat starting batteries are designed for igniting the engine. In the case of marine batteries, they are essential for both starting the engine and delivering sufficient power to sustain the motor and the devices connected to the boat.

To make an informed decision about the ideal trolling motor battery for your needs, it's crucial to comprehend the variety of batteries available.

Marine Starting Batteries vs. Deep Cycle Batteries

Marine starting batteries are specifically designed to provide high bursts of energy to start the boat's engine. They discharge a large amount of power in a short time and are then quickly recharged by the engine's alternator.

Deep cycle batteries, on the other hand, are built to provide sustained power over a long period. These are used to run onboard accessories such as trolling motors, radios, and lights. Deep cycle batteries are capable of being discharged and recharged repeatedly without affecting their performance, making them ideal for extended use.

Related reading: Marine Deep Cycle VS Starting Batteries

marine startting vs deep cycle battery

Deep Cycle Trolling Motor Battery Type 

Deep cycle trolling motor batteries are essential for powering electric trolling motors used in fishing boats and other marine applications. The three main types of deep cycle trolling motor batteries are flooded lead-acid, AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat), and lithium-ion. Each type has its own features.

1. Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries

  • These are the most traditional and widely used type of deep cycle batteries.
  • They are generally the most cost-effective option initially.
  • They require regular maintenance, including checking and refilling water levels, and can release gases during charging, which requires good ventilation.
  • They are really heavy.
  • Cannot fully discharge, the discharge rate is only around 50%.
  • The lifespan is short, average lifespan is only 2-3 years.

2. AGM Batteries:

  • AGM batteries are a type of sealed lead-acid battery that uses a glass mat separator to hold the electrolyte in place.
  • They are maintenance-free, as they do not require watering and are sealed, so they do not release gases during charging.
  • AGM batteries are more resistant to vibration and shock, making them suitable for marine applications.
  • They generally have a longer lifespan and better performance in cold temperatures compared to flooded lead-acid batteries.
  • They also heavy and short lifespan.
  • Like flooded lead acid battery, they cannot fully discharge, the discharge rate is only around 50%.
  • The lifespan is short, average lifespan is only 2-3 years.

3. Lithium-Ion Batteries

  • Lithium-ion batteries are known for their high energy density, meaning they can store more energy in a lighter and smaller package compared to lead-acid batteries.
  • They have a longer lifespan and can be discharged more deeply without damaging the battery compared to lead-acid batteries. For example, LiTime lithium trolling motor batteries has the discharge rate 100%, which means you can completely use the energy. The life cycle of LiTime lithium batteries are 4000-15000 with the service time up to 10 years.
  • They are lightweight and have a high charge/discharge efficiency, which can provide longer runtimes for trolling motors.
  • Lithium-ion batteries are more expensive upfront, but they offer a longer overall lifespan and better performance, making them a popular choice for high-end trolling motor setups.

how long do trolling motor battery last lead acid vs lithium

Factors Affecting Trolling Motor Battery Life

Here are some factors that could affect trolling motor battery's lifespan:

Charge and Discharge Cycles: The number of times you charge and discharge your trolling motor's battery affects its lifespan. Over time, repeated cycling will reduce battery capacity and shorten its life. LiTime lithium trolling motor batteries have the charge and discharge cycles up to 4000-15000, means longer lifespan for more than 10 years.

litime lithium trolling motor battery lifespan

Temperature: Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can damage a battery's internal components and reduce its overall lifespan. Always store the battery in a cool, dry place when not in use. Learn more about LiFePO4 battery temperature range.

Depth of Discharge (DOD): The depth of discharge of the battery also affects its lifespan. Continuing to discharge the battery to an insufficient charge may shorten the life of the battery. Lead acid battery has the DOD only around 50%, while lithium batteries can be 100%.

Battery Type: The type of battery you use also affects its life. Traditional lead-acid batteries tend to have a shorter life than lithium-ion batteries such as lithium iron phosphate.

