When it comes to swish or even useful kayaking accessories, they were once restricted to larger vessels, but not anymore. Today, whether it’s fishfinders or trolling motors, they’re no longer unusual to find them on well-equipped kayaks of all kinds. Trolling motors are indispensable for anglers, and especially helpful for getting to a specific fishing spot quickly and quietly. That said, you need the best kayak trolling motor battery, lithium or otherwise, for your trolling motor to work properly. However, finding the right battery might be easier said than done. Since you’re a kayaker, the size and weight of the battery matters as much as performance and battery life does. After all, you can’t afford to load 150 lbs of batteries onto kayaks that have just 250 lbs weight capacity!
This basically means that we’re asking for a lot from a single 12V unit, making it all the more complicated. That said, looking for trolling motor batteries doesn’t have to be difficult. Luckily for you, we’ve come up with a handy guide for buying these batteries too, besides a list of the best in the market. To that end, here are the 13 best kayak trolling motor battery options on the market, lithium ones included.
How To Choose The Best Trolling Motor Batteries For Kayaks?
Just like we choose our Best Kayaking Trolling Motors and Best Kayaking Trolling Motor Mounts carefully, we need to be equally careful while considering trolling motor batteries. So, what are the aspects we need to look at while buying batteries? Read on.
Types
Basically, there are three main types of batteries when it comes to kayaking trolling motors – FLA, AGM, and the lithium kayak trolling motor battery. FLA batteries, also known as flooded lead-acid batteries are the least expensive and thus the most popular of them all. They’re the older style of batteries that can stand up to sustained discharging and charging, which is perfect for your trolling motor. However, these unsealed batteries can end up leaking battery acid, and their maintenance is a highly tedious process. AGM batteries, on the other hand, are small sealed fiberglass matting units perfect for smaller or cramped kayaks. They boast excellent runtime, super-quick charging, and little upkeep, and work well even in colder climates. The flipside? The hotter it gets, the worse they perform.
Finally, we come to the lithium-ion or the lithium kayak trolling motor battery options, which not only boast a fantastic performance but are also lightweight. Moreover, they ramp things up on the price front, ensure quick charging, and give back excellent power and runtime. What’s more, competitive anglers love them for their small footprint. The only drawback is that You will need to watch out for overheating, they tend to overheat.
Battery life and power
Power and battery life are where things can actually get tricky. Battery power over time is measured in a factor known as amp-hours (or milliamp-hours on smaller batteries). They’re abbreviated as mAh or Ah in battery descriptions, which is what you need to watch out for. Plus, you also need to check how many milliamps (mA) or watts (W) your accessories tend to draw. With these numbers in hand, you can get a sense of how much your battery life will theoretically be.
Size and weight
When it comes to the size of the battery, the size and weight capacity of a kayak pose some unique issues. If you need to run a conventional battery such as an AGM or SLA one, then look carefully at the space you’ve got and the maximum weight capacity of your kayak. Thus, we strongly recommend using an external power pack if you aren’t running a trolling motor.
Maintenance and storage
Finally, we come to the battery life and how long it lasts, which basically depends on how well it is looked after and stored. So, store your kayak trolling motor battery in a dry and cool area, but make that it’s not exposed to extreme cold. First and foremost, if you head out into the water only occasionally and your battery is unused a lot, then do make sure that it’s used every once in a while. If the battery is left just like that, then there’s a chance that it won’t charge properly, or worse not work at all, when you need it to. Secondly, you need to make sure that the batteries don’t overcharge, an activity that tends to lessen their lifespan considerably. Finally, don’t forget to invest in a good battery charger.
How long do trolling motor batteries last?
As a general guideline, it pays to avoid letting your batteries drain completely as that tends to fatigue the battery and decreases its lifespan. Also, you should make sure that you completely charge the battery to prevent it from developing an undercharging memory and thus, underperforming, That said, an AGM or SLA battery could likely last 3-4 years, whereas a lithium-ion battery can easily last as long as a decade. That said, these guesstimates assume regular charging and usage, of course.
