For a trolling motor to function, it needs a battery to power it. Without power, the trolling motor won’t spin and as a result, the boat won’t move. But since there are so many trolling motor marine batteries on the market, choosing the best from the rest can be quite a daunting task. A battery that is great for one boat may not be suitable for another. For this reason, you must check out different trolling motor batteries and find out which one best suits your needs and budget. Read the Best Trolling Motor Battery Reviews article to know more about this.
In this review, we’ve included the top trolling motor batteries and a buyer’s guide to help you make an informed choice. The best trolling motor battery has a dual-purpose and deep cycle battery. So, before choosing one of them, you need to know what your needs are.
Best Trolling Motor Battery Comparison Chart
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Top 10 Best Trolling Motor Battery Reviews 2023
Here are the best trolling motor batteries:
Table showing the best deep cycle batteries of 2023
| Product | Type of Cell | Voltage | Capacity |
| Vmax MR127 | AGM | 12V | 100Ah |
| Universal Power Group Solar Wind AGM battery | AGM | 12V | 100Ah |
| Odyssey 31M-PC215OST-M dual purpose battery | AGM | 12V | 100Ah |
| Optima Batteries 8016-103 D34M BlueTop battery | AGM | 12V | 75Ah |
| Mighty Max ML55-12 SLA Deep Cycle Battery | AGM | 12V | 55Ah |
| Interstate Batteries DC0035 Deep Cycle Battery | AGM | 12V | 35Ah |
| Exide Edge FP-AGM24DP Flat Plate Marine Battery | AGM | 12V | 75Ah |
| Banshee Deep Cycle Marine Trolling Motor Battery | AGM | 12V | 77Ah |
| Mighty Max Battery SLA for Minn Kota Endura C2 – Trolling Motor Battery | AGM | 12V | 35Ah |
Vmax MR127 12-volt 100Ah Deep Cycle Maintenance battery
The Vmax MR127 12-volt 100Ah deep cycle battery is one of the best trolling motor batteries on the market. This is a Group 27 battery, which means that you can easily install it in any Group 27 battery box. On top of that, it is well made as it features a durable plastic housing that can resist damage from vibration and other wear and tear that batteries face daily. Just continue reading to find out the more best trolling motor battery on the market.
Technical Specifications of the MR127-100 Deep Cycle, High-Performance AGM Battery
| Features | Vmaxtankx deep cycle battery-MR127 |
| 20-Hour Capacity: | 100AH |
| PHCA***: | 1580A |
| Reserve Capacity @25 Amps: | 200 |
| Terminal Posts: | 8mm (included) |
| Width: | 6.7 in |
| Length: | 12.1 in |
| Height: | 8.2 in |
| Weight: | 68lb |
| Charging Current*: | 7A-30A |
| Charging Voltage: | 14.4-14.9V |
| Nominal Voltage: | 12V |
| Group Size: | BCI: 27 |
| Float Voltage: | 13.5V-13.8V |
| Float service life span: | 8 to 10 years |
This battery delivers outstanding deep cycle performance and is rated 100 ramps per hour. So, you can go into deep waters to fish or have fun without worrying about a short runtime. It also doesn’t require maintenance and the trolling motor battery charger recharges quickly when compared to other similar battery models. With a 30-day money-back guarantee and 1-year warranty, this is a good trolling motor battery to invest in.
Pros:
- Extremely durable battery
- It delivers outstanding deep cycle performance
- Charges quickly and thus can be used in a very short while
- Great at resisting vibration
- Doesn’t need any maintenance as it doesn’t need any water or fluids
- Simple to carry with the plastic handle
- 1-year warranty
Cons:
- It is quite expensive when compared to competitor models
- The battery is heavy which makes installation in the battery compartment somehow difficult
Universal Power Group 12V Solar Wind AGM Batteries
The second battery on our best trolling motor battery list is the Universal Power Group 12V Solar Wind AGM battery. This battery is best suited for use with a trolling motor or to store energy for a home solar energy system. Since it features AGM technology, this battery will perform at a high-level and recharge quickly. Also, it is very durable as it is made of a spill-proof design thus it doesn’t need any maintenance.
