Best Lithium Battery for Trolling Motor
When it comes to powering a trolling motor, choosing the right battery is essential for getting the most out of your boating experience. Thanks to advances in battery technology, lithium batteries have emerged as the top choice for many anglers and boating enthusiasts. In this blog post, we'll discuss the benefits of using a lithium battery for your trolling motor and highlight some of the best options available on the market.
Why Choose a Lithium Battery for Trolling Motors?
There are several reasons why lithium batteries have become the go-to choice for powering trolling motors:
Longer life: Lithium batteries have a longer lifespan compared to traditional lead-acid batteries. In fact, a quality lithium battery can last up to 10 times longer than its lead-acid counterpart.
Lightweight: Compared to lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries are much lighter, which means you can save on the overall weight of your boat and increase its performance.
Faster charging: Lithium batteries can charge much faster than lead-acid batteries, which allows you to spend more time on the water.
- Consistent power output: Unlike lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries maintain a consistent voltage output as they discharge, ensuring that your trolling motor performs at its best throughout the entire use of the battery.
Best Lithium Batteries for Trolling Motors
Now that we know why lithium batteries are the superior choice, let's take a look at some of the top contenders in the market. Our top picks are based on factors such as performance, price, and customer reviews.
Battle Born LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery
The Battle Born LiFePO4 Deep Cycle battery is a top-notch choice for trolling motor enthusiasts. With its 100 amp-hour (Ah) rating, 3,000 to 5,000 life cycles, and built-in Battery Management System (BMS), this battery offers exceptional performance and longevity. The BMS helps protect against overcharging, over-discharging, and high temperatures, ensuring a safe and reliable experience. What's more, the battery has a five-year warranty, which is a testament to its quality.
Dakota Lithium Trolling Motor Battery
The Dakota Lithium Trolling Motor Battery is another excellent option suitable for various trolling motors. Boasting an 80 Ah rating and 2,000 life cycles, this battery can power your boat for extended periods, ensuring you make the most of your time on the water. The Dakota Lithium battery is also equipped with a BMS, providing the same safety and reliability features as the Battle Born battery.
ExpertPower 12V Lithium LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery
ExpertPower's 12V Lithium LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery is an affordable option while not sacrificing quality. With a 100 Ah rating and 2,500 life cycles, it offers impressive performance and is designed to work well with trolling motors. In addition, this battery boasts a lightweight design, making it a suitable choice for those who need to shed some pounds off their boat setups.
Conclusion
Selecting the best lithium battery for your trolling motor can make a significant difference in your boat's performance and your overall experience on the water. We've highlighted three excellent options, but it's essential to consider your budget and specific trolling motor requirements when making your final decision.
Investing in a quality lithium battery will not only ensure a great boating experience but also save you money and hassle in the long run due to its impressive lifespan and reliable performance. Happy boating!
What is the best lithium battery for a trolling motor?
LiFePO4 batteries, or lithium iron phosphate batteries, are considered the best choice for a trolling motor due to their long battery lifespan, high performance, and low-maintenance qualities. These lithium marine batteries are perfect for boating enthusiasts and anglers who want a reliable and efficient power source for their trolling motors.
How do LiFePO4 batteries compare to other battery types for trolling motors?
LiFePO4 batteries have several advantages compared to traditional lead-acid or AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries:
- Longer lifespan: LiFePO4 batteries have a significantly longer battery life, usually up to 2000 charge cycles or more, while lead-acid or AGM batteries have a typical lifespan of 300-500 charging cycles.
- Lighter weight: Lithium batteries have a higher energy density, providing the same power as traditional batteries while weighing significantly less. This means easier handling and reduced weight on your boat.
- Faster charging: LiFePO4 batteries can charge up to 5 times faster than AGM batteries, allowing you to spend more time on the water and less time waiting for your battery to charge.
- Low self-discharge rate: Lithium batteries have a low self-discharge rate, which means they can hold their charge longer when not in use.
Do LiFePO4 batteries require a special charger?
Yes, LiFePO4 batteries require a specific charger or a charger with a special lithium setting to charge properly, as their charging profiles differ from traditional lead-acid batteries. Using the correct charger will ensure optimal performance and protect your LiFePO4 battery from overcharging or discharging, which can shorten battery life and cause damage.
Are LiFePO4 batteries more expensive than other trolling motor batteries?
Initially, LiFePO4 batteries may have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional lead-acid or AGM batteries. However, considering their longer lifespan, enhanced performance, and low maintenance requirements, lithium batteries can actually save you money in the long run due to fewer replacements and better efficiency.
Is it safe to use a lithium iron phosphate battery for a trolling motor?
Absolutely! LiFePO4 batteries are known for their stability and safety. Unlike some other lithium-ion batteries, lithium iron phosphate cells are resistant to thermal runaway and less prone to overheating, making them an ideal choice for trolling motors in marine environments. Furthermore, they do not emit harmful gases, making them an eco-friendly choice as well.
In conclusion, LiFePO4 batteries are an excellent option for those looking for a reliable, high-performance battery for their trolling motors. They offer numerous benefits over traditional batteries, such as a longer lifespan, lighter weight, faster charging, and increased safety, making them well worth the initial investment.
Additional Questions
Which lithium battery is most suitable for a trolling motor?
When looking for a high performance battery for a trolling motor, a top brand that comes to mind is Dakota Lithium. Top tournament anglers greatly favor Dakota Lithium’s batteries thanks to their exemplary efficiency and reliability when used with electric trolling motors, even under the toughest conditions. Their superior build enables them to power your trolling motors for longer periods, ensuring that you have a smoother, uninterrupted fishing experience.
How long can a 55 lb thrust trolling motor run on a 100Ah battery?
A 50Ah battery can maintain a 55 lb thrust trolling motor at full speed for about an hour. But realistically speaking, we rarely use trolling motors continuously at maximum speed. With that in mind, a 100Ah battery is plenty. With careful usage and power management, it should be able to efficiently power a 55 lb thrust trolling motor for an entire day of fishing. Based on my personal experience, this allows for extended periods of fishing without the worry of the battery draining out.
Why is it not recommended to use lithium batteries with trolling motors?
Lithium batteries usually sustain higher voltage levels over longer periods in comparison to Lead-Acid batteries. They can go up to 14-16V, as opposed to 13V for Lead-Acid batteries. The main reason why lithium batteries aren’t typically recommended for trolling motors is that these motors are built for usage with batteries that output a maximum of 13V, mostly settling at around 12V. This is mainly to ensure that the trolling motor does not overheat and that battery life is preserved. It’s important to remember to check your trolling motor’s voltage specifications before choosing a battery.
Which is the best battery for a Minn Kota trolling motor?
For those using a Minn Kota trolling motor, the best option would be going for a 12-volt deep cycle marine battery. Ideally, you should look for one with a minimum rating of 110 amp hours, preferably in a group 27 size. The higher the amp-hour rating, the longer your battery’s runtime. This would translate to less hassle of charging or swapping out batteries, allowing you to focus on your fishing. Personal experience has taught me that it’s always better to have a battery that delivers more than expecting less and falling short during critical moments.