When fishing, a trolling motor becomes crucial so you can troll at slow speeds without scaring the fish away. However, with so many options in the market and different manufacturers offering motors with different specifications, it can be hard to make the right choice. What makes this more complicated is that trolling motor batteries don’t come with the label “for trolling motors” written on them, so how do you know which to choose?
When you’re out on longer fishing trips, there’s a lot more that you’ll need besides a reliable trolling motor, such as a source of power to run your fishing appliances and other devices. This is where you can choose Jackery Solar Generators. They’re reliable, and you can use them both indoors and outdoors to run most of your appliances with ease. A solar generator is also quiet and thus won’t scare the fish away.
Key Takeaways
This guide discusses several key points that explain the different types of trolling motor batteries, their ratings, and how to charge them. Here’s a quick summary of these points.
- A trolling motor battery is designed to keep the boat’s electric motor running at slow speeds without interruptions.
- There are several types of trolling motor batteries, such as flooded lead-acid batteries, absorbed glass mat batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and deep marine cycle batteries.
- A trolling motor battery can be charged using solar panels, a Jackery Solar Generator, an onboard charger, or a trolling motor alternator.
- A lithium-ion battery is the best choice as it has the longest lifespan, around 10 years, and is easy to maintain.
- You should always maintain your trolling motor battery well by checking it for corrosion, using a corrosion protectant or spray, topping it up with distilled water, and using a high-quality charger.
What is a Trolling Motor Battery?
A trolling motor battery is specifically designed to run the electric trolling motor on your boat so you can fish or cruise for hours without interruptions. Its key purpose is to keep your boat trolling at slow speeds while you fish, and it’s designed to be quieter than your boat’s primary motor so it doesn’t scare the fish away.
Unlike many other batteries, they can also withstand the burden of deep discharges, which means that you can drain them completely and then recharge them without any significant damage to their components.
Types of Trolling Motor Batteries
When you go out in the market to buy a trolling motor battery, you will come across various types with different use cases and specifications, which can make your decision difficult. This section takes you through all the major types of batteries you’ll find, along with their pros and cons, so you can decide which is the best option for your intended use.
Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries
A flooded lead-acid battery is the oldest and most common trolling motor battery. This workhorse will take care of all your needs. They’re also priced rather reasonably and are often used for recreational power demands, which makes them ideal for when you’re out fishing for longer durations.
Pros
- They’re the most affordable type of trolling motor battery you’ll find.
- They’re widely available in the market.
- They last a minimum of 2-3 years, which gives them a reasonably long lifespan.
Cons
- They’re heavier than other batteries and have a shorter lifespan when compared to them.
- To ensure they run in prime condition, you’ll need to perform regular maintenance on them, such as checking and refilling the distilled water.
Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Batteries
AGM batteries are a great option if you want an upgrade from a flooded lead-acid battery. They’re more durable and last a lot longer. These use an electrolyte-soaked fiberglass mat that’s tightly woven between the lead plates instead of the traditional free-flowing electrolyte. Their durability means that they last a lot longer and can run for a minimum of 3-5 years.
Pros
- They’re maintenance-free and spill-proof as they don’t need to be topped with distilled water like a flooded lead-acid battery.
- They’re durable and can last at least 3-5 years if maintained well.
- They perform a lot more efficiently in colder temperatures, making them a lot more versatile.
Cons
- They cost a lot more when compared to a traditional lead-acid battery.
Lithium-ion Batteries
In the past few years, lithium-ion batteries have become the most common choice for powering trolling motors, fish finders, and other such accessories or devices. While they’re more expensive than the other types, they also have a much longer lifespan of around 10 years, which translates to about 2000-5000 charge cycles.
Pros
- They’re lighter when compared to lead-acid and AGM batteries and also charge a lot quicker.
- They can handle many more charge cycles than their counterparts, which also gives them a much longer lifespan of about 10 years rather than 2-5 years.
Cons
- The initial cost of purchasing them is higher, but their longevity makes them cost-effective in the long run.
Deep Cycle Marine Batteries
The next option is the deep-cycle marine battery, which is designed to use smaller amounts of energy over longer durations, making it perfect for trolling. While you won’t find the “deep cycle” terminology written on most batteries, all lithium-ion or LiFePO4 batteries are designed to run in this manner.
Pros
- They’re designed to produce low energy outputs over extended periods, which makes them ideal for activities such as trolling.
- You can use them for various purposes, such as for GPS, sonar, running fish finders, or even running a trolling motor.
- You can drain them to 80% without causing any damage to the battery whatsoever.
Cons
- Deep marine cycle batteries, or marine generators, especially the lithium-ion kind, have a high initial cost to purchase.
- The thick plates inside these batteries make them considerably heavier than other varieties, especially if they contain electrolytes.
Each of the batteries mentioned above has been used to run trolling motors for a long time, which makes them reliable in their own ways. Among the options mentioned above, lithium-ion batteries are the most preferred option as they’re technologically more advanced and much more durable, with lifespans of about 10 years. This makes them cost-effective despite the high initial investment.