CHINS LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Lithium-ion Battery
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The CHINS LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Lithium-ion Battery is the best kayak trolling motor battery for many reasons. For one, it might be slightly more expensive than other batteries at $550, but it’s one excellent lithium kayak trolling motor battery. While there are cheaper ones on the market, this one boasts an Ah of 100, a 10-year warranty, and an extremely stable output with 12V at 90 percent of its capacity usage. The best part? Besides being easy to install, the batteries are eco-friendly and pose no threat to the environment. Moreover, the in-built BMS protects the battery from getting overcharged or over-discharged. Not only is it 50 percent lighter than a lead-acid battery, but also it can be used as soon as it’s charged. Last but not least, the battery even supports solar cell charging and can be connected in series and parallel for larger voltage and capacity.
Specifications
- Weight: 24 lbs
- Amp-hours: 100
Pros:
- Runs at 12V for 90 percent of capacity usage.
- 10-year service life and warranty.
- fast charging.
- Lightweight and small.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- Price rises for higher Ah models.
Universal Power Group 12V 100Ah Battery
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Yet another good product is the Universal Power Group 12V 100Ah Battery, this is a decent GMA battery. This is the perfect choice for kayakers who want to travel long distances with their motors or who want to use their motor for lengthy periods. It might weigh 64 lbs, but it boasts an excellent output and a longer life efficiency. The spill-proof battery is free from cumbersome maintenance. Moreover, the battery is resistant to both vibrations and shocks, and can be mounted anywhere and in any position too. Featuring a one-year warranty, the battery is also sealed well and comes in a rugged case with a rope-carrying handle. And as is with any lead-acid battery, don’t allow it to get discharged below 50 percent.
Specifications
- Weight: 64 lbs
- Amp-hours: 100
Pros:
- Long service life.
- Can be mounted in any position.
- Resistant to shocks and vibrations.
Cons:
- On the heavier side.
- Mounts and harnesses aren’t included.
Mighty Max Battery 12V 35AH Trolling Motor Battery
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For its dirt-cheap price of $64, the Mighty Max Battery 12V 35AH Trolling Motor Battery is the best value-for-money kayak trolling motor battery. It works well for most kayak trolling motors for estuaries, lakes, and even in calm ocean settings close to the shoreline. Aside from the long lifespan, the battery even comes with a 30-day refund policy as well as a complete one-year warranty. The battery can also be mounted in any position and is resistant to both vibration and shocks. Whether you’re kayaking in low temperatures or high ones, this battery gives you a long-lasting performance. Aside from being maintenance-free, the spill-proof battery makes for an excellent buy.
Specifications
- Weight: 20 lbs
- Amp-hours: 35
Pros:
- Deep discharge recovery.
- Long service life.
- Works in a wide range of temperatures.
- Vibration and shock-resistant.
Cons:
- Mounts and harness not included.
- Slightly lesser output as compared to others.
Renogy Lithium-Iron Phosphate Battery
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There’s a lot to like about the Renogy Lithium-Iron Phosphate Battery, an excellent lithium kayak trolling motor battery. If money is no object, then this marine battery might just be the best choice. Weighing only 28 lbs, it delivers the same output and power as higher-power, and that too weighing roughly just about 33 percent of their weight. When it’s treated and maintained well, this battery can provide a stellar 7,000 number of recharge cycles, which is far more than any other conventional deep cycle peer in the market. Much like its competitive peers, the lower the output, the longer the battery life of the product. If that wasn’t enough, the in-built battery protection system optimizes the battery’s performance by automatically balancing the cells and providing protection against over-heating, short circuit, over-current, over-discharging, and over-charging.
Specifications
- Weight: 28 lbs
- Amp-hours: 100
Pros:
- Long service life.
- Powerful.
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Slightly expensive.
Optima Batteries 8016-103 D34M BlueTop
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Optima is well-known in the kayaking and boating world, and its Optima Batteries 8016-103 D34M BlueTop is no exception. It’s the best kayak trolling motor battery for reliable dual-use, and you’ll even find it on lots of bass boats as well. For kayakers and paddlers, the ability of the Optima motor battery to also double as a starting motor is as important as the relatively lightweight of the motor. Weighing just 43.5 lbs, this is a slim-and-trim choice that offers 55 Ah, which basically translates to an hour at a throttle rate of 100 percent. If you can take your own sweet time in a low throttle setting or aren’t running long distances, then this Optima battery offers you a performance you need at a weight you can fairly manage. Finally, it even manages optimal starting power in the harshest weather and climates, living up to its name.