Maintenance: Proper maintenance such as regular cleaning and checking the water level of lead-acid batteries can help extend their life.

Usage: How often and how long you use the trolling motor also affects battery life. Using the trolling motor at high speeds for long periods of time will drain the battery faster and shorten its overall lifespan.

 How to Maintain the Trolling Motor Battery

To ensure prolonged and dependable performance from your trolling motor's batteries, consider the following troubleshooting and maintenance guidelines:

1. Recharge Promptly: It's advisable to fully recharge your trolling motor battery immediately after use to prevent the formation of lead sulfate, which can significantly impact its performance and lifespan if left with less than 12.4 volts.

2. Offseason Maintenance: During the offseason, use a trickle charger to maintain the lead acid battery's charge or recharge it monthly. Allowing the battery to remain uncharged for extended periods can reduce its performance and longevity. For lithium batteries, just use lithium battery chargers to charge the battery to 40% to 50% of its capacity to keep it in optimal condition.

3. Full Discharge and Recharge: Aim to fully drain and recharge your battery to prevent stratification, a condition where the chemicals in the cells become unbalanced, affecting the battery's performance and lifespan.

4. Cooling Period: Allow the battery to cool down after recharging, as immediate use can lead to damage or total failure due to the heat generated during the recharging cycle.

5. Equalize Charge: After each recharge, ensure the battery cells are balanced by using the equalizing cycle on most battery chargers, which involves an extended, low-current charge.

6. Maintenance of Wet Cell Batteries: For lead-acid wet cell batteries, check water levels monthly and top them off with distilled water as needed.

7. Storage and Inspection: Clean the battery and terminals before storing it in a dry, temperate environment during the offseason. When removing it from storage, thoroughly inspect for damage, as any signs of bulging, cracks, frayed cables, or corrosion can severely impact performance and safety. Suggest reading: How Do You Store LiFePO4 Lithium Batteries.

8. Routine Tests: Perform routine voltage and specific gravity tests on the electrolyte solution in each cell of lead-acid wet cell batteries to identify issues such as over-watering and inadequate charge.

9. Quality Charger: Invest in a high-quality charger for effectively charging the battery to its full capacity. Suggest reading: How To Charge Trolling Motor Batteries

General Guidelines

1. Understand Power Requirements: Familiarize yourself with your boat's power requirements to enhance your understanding of battery operation.

2. Match Discharge Rate: Ideally, match your battery's discharge rate with the motor's power consumption to optimize performance and longevity.

3. Operating Conditions: Use the trolling motor in calm water whenever possible, as it will reduce power consumption and prolong battery life.

4. Battery Aging: Keep track of the battery's age and monitor its capacity and internal resistance, as aging batteries may experience diminished capacity and increased internal resistance. It's suggest to utilize a battery monitor to track the condition of the battery.

5. Steady Usage: Maintain a steady and moderate load when using the trolling motor, and make speed adjustments gradually to conserve power and minimize strain on the battery.

6. Handle with Care: Handle lead-acid wet cell batteries carefully to avoid damaging the internal plates due to vibrations or sudden jolts, which can render the cells incapable of holding a charge.

What Battery Specifications to Consider?

The specifications of a battery can significantly impact your overall experience. With numerous batteries claiming to be the best, it can be challenging to discern which ones truly stand out.

Amp Hour Rating

Similar to a fuel tank gauge, the amp hours dictate the duration your battery will last. It serves as a measurement of the charge within your trolling motor battery.

Having a higher amp-hour rating means that your trolling motor will receive energy for a longer period. This aspect stands out as one of the crucial specifications when evaluating a new trolling motor battery.

It's generally recommended to opt for a battery with at least 100 amp hours for use in trolling motors to ensure reliability. However, greater amp-hour ratings, such as a 125 amp hour battery, will extend the battery's operational duration further. The choice depends on your specific needs to determine the most suitable amp-hour capacity for your usage.