However, with more renewable options coming into the market, solar generators are also slowly becoming a common option for people in fishing communities. Jackery Solar Generators are one such example, as they have a high capacity and can run most of the appliances mentioned above.
Group Size and Amp-Hour Ratings
When you’re looking for a trolling motor battery in the market, you’ll find quite a few ways to identify it, one of which is the group size. While there are several different sizes, some of the most common ones for marine appliances in boats are 24, 27, and 31.
The group size is merely a way of identifying the physical size of a battery (length x width x height), which helps identify where the battery will fit when used for its marine applications. The table below offers some clarity on these three popular group sizes.
|
Group Size |
Length |
Width |
Height |
|
24 |
10.25” |
6.81” |
8.87” |
|
27 |
12.06” |
6.81” |
8.75” |
|
31 |
13.00” |
6.72” |
9.44” |
Another way of distinguishing between trolling motor batteries is in terms of their amperage. The amp-hour rating tells you how much amperage a battery can provide when you use it over exactly one hour. In other words, it shows how long a battery can maintain charge when it outputs a given amperage.
For example, a boat battery with a 100 amp-hour rating, which powered a trolling motor with an output of 20 amp-hours, will run for 5 hours when it’s constantly running. This is how this is calculated: 100 amp-hour battery / 20 amp-hour trolling motor = 5 hours.
The table below shows you the amp-hour rating when you consider which battery is good, better, and the best in terms of its amperage, group size, and amp-hour rating.
|
Run Time |
Voltage |
Group Size |
Amp-Hour |
|
Good |
12 |
24 |
70-85 amp-hours |
|
Better |
12 |
27 |
85-110 amp-hours |
|
Best |
12 |
31 |
95-125 amp-hours |
How to Charge Trolling Motor Batteries
When you’re out fishing for white river trout or other fish on the water, you might come across a situation in which your trolling motor gives way, and you’ll find that it’s run out of charge. While this can cause a lot of inconvenience, there are various ways to charge a trolling motor’s battery, some of which are described below.
Solar Panels
Solar panels are the ideal and most sustainable way of charging your trolling motor when you’re out on the open water. The first thing you’ll need to ensure is that the solar panels you choose have sufficient output to charge your trolling motor for extended periods of time. You’ll also have to place the solar panels in a way that they get the most sunlight so they can absorb maximum solar energy to run your trolling motor battery.
A Jackery Solar Generator is a good option to consider. It comes with foldable solar panels that can continuously absorb solar energy and convert it to DC and then AC electricity via the portable power station. This ensures a continuous charge supply for your trolling motor or any other accessories on a bright day.
Solar Chargers
A solar charger is typically a smaller and more portable option to charge your trolling motor battery, but the only downside to these is their compact nature, which results in low output. So, if the trolling motor has a higher wattage than the output your solar charger can provide, you might not be able to charge it sufficiently.
Onboard Charger
If your boat has an onboard charger, it can be the ideal setup for charging a trolling motor’s battery. Your trolling motor’s battery can be constantly connected to it to ensure it never runs out of charge.
Marine Battery Charger
A marine battery charger can also be a great option, but you must ensure that it’s suited to charging marine batteries so they can withstand the risks of being in an aquatic environment with lots of moisture. These are typically compact and lightweight, which makes them easier to carry on a boat no matter what size or how long you’re out on the water.
Dual Battery Setup
A dual battery setup is a more foolproof solution. One battery is used to run the trolling motor, and the other is used to charge or revive it if needed. So when the trolling motor isn’t being used, the second battery can be used to charge it. This setup allows you to rotate both batteries so you never run out of charge on the water.
Trolling Motor Alternator
Some trolling motors are also compatible with alternator systems, which can generate electricity while the motor is running to keep the boat cruising at slow speeds. This electricity can then be used to charge the trolling motor’s battery directly, making it rather efficient when you’re out on a lake. The highlight of these is that they require no manual intervention.
Jackery Solar Generators for Trolling Motor Batteries
Jackery is one of the best and most well-known brands that manufactures solar generators, solar panels, and portable power stations. The Jackery Solar Generators seamlessly combine the Jackery Portable Power Stations with the Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels.
When you place the solar panels under direct sunlight, they absorb solar energy from the sun’s rays and convert it into DC electricity. This is then passed through the pure sine wave inverter in the portable power station to convert it to AC electricity.
Jackery Solar Generators are ideal for charging your trolling motor batteries as they’re portable and can be carried on your boat. They also rely on renewable energy and are quiet, so you won’t have to worry about scaring the fish away as a result of any loud noises.
Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro
The Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is the brand’s high-capacity solar generator that can charge 99% of your outdoor appliances. The solar panels are foldable, allowing you to carry them on your boat or even if you’re heading out camping. The portable power station has a handle with which you can wheel it, making it a great camping generator. This solar generator is also cold-friendly, which means it can withstand cold temperatures in the winter. It can also be fast-charged via solar charging or using a wall adapter.