Read More about the Universal Power Group Battery Review Here
The Universal Power Group 12V trolling motor battery is a high-quality deep cycle battery with a 100-amps per hour rating. Unlike most deep cycle batteries, this unit will only lose approximately 3% of its capacity every month. However, you will need to acquire a second battery for starting your motor. So, if you are looking for the best trolling motor battery on a budget, maybe this isn’t suggested for you but don’t worry because there are more on the list.
Technical Specifications of the Universal Power Group 12V 100Ah AGM
| Features | Universal Power Group Battery- 12V 100Ah |
| 20-Hour Capacity: | 100AH |
| Standby Use: | 13.6-13.8V |
| Cycle Use: | 14.5-14.9V |
| Width: | 6.61in |
| Length: | 12.17in |
| Height: | 9.16 in |
| Weight: | 63.93 Lbs |
| Rechargeable: | Yes |
| Spill-proof battery: | Yes |
Pros:
- Can be mounted in any position
- It is a maintenance-free battery
- Very reliable deep cycle battery
- It is easy to fully recharge the battery
- Offers resistance to shock and vibration
- Sold at an affordable price
- 1-year warranty
Cons:
- This battery cannot be used to start your boat or even a vehicle. This is because it is a deep cycle battery and you will have to use it together with a starting battery.
Odyssey 31M-PC2150ST-M Trolling Thunder Marine Dual Purpose Battery
The Odyssey 31M-PC215OST-M trolling thunder marine dual-purpose battery is created to operate in all tricky conditions. It has cold-cranking amps of 880, which are capable of starting heavy-duty vehicles and boast easily. Besides, this battery is very durable and has one of the longest life cycles of 10-years. Additionally, it is designed to defy hard conditions as it is vibration resistance. This means that shock and unnecessary damage will not affect battery performance.
Read More about the Odyssey Marine Battery Review Here
Even though this battery is heavy, it comes with a sturdy handle for easy lifting and installation. Since it is an AGM battery, you won’t have to maintain it thus it is less costly in the long run. This battery can be used to start power on the trolling motor as it is a dual-purpose battery. Despite being costly, this is a good purchase and it is backed up with a 3 and 4-year warranty.
Technical Specifications of the 31M-PC2150ST | ODYSSEY Batteries
| Features | Odyssey TROLLING Thunder Marine Dual Purpose Battery, 31M-PC2150ST-M |
| PHCA**: | 2150 |
| Voltage: | 12 Volt |
| Ah 20 hr rate: | 100 |
| Reserve minutes: | 205 |
| Length: | 13.00 in. (330.2 mm) |
| Width: | 6.80 in. (172.7 mm) |
| Height: | 9.39 in. (238.5 mm) |
| Weight: | 77.8 lbs (35.3 kg) |
| Terminal: | SAE and 3/8″ stud (pos) 5/16″ stud (neg) |
| Warranty: | 5-year warranty |
Pros:
- 70% longer life cycle compared to traditional deep cycle batteries
- Greatest recharge efficiency of any battery
- Retains high stable voltage for longer periods of time
- It is both vibration and shock-resistant
- Non-spillable design thus can be mounted in any position
- Handle for easy carrying and installation of battery
- 3 and 4-year warranty
Cons:
- The battery is expensive
Optima Batteries 8016-103 D34M BlueTop Starting Deep Cycle Marine Battery
Optima batteries are one of the most trusted deep cycle batteries and also considered the best trolling motor battery on the market. The Optima batteries 8016-103 D34M BlueTop is the best battery for individuals looking for a dual-purpose battery. It can be used for both starting and deep cycling. Moreover, it has a 120-minute reserve capacity and cold cranking amps of 750. That why it is ideal for starting boats and RVs.