Specifications
- Weight: 43.5 lbs
- Amp-hours: 55
Pros:
- Lightweight.
- Manageable.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- Short service life, but that could be due to improper charging.
VMAX MR127 12 Volt 100Ah AGM Deep Cycle
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The VMAX MR127 12 Volt 100Ah AGM Deep Cycle is pretty much tough to take on anything and everything. The robust and well-built battery can take on a good beating and plenty of abuse of the outdoors. So, if you’re headed out in rougher or harsher environments, then this is what you look at. At 67 lbs, this battery is no lightweight one, so you’ll need to think carefully about how much that will affect your kayak’s performance and space, of course. While it’s not small, the battery box can easily slide into the stern well storage. However, the best news is that it provides 100 Ah of power, which is enough for running a kayak continuously for about 100 minutes at 100 percent throttle. However, if it’s kept in the lower 50 percent setting, then you can wrangle a battery life of as much as 3-4 hours!
Specifications
- Weight: 67 lbs
- Amp-hours: 100
Pros:
- Tough.
- Powerful.
Cons:
- Heavy.
- Expensive.
Interstate Batteries SLA AGM Deep Cycle Battery
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Yet another best kayak trolling motor battery is the Interstate Batteries SLA AGM Deep Cycle Battery. It was originally designed to power electric wheelchairs. However, over time, its small size and weight have made it an extremely popular choice for running fishfinders and trolling motors on small kayaks and boats. Weighing just 23 lbs, it’s one of the lightest trolling motor batteries on this list. So much so, that you’ll have a really hard time finding anything lighter than this. It’s quite small, too. So, if you can ditch the larger battery box and instead opt for or DIY fashion a tough plastic bin, then it’s easily portable even with the carry case. When it comes to weight and size, it’s a consideration that kayakers will take seriously. Coming to performance, the motor battery offers 35 Ah of power and can run for 30 minutes at 100 percent.
Specifications
- Weight: 21 lbs
- Amp-hours: 35
Pros:
- Budget-friendly.
- Small.
- Lightweight.
Cons:
- Short battery life.
Battle Born Deep Cycle Marine Battery 100-Ah
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The Battle Born Deep Cycle Marine Battery is one of a kind, and for more reasons than one. Firstly, this LiFePO4 battery boasts a power and storage capacity of 100 amp-hours. This lithium kayak trolling motor battery also has an extremely long life expectancy, and famously lasts as long as 10x more than conventional batteries. Plus, they even come with a 10-year warranty! Weighing merely 31 lbs, it’s one of the lighter batteries on the list and still has the storage capacity of a 68-lbs lead-acid battery. Made from 100 percent safe and non-toxic material, this high-end battery is perfect for situations where you require faster charging time, a lightweight power source, and a high current. All you need to do is make sure that the trolling motor is used with a 50/60 amp fuse.
Specifications
- Weight: 31 lbs
- Amp-hours: 100
Pros:
- Lightweight.
- Excellent performance.
- Long life.
Cons:
- Expensive.
Universal 35-Ah Battery For Trolling Motor
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The Universal 35-Ah Battery For Trolling Motor is another best kayak trolling motor battery that’s a small, deep-cycle battery. Weighing just 22 lbs, it’s again one of the lightest batteries on the list. If you have a smaller trolling motor such as the ones from Watersnake, then this one is perfect. The SLA/AGM-style battery pack is a non-spillable and sealed lead-acid battery, making it not only mountable in any configuration but also innately maintenance-free. What’s more, it comes with a one-year warranty, but the battery is expected to last at least three to five years. Coming to its performance, it lasts over an hour with 100 percent throttle, and more if you run it at a lower percentage. Finally, it even comes with a nifty carry handle, which makes it extremely portable too.
Specifications
- Weight: 22.5 lbs
- Amp-hours: 35
Pros:
- Low maintenance.
- Long life.
- Comes with a carry handle.
- Lightweight.