Appliances Running Time:
- Smartphone (29W) = 88.6H
- Drone (90W) = 28.5H
- Smart Speaker (10W) = 257H
- Portable Refrigerator (60W) = 42.8H
- Camera (8.4W) = 306H
Customer Review:
“We took our Explorer 3000 Pro with us on a dry camping trip, which was a total success. Instead of having to rely on our generator like we normally do, the Jackery literally carried any load we needed it to, and the solar recharging was awesome!” - Andrew.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is an expandable solar generator with foldable solar panels and a portable power station that you can wheel wherever you go. It has a long-lasting LiFePO4 battery with a lifespan of 10 years and can charge 99% of your outdoor appliances when you’re on a boat. Depending on your needs, you can also charge this using solar charging or a wall adapter, making it versatile enough for you to use indoors and outdoors.
Appliances Running Time:
- Smartphone (29W) = 59.8H
- Drone (90W) = 19.2H
- Smart Speaker (10W) = 173.6H
- Portable Refrigerator (60W) = 28.9H
- Camera (8.4W) = 206.7H
Customer Review:
“I have used the 2000 Plus, and it operates great. I ran an Iceco refrigerator for 5 days and went to 67%! Will try solar panels! More to do! I’m impressed!” - Mark.
How to Choose the Best Trolling Motor Battery
With so many options, choosing the right trolling motor battery can be difficult, but there are a few things you should keep in mind to help you make your decision easier.
Choosing the Right Battery Type and Group Size
Before choosing the right battery type and group size, evaluate your boat's performance, output, and space needs. Your budget will also play a key role. Remember that you should never mix battery types in 24 and 36-volt systems.
Battery Capacity
You should also remember that the higher the amp-hour rating of your battery, the more run time you’ll get. This will allow you to stay out on the water and fish for longer. If the battery doesn’t have an amp-hour rating, they should choose one with at least 180 minutes of reserve capacity.
Choose Deep Cycle Batteries
No matter what battery type you choose, you should always opt for a deep-cycle battery, which is designed to output low amounts of energy over longer periods.
Choose Sustainable Options
Solar energy is one of the most sustainable forms of energy and ensures that your trolling motor battery or other fishing accessories never run out of charge. A solar generator, for example, is an excellent option as it's also portable and built using robust materials that can withstand exposure to aquatic environments.
Maintenance & Care Tips
Like any other battery, you must maintain your trolling motor battery well to last long without any trouble when on the water. Here are a few tips that can help you care for your battery better:
- Inspect your battery routinely for signs of corrosion. If you find any, disconnect the connectors and brush away any that you can see. Then, reconnect and tighten the connectors with pliers to ensure they’re secure.
- Use an anti-corrosion or corrosion protectant spray to keep your battery free from any signs of wear and tear in the long term.
- Keep checking your battery’s voltage. If you don’t see a significant drop from the battery to the connector, this could be a sign of a wiring problem.
- If the engine struggles to start, your trolling motor doesn't last long, or it makes strange noises, you should get it checked immediately.
- Use a high-quality solar charger to ensure you don’t damage the battery in the long run. Jackery Solar Generator is ideal for this purpose as it’ll ensure the long life of your battery by safely charging it each time. Always get as much information as possible from those around you, such as if you are part of a fly fishing forum.
- If you’re using a lead-acid battery, you should check its distilled water levels and top it off whenever needed. You should also always wear rubber gloves and safety goggles when operating these batteries to avoid accidents.
Trolling Motor Batteries FAQs
What size solar generator do I need for my trolling motor battery?
The right size of the solar generator you need in your trolling motor battery will depend on how many appliances you need it to run when you’re out fishing. For example, if you’re using the Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro to run a smartphone (29W) and a portable refrigerator (60W), here’s how you can calculate the working hours:
Working Hours = Battery Capacity in Wh × 0.85 ÷ Operating Wattage of the Appliance = 3,024Wh × 0.85 ÷ 89W = 28.8H
Note: The 0.85 is the power conversion factor multiplied by the battery capacity to account for power loss when charging the appliances.
What is the longest-lasting battery for a trolling motor?
The longest-lasting battery for a trolling motor is a lithium-ion battery, which has a lifespan of about 10 years, compared to lead-acid batteries, which last between 2 and 3 years.
How long will a 100Ah battery run a trolling motor?
A 100Ah battery will run a 20Ah trolling motor for 5 hours. This is done by dividing the battery's output by the trolling motor's output.
How many amp-hour battery do you need for a trolling motor?
It’s recommended to have at least a 100Ah battery to run a trolling motor for your fishing boat to ensure the battery doesn’t fault. If you want a higher output, you can also choose a 125Ah battery.
Why is my trolling motor dying so fast?
One key reason your trolling motor might be dying really fast is that you might not be using it on calm water. When the motor has to fight the chop and waves, it will require more power, and its battery will also die quickly.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right trolling motor battery is crucial to ensure you can spend long hours on the water fishing. You can choose from various kinds of batteries, including lead-acid batteries, AGM batteries, or even lithium-ion batteries. A lithium-ion battery will cost the most but last the longest and is the easiest to maintain. Jackery Solar Generator is the ideal solution to keep your trolling motor charged safely without making too much noise and ensure you have enough charge for extended trips.
How do you charge your trolling motor battery when you’re out fishing? Have you considered using solar generators for this purpose? Let us know in the comments below!
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