A trolling motor is a small electric motor that is attached to a kayak, canoe, or other small boat, and is used for propulsion. Trolling motors are usually powered by batteries, which can be either lead-acid or lithium-ion. Lead-acid batteries are the most common type of battery used in trolling motors. They are relatively inexpensive and have a good power-to-weight ratio. However, lead-acid batteries are not as efficient as lithium-ion batteries, and they require more maintenance. Lithium-ion batteries are more expensive than lead-acid batteries, but they are also much lighter and more efficient. Lithium-ion batteries also have a longer lifespan than lead-acid batteries and require less maintenance. In this blog post, we will compare and contrast the two types of batteries used in trolling motors, and help you decide which one is right for you.
What is the best trolling motor battery for a kayak?
There are a few things to consider when choosing the best trolling motor battery for a kayak. The size and weight of the battery are important, as is the type of kayak you have. Some batteries are designed for larger, heavier kayaks while others are better suited for smaller, lighter kayaks. You’ll also want to consider how long you’ll be out on the water and how much power you’ll need.
The best trolling motor battery for a kayak depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a powerful battery that can keep your kayak moving all day long, then you’ll want one of the larger, heavier options. But if you only need a little bit of power for occasional use, then a smaller, lighter battery might be a better choice. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what’s best for your situation.
What are the different types of trolling motor batteries?
The three main types of trolling motor batteries are lead acid, lithium ion, and NiMH. Lead acid batteries are the most common type of battery used in trolling motors. They are also the least expensive option. Lithium ion batteries are more expensive than lead acid batteries, but they offer a longer lifespan and lighter weight. NiMH batteries are the most expensive option, but they offer the longest lifespan and highest power output.
What are the benefits of using a trolling motor battery?
There are many benefits of using a trolling motor battery, including the following:
- Increased fishing time – A trolling motor battery will allow you to fish for longer periods of time without having to worry about your kayak’s main battery running out of power.
- More fishing spots – A trolling motor battery will also enable you to reach more fishing spots that may be otherwise inaccessible due to shallow water or other obstructions.
- Better control and maneuverability – With a trolling motor battery, you’ll have much better control over your kayak when out on the water, making it easier to maneuver around obstacles and get into tight spaces.
- Greater peace of mind – Knowing that you have a backup battery in case your kayak’s main battery fails will give you greater peace of mind when out on the water.
The Best Kayak Trolling Motor Batteries – Reviewed
The best kayak trolling motor batteries will provide plenty of power and torque to keep your kayak moving through the water. They should also be easy to install and maintain. We’ve rounded up the best kayak trolling motor batteries on the market to help you find the perfect one for your needs.
#1. Lithium ProsTM133 12.8V 33Ah – The smallest and lightest trolling motor battery for kayaks
Type: Lithium-Ion
RC: 65 minutes
Weight: 10 lb.
Size: 5.12″ x 7.75″ x 6.37″
Lithium Pros batteries are some of the most popular on the market for kayak trolling motors. They boast a 12.8V 33Ah rating, meaning they can provide plenty of power for even the most demanding trolling motors. Lithium Pros batteries are also known for their durability and long lifespan, making them a great investment for any serious kayak fisherman.
Pros
- Crazy light!
- Very little!
- Competitively priced
- The service life of many years
Cons
- Our lowest RC
#2. Universal Power Group 12V 100Ah
Type: SLA
RC: 165-170 min?
Weight:63.93 lbs
Size: Group 27: 6.61″x12.17″x 9.16″
When it comes to trolling motor batteries, the Universal Power Group 12V 100Ah is one of the best on the market. This battery is designed for kayaks and other small watercraft, and it delivers plenty of power for a full day of fishing or paddling. The 100Ah capacity means that you can run your trolling motor for a long time before needing to recharge, and the 12V voltage is perfect for most kayak motors. This battery also has a built-in LED light, so you can easily see your battery level at a glance.