Cons:
- Slightly less power as compared to the other 100 Ah ones on the list.
Odyssey Trolling Thunder Marine Battery
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Yet another good deep-cycle battery is the Odyssey Trolling Thunder Marine Battery, which is a dual-purpose mane battery. With a reserve capacity of 135 minutes, the battery stores 68 Ah of power and has 880 cold-cranking amps, which is more than enough to star even the most powerful of trolling motors. There’s a lot to like about this battery, starting with the fact that it can go up to two years without being charged and thus has a great shelf life too. It also works up to 400 cycles, which is great as compared to other batteries in its category and price range. Featuring an absorbent glass mat that’s spillproof and high purity lead plates, the battery is extremely resistant to corrosion and is a great conductor too. Maintenance-free with a sealed design, you get a long lifespan, accessory power, trolling power, and starting power all in one battery.
Specifications
- Weight: 49.5 lbs
- Amp-hours: 68
Pros:
- High-performing motor.
- Resistant to corrosion.
- Maintenance-free.
Cons:
- Some users mentioned that the deep cycle isn’t very effective.
Vmaxtanks Vmax SLR-125 Deep Cycle Battery
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Yet another best kayak trolling motor battery is the Vmaxtanks Vmax SLR-125 Deep Cycle Battery, which is an excellent AGM deep cycle battery with incredible storage capacity. With a reserve capacity of 260 minutes, the battery has 125 Ah of power which is the highest one on this list. So, if you’re going to use it as a standalone trolling motor battery, then this is an excellent choice. One of the best parts about this battery, though is that it’ll run for more than three hours at maximum speed, which is the highest on this list. Plus, it’s compatible with most trolling motors too. The military-grade design utilizes custom-made deep cycle plates and boasts a life span of as much as 10 years. Finally, the AGM design ensures the battery is maintenance-free and spill-proof too. It does weigh 75 lbs, but it has a large carrying handle that makes it very portable too.
Specifications
- Weight: 75 lbs
- Amp-hours: 125
Pros:
- Large carrying handle.
- Long life span.
- Military-grade design.
- The highest power of 125 Ah.
Cons:
- Expensive.
Optima D27M Deep Cycle Marine Battery 66-Ah
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Yet another Optima product makes an appearance on this list, and this time it’s the Optima D27M Deep Cycle Marine Battery 66-Ah. With 66 Ah of storage on a 5 amp battery discharge, it’s the perfect in-between size for the blue top series. Plus, it even has a reserve capacity of a whopping 140 minutes. While most deep cycle batteries have square flat plates, this one has spiral-wound cylindrical cells with a lead oxide outer layer. Plus, these cells are tightly wound up, which also makes them resistant to both corrosion as well as vibrations. The maintenance-free battery is also spillproof and can also be mounted in virtually any position that’s possible. Finally, it even holds up to three times more recharge as compared to other marine batteries.
Specifications
- Weight: 25 lbs
- Amp-hours: 66
Pros:
- Maintenance-free.
- Spillproof and versatile.
- Resistance to vibration and corrosion.
Cons:
- Some users mentioned that the battery doesn’t last longer than two years.
Mighty Max 55-Ah Trolling Motor Battery
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It’s only fitting that a Mighty Max battery sits atop the list of best kayak trolling motor battery options. Behold the Mighty Max 55-Ah Trolling Motor Battery, which is a high-performing and high-quality maintenance-free sealed lead-acid (SLA) battery. This non-spillable battery can be mounted in many ways, even on its side and its 55 Ah capacity will work with trolling motors as well. At the same time, it weighs just 36 lbs and will be perfect to use on a small boat or any kind or size of kayak. Also, it works perfectly for trolling motors that feature a thrust of 40 lbs or lesser. Besides being resistant to both vibrations and shocks, the motor battery boasts long-lasting performance in both low and high temperatures. Plus, it even has a complete one-year warranty as well as a 30-day refund policy. The best part? It costs just $100.
Specifications
- Weight: 36 lbs
- Amp-hours: 55
Pros:
- 30-day refund policy and a one-year warranty.
- Resistant to shocks and vibrations.
- High-quality build and performance.
Cons:
- None!