Voltage

Typically, standard deep cycle batteries are 12 volts. Before finalizing a selection, it's advisable to assess your power system to determine whether a higher voltage is required. Certain power systems demand 24V or even 36 volts.

Related reading: Trolling Motor Battery System: 12V 24V VS 36V

trolling motor battery system

Useful Tips

When selecting a trolling motor battery, your intended usage plays a crucial role in determining the best fit for your needs. If you seek optimal performance from your trolling motor while minimizing maintenance, investing in lithium batteries is recommended.

Here are some valuable tips for maintaining your lithium battery:

  • Charge batteries after each use
  • Store batteries in a cool, dark place to prevent drainage
  • Check for corrosion before use
  • Never mix different types of batteries

Can I Change My Trolling Motor Battery to LiFePO4? What's the Benefits?

Yes, it is possible to change your trolling motor battery to a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery.

LiFePO4 batteries are lighter, have a longer lifespan, charge more quickly, and possess a higher energy density compared to traditional lead-acid batteries. Additionally, they require minimal maintenance, provide a consistent voltage, and are considered more environmentally friendly.

What more, lithium trolling motor battery like LiTime 12V 100Ah TM has equipped with upgraded BMS (Battery Management System) with protection desiged for marine applications like enhanced moisture, dust and salt spray resistance. 

bms for trolling motor battery></p> <p><span>While the initial cost may be higher and compatibility considerations are important, many boaters find the long-term benefits of LiFePO4 batteries to be well worth the investment.</span></p> <h2>How Long Will a Deep-Cycle Marine Battery Run a Trolling Motor?</h2> <p>To determine the operational duration of your lithium trolling motor battery, some calculations are necessary. For instance, if your battery has a capacity of 100Ah and the power draw of your trolling motor is 20 amps, you can calculate the running time in hours by dividing the capacity of the battery by the power draw of the trolling motor:</p> <p>100Ah / 20A = 5 hours</p> <p>Under ideal conditions, the battery will operate continuously for 5 hours before requiring a recharge. However, it's important to note that this calculation doesn't consider other electrical demands on the battery.</p> <p>If, for instance, you have a light drawing 5 amps and a fish finder drawing 2 amps, you must factor in these additional electrical demands by adding them to the power draw of the trolling motor:</p> <p>20 amps + 5 amps + 2 amps = 27 amps</p> <p>You can then determine the adjusted running time by dividing the capacity of the battery by the total power draw:</p> <p>100Ah / 27A = 3.703 hours</p> <p>This indicates that, with the additional electrical demands on the battery, it will operate for approximately 3 hours and 42 minutes before requiring a recharge if these power draws were continuous.</p> <p align=

Choosing The Right Lithium Battery for Your Trolling Motor

Voltage of Motor Motor Thrust Recommended Max Amp of Batteries Recommended LiTime LiFePO4 Batteries Recommended Reasons
12V 20 ~ 30 lb 50A LiTime 12V 50Ah Lithium Battery Cost-effective
12V 30 ~ 70 lb 100A LiTime 12V 100Ah Lithium Battery Cost-effective, Low-temp, Lighter
24V 70 ~ 100 lb 100A LiTime 24V 100Ah Lithium Battery Cost-effective
36V 100 ~ 120 lb 100A LiTime 38.4V 55Ah Lithium Battery One single battery is enough

Conclusion

By selecting the appropriate battery type, adhering to the recommended charging methods, and operating the trolling motor in optimal conditions, you can prolong the battery's lifespan and enhance your fishing experience.

It is crucial to follow the manufacturer's maintenance and care guidelines, ensuring a dependable trolling motor battery for many years. Or you can upgrade the battery to LiFePO4 batteries to have better experience.

Mike Smith
Mike Smith
Mike Smith is a marine energy expert with 15+ years of experience and a Master’s in Electrical Engineering from Stanford. Passionate about lithium battery integration, he also enjoys sailing and exploring coastal waters in his free time.

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