Pros
- Good RC
- In the real world, durable and reliable
Cons
- Heavy
- Big
#3. VMAX MR96-60 Deep Cycle
Type: AGM
RC:120 minutes
Weight:43 lbs.
Size5.5″x9.2″x8.38″ (with terminals).
When it comes to trolling motor batteries, there are few that can match the VMAX MR96-60 Deep Cycle. This battery is designed for deep cycle use, meaning that it can be discharged and recharged multiple times without damaging the battery. The VMAX MR96-60 Deep Cycle is also designed for high performance, meaning that it will provide plenty of power for your trolling motor.
The VMAX MR96-60 Deep Cycle is a great choice for those who need a reliable and powerful trolling motor battery. This battery is built to last and will provide plenty of power for your trolling motor.
Pros
- Light!
- Excellent RC
- In the real world, durable and reliable
- High thrust motors and high throttle settings are ideal for these engines
Cons
- It is much heavier than the TM133
- More than the TM133
#4. VMAX AGM Deep Cycle VMAX MR127 AGM Deep – The Most Powerful Trolling Motor for Kayaks
Type: AGM
RC:200 minutes
Weight: 68 lbs.
Size: Group 27; 6.75″x 12.1″x 8.2″, (8.46″ with terminators)
VMAX batteries are known for their quality and performance, and the VMAX MR127 AGM Deep Cycle Battery is no exception. This battery is designed for use with kayak trolling motors, and it delivers plenty of power to keep your motor running all day long. The battery is maintenance-free and features a sealed design that prevents leaks and spills. Additionally, the VMAX MR127 AGM Deep Cycle Battery comes with a one-year warranty.
Pros
- Amazing RC
- Reliable and durable in real life
- This is the ideal choice for powerful trolling motors that can run at high throttle settings throughout the day
Cons
- Very heavy
- Big
Learn the Difference Between Battery Types
While there are many types of batteries out there on the market, there are only a few that are well-suited for use in kayak trolling motors. In this section, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular battery types and learn the difference between them.
Lead acid batteries are the most common type of battery used in kayak trolling motors. They’re relatively inexpensive and easy to find, but they don’t last as long as some of the other options on the market.
Lithium ion batteries are becoming increasingly popular in kayak trolling motors. They offer a longer lifespan than lead acid batteries and don’t require as much maintenance. However, they can be more expensive up front.
Nickel metal hydride batteries are another option that offers a longer lifespan than lead acid batteries. They’re similar to lithium ion batteries in terms of maintenance and cost, but they may not be as widely available.
Battery Tech: SLA/VRLA/AGM and Wet-Cell vs. Lithium-Ion
When it comes to choosing a trolling motor battery for your kayak, there are a few different technologies to consider. The most common are lead-acid batteries, which come in two main varieties: sealed lead-acid (SLA) and valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA). Both of these types of batteries have their pros and cons, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your needs.
AGM and wet-cell lead-acid batteries are the most popular choice for trolling motors, due to their high power output and relatively low cost. However, they do require more maintenance than lithium-ion batteries and can be heavier and more difficult to transport.
Lithium-ion batteries are becoming increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to their lighter weight, longer lifespan, and lower maintenance requirements. However, they can be more expensive upfront and may not offer as much power as lead-acid batteries.
Ultimately, the best battery technology for your kayak trolling motor will depend on your personal preferences and budget. If you’re looking for the highest power output possible, lead-acid batteries are the way to go. But if you want a lighter weight battery with less maintenance required, lithium-ion is the better choice.
How to choose the right trolling motor battery for your kayak?
When it comes to choosing the right trolling motor battery for your kayak, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. The first is the size of the battery. You need to make sure that the battery you choose is small enough to fit in your kayak without taking up too much space. The second is the type of battery. There are two main types of batteries, lead acid and lithium ion. Lead acid batteries are cheaper but they are also heavier and not as powerful as lithium ion batteries. Lithium ion batteries are more expensive but they are lighter and more powerful. The third thing to consider is the capacity of the battery. This is measured in amp hours (Ah). The higher the Ah, the longer the battery will last before needing to be recharged.