Read reviews about the Optima d34m Here
Additionally, the Optima batteries 8016-103 D34M is sturdily made as it features two stainless steel stud posts and a strong polypropylene case. One of the unique features of this battery is that it can withstand up to 15 times more vibration than similar competitor models. Also, it can start the trolling motor even in the coldest environments. So, it is very reliable and comes with a 2-year warranty.
Technical Specifications of the Optima Batteries 8016-103 D34M Bluetop Batteries
| Features | Optima marine battery- d34m |
| C20 Capacity: | 55 Ah |
| CCA: | 750 Amp |
| Reserve Capacity @25 Amps: | 120 Minutes |
| Group Size: | BCI: 34 |
| Width: | 6.88 in |
| Length: | 10.06 in |
| Height: | 7.94 in |
| Case Material: | Polypropylene |
| Internal Resistance: | 0.0028 |
| CA: | 870 Amp |
| MCA: | 870 |
| Post Type: | Dual SAE & 5/16 Stainless Stud |
| Case Color: | Light Gray |
| Cover Color: | “OPTIMA” Blue |
Pros:
- Durable construction
- Can be used to start or run the trolling motor as it is a dual-purpose battery
- Requires no maintenance as it is an AGM battery
- 12-volts is great for boat
- Can be installed in any position or angle
- Excellent at resisting vibration
- Outstanding reserve capacity of 120-minutes
- 24-month warranty
Cons:
- The battery can be damaged easily through overcharging
- It is not as efficient as a deep cycle battery or a starting battery
Mighty Max Battery Electric Trolling Motor Deep Cycle Battery – 12V
The Mighty Max 12V Pontoon Electric trolling motor deep cycle battery is an affordable and powerful battery for powering your boat. This is an AGM battery thus it doesn’t need any maintenance. Furthermore, it has a long service life and can operate well in extreme temperatures. It is also great at resisting vibration and shock.
Technical Specifications of the Mighty Max Battery 12V 55Ah Power Boat Pontoon Electric Trolling Motor
| Features | Mighty Max Battery – 55Ah |
| Voltage: | 12 Volt |
| Amperage: | 55 AH |
| Chemistry: | SLA, AGM |
| Weight: | 38.58 Lbs |
| Dimensions: | 9.02 inches x 5.43 inches x 9.13 inches |
| SLA: | 12 |
| Warranty: | 1-year |
This rechargeable battery can be mounted in any position and it is suitable for medium-sized boats, kayak, and Pontoon boat. It can operate very well for 4 hours but it takes long to full recharge. Overall, this is a reliable battery that you can depend on as you go fishing. Moreover, the manufacturer offers a one-year warranty.
Pros:
- Maintenance-free battery
- Great at resisting both shock and vibration
- Has a long service life
- 12-volts battery
- Performs outstandingly in both high and low temperatures
- 1-year full warranty
Cons:
- Needs monitoring during charging as overcharging can damage the battery
- It takes many hours to fully recharge
- Don’t drain this battery to zero as it will take more than 24 hours to fully recharge
Interstate DCM0035 Sealed Lead-acid AGM Deep Cycle Battery
If you’re looking for a compact trolling motor battery for your small kayak or boat, then this is a good option for you. The Interstate sealed lead-acid AGM battery is a deep cycle battery best suited for small boats. The 23-pound battery is also easy to transport and install in any position. It requires no maintenance as it is an AGM battery.
Read More reviews about the Interstate Batteries Here
The Interstate DCM0035 sealed lead-acid battery is rated at 35Ah and it provides good and consistent power that will keep your trolling motor running. In addition, it can handle knocks and bumps as it is sturdily made to last long. Also, the battery recharges quickly but you should be on the lookout so that it doesn’t overcharge.