Now that you know what to look for when choosing a trolling motor battery for your kayak, let’s take a look at some of the best options on the market:
- Minn Kota Endura C2 55lb Trolling Motor: This trolling motor has a 12-volt, 55-pound thrust and comes with a lead acid battery. It is one of the most popular trolling motors on the market and it’s great for smaller kayaks.
- Newport VesselsNV-Series 46lb Thrust Electric Trolling Motor: This trolling motor has a 24-volt, 46-pound thrust and comes with a lithium ion battery. It’s perfect for larger kayaks
Reserve Capacity
If you’re looking for a trolling motor battery with plenty of reserve capacity, the Minn Kota MK440D is a great option. With a 20-amp hour rating, this battery will give you up to 9 hours of run time at full throttle, making it ideal for long days on the water. Plus, the included charger means you can keep your battery topped off and ready to go, so you’ll never have to worry about being stranded out on the water.
Durability
A trolling motor battery must be durable in order to withstand the elements and constant use. The best kayak trolling motor batteries are made from high-quality materials that can withstand years of use. They are also designed to resist corrosion and damage from saltwater, sun, and other harsh conditions.
Ratio Price to Performance
When it comes to choosing the best kayak trolling motor battery, the price-to-performance ratio is an important consideration. There are a few factors that will affect the price of a battery, such as its capacity, voltage, and amp-hours.
As far as performance goes, the most important factor to consider is the battery’s power output. This is measured in watts, and will determine how fast your kayak can move through the water. Another important consideration is the battery’s run time, which will depend on its capacity and discharge rate.
To get the best value for your money, it’s important to find a balance between price and performance. A higher-priced battery may offer more power and a longer run time, but if you don’t need those features, you may be better off with a cheaper option. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what features are most important to you and choose accordingly.
Maintenance issues
One of the best ways to extend the life of your kayak trolling motor batteries is to perform regular maintenance on them. This includes keeping them clean and free of corrosion, as well as making sure the terminals are tight and free of dirt and grime.
It’s also important to keep an eye on the electrolyte level in your batteries, and top them off with distilled water if necessary. When storing your batteries for long periods of time, be sure to disconnect them from any chargers or other devices and store them in a cool, dry place.
Comparison of weight and performance Performance
The following is a comparison of weight and performance for the best kayak trolling motor batteries. All weights are approximate and include the battery case.
1. Battery Type: Li-ion
Weight: 2.2 lbs
Performance: Excellent, with a long run time and quick charging time.
2. Battery Type: NiMH
Weight: 3.0 lbs
Performance: Good, with a long run time but longer charging time than Li-ion batteries.
3. Battery Type: Lead Acid
Weight: 4.5 lbs
Performance: Fair, with shorter run time and longer charging time than NiMH batteries.
Size and placement
Size and placement are two of the most important aspects to consider when choosing a trolling motor battery. The size of the battery will determine how long it will last and how much power it can provide. The placement of the battery will determine how easy it is to access and how well it will be protected.
Most kayaks have a limited amount of space, so choosing a battery that is too large can be difficult. It is important to select a battery that is the right size for your kayak. The width and length of the battery should be considered when making your selection.
The placement of the trolling motor battery is just as important as the size. You will want to choose a location that is easily accessible and well protected. Many people mount their batteries in the stern of the kayak, but this isn’t always the best location. If you decide to mount your battery in the stern, make sure it is securely mounted and out of the way of your paddles.
Conclusion
We hope our guide on the best kayak trolling motor batteries has helped you make a decision on which battery is right for you. No matter which option you choose, we’re sure you’ll be happy with the results. Remember to always consult your owner’s manual before making any changes to your kayak, and happy fishing!