Technical Specifications of the Interstate Sealed Lead Acid (AGM) Deep Cycle Battery – DCM0035
| Features | Interstate Sealed Lead Acid (AGM) Deep Cycle Battery |
| CCA: | 315 Amp |
| Amp Hour Capacity: | 35 |
| Chemistry: | Sealed Lead Acid AGM |
| Voltage: | 12 Volts/35 AH |
| Polarity: | |+||||||-| |
| Length: | 7.75 |
| Height: | 7 |
| Width: | 5.2 |
The battery is in the group U1 or GT9L non-lithium category. As a result, you should ensure that it is the right battery for your boat before replacing the old one. Unlike most batteries on the market, the manufacturer offers a 45-day money-back guarantee and a 1-year warranty.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and portable for easy transportation
- Durable construction and can withstand daily wear and tear
- Can be installed in any position as it is an AGM battery
- Small in size but still powerful with consistent power
- The battery charges quickly
- Long 45-day money-back guarantee and 1-year warranty
Cons:
- Lacks the power for people who want great deep cycle power
Optima Batteries BlueTop Starting and Deep Cycle Battery I 8052-161 D31M
The Optima D31M BlueTop is a powerful battery suitable for both starting and deep cycle. It is the best battery for boats with trolling motors and functions perfectly as an RV battery for RVs. The battery has a great running time and provides more recharges than the conventional battery. Apart from that, it is resistant to vibration and can defy knocks.
Read More reviews about the Optima D31M Review Here.
When it comes to installation, this battery can be set up in any position as it has a spillproof design. Also, it doesn’t need maintenance but still performs at a high level. The high reserve capacity of 155-minutes gives the user a longer shelf-life thus delivering the power that they need. Apart from that, it has a unique SpiralCell design that is a strong power source and also which ensures that the user and their surroundings are safe. With a 2-year warranty and reliable power, this is a great model to invest in for your trolling motor.
Technical Specifications of the D31M Replacement Battery for Marine Deep Cycle
| Features | Optima Batteries D31M Bluetop Starting & Deep Cycle Battery 8052-161 |
| CCA: | 900 Amp |
| Case Material: | Polypropylene |
| Reserve Capacity @25 Amps: | 155 Minutes |
| Group Size: | BCI: 31 |
| Width: | 6.56 in |
| Length: | 12.81 in |
| Height: | 9.38 in |
| C20 Capacity: | 75 Ah |
| Internal Resistance: | 0.0025 |
| CA: | 1125 Amp |
| MCA: | 1125 |
| Post Type: | Dual SAE & 5/16 Stainless Stud |
| Case Color: | Light Gray |
| Cover Color: | “OPTIMA” Blue |
Pros:
- Sturdy construction that protects it from knocks and bumps
- Dual-purpose battery for starting and deep cycle
- 15-times more vibration resistance than similar models
- Excellent starting power even in bad weather
- Outstanding reserve capacity of 155-minutes
- Maintenance-free battery
- Faster recharge time
- Resistant to vibration
- 2-year warranty
Cons:
- Some users have noted that the battery fails to charge at times
Exide Edge FP-AGM24DP Flat Plate AGM Sealed Marine Battery
Exide is one of the top battery companies in the world. The brand has all kinds of batteries on offer but we will look at one of its models for trolling motor. The Exide Edge FP-AGM24DP flat plate marine battery is sturdily constructed to withstand the daily bumps and knocks. This is a dual-purpose battery thus it can be utilized for both starting and running the boat. Also, you can power on electrical appliances on your kayak or boat – if you have any.
Read More reviews about the Exide Marine Battery Here
This AGM battery can be installed in any position as it is spillproof. Additionally, the battery has an excellent reserve capacity of 145-minutes, allowing you to stay for several hours on the water. Aside from that, it is maintenance-free and the manufacturer provides a 2-year warranty.
Technical Specifications of the Exide Edge AGM Flat Plate Dual Purpose Marine Battery
| Features | Exide Edge FP-AGM24DP Marine Battery |
| Cranking amps (CA) at 32 F: | 930 |
| Cold-cranking amps (CCA) at 0 F: | 775 |
| Battery Capacity (mAh): | 75000 |
| Battery Size: | 6-cell |
| Battery Power Type: | Lead Acid |
| Cell Type: | Specialty |
| Electrolyte type: | Battery Acid |
| Safety & Security Product Type: | Battery |
| Terminal Type: | Screw |
| Voltage (volts): | 12 |
| Group size (BCI): | 24 |
| Warranty: | 24-month free warranty |
Pros:
- Sturdy construction
- Maintenance-free battery
- Outstanding reserve capacity of 145-minutes
- Durable handle for easy carrying
- Can be mounted in any position
- Dual-purpose battery for both starting and deep cycle
- 2-year warranty
Cons:
- The battery is quite heavy and challenging to install
- It is quite costly when compared to similar batteries
- Some users say that it doesn’t hold a charge for long
Banshee Deep Cycle Marine Best Trolling Motor Battery Group 27
Delivering up to 800 CCA and 77Ah, this is a great battery for your RV and trolling motor. It is sturdily constructed to defy tough conditions and has dual post terminals. It also has an excellent recharge time for long-lasting performance. This is a powerful trolling battery with more battery plates than conventional batteries.
Technical Specifications of the Banshee Deep Cycle Marine Trolling Motor Batteries
| Features | Deep Cycle Marine Battery |
| Amp Hours: | 77 |
| Cold-cranking amps (CCA) at 0 F: | 800 |
| Reserve Capacity @25 Amps: | 114 |
| Post Type: | Dual Post Terminals |
| Weight: | 37lb |
| Dimensions: | 12.2 x 6.8 x 8.9 |
| Electrolyte type: | Battery Acid |
| Voltage (volts): | 12 |
| Group size (BCI): | 27 |
| Warranty: | 24-month free warranty |
This group 27 marine battery features a built-in hydrometer which easily indicates the current state of the battery’s life. Banshee deep cycle battery is maintenance-free, which means that you won’t be adding water or other liquids in it. Besides, the battery can be mounted at any angle and carrying it is easy as it has a flip-up carrying handle.
Just like many other top marine batteries on this list, Banshee can start your boat even in the toughest conditions. Also, the manufacturers back up the product with a 2-year warranty.
Pros:
- Can be installed on its side or upside down
- Maintenance-free battery
- Durable construction for longevity
- Hydrometer battery level indicator
- Can be used for cranking and lighting
- Outstanding recharge time for durability
- 2-year warranty
Cons:
- Some users say that they received batteries that are a few months old
Mighty Max ML35-12 Battery 12V 35AH SLA Trolling Motor Battery
If you want a versatile but affordable battery, then the Mighty Max ML35-12 SLA trolling battery is great. This battery can be used for various functions, including powering your trolling motor, starting the car engine, consumer electronics, golf carts, solar, motorcycles, medical mobility, and much more.
Technical Specifications of the Mighty Max Battery –ML35 – 12 Volt 35 AH SLA
| Features | Mighty Max Battery |
| Voltage: | 12 Volt |
| Amperage: | 35 AH |
| Chemistry: | SLA, AGM |
| Weight: | 23.15 Lbs |
| Dimensions: | 7.68 inches x 5.16 inches x 7.13 inches |
| SLA: | 35 |
| Warranty: | 1-year |
The Mighty Max ML35-12 weighs just 23.15 pounds, which means it is lightweight and very portable. Therefore, installing it is easy and so is transporting it. The battery can be mounted in any position and it is maintenance-free. It is good at resisting vibration and shock, thus you can rely on for over a long period of time. Unlike some batteries, this one works perfectly both indoors and outdoors. It also comes with a 1-year warranty, so you can invest in it without worrying.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design
- Mountable in any position
- Maintenance-free battery
- It is great at resisting vibration and shock
- Operates well in extreme environments
- Long service life
- Can be utilized for a wide range of functions
- Affordable price
- One-year warranty
Cons:
- It is lacking in power thus only suitable for small boats
- Don’t drain the battery up to zero as it will take more than 24 hours to fully recharge
- It needs to be recharged for around 8 hours
Trolling motor battery buying guide
If you want to land the best trolling motor battery, you should consider a few things before selecting. In this guide, we’re going to look at some of the vital things to consider.
Sealed AGM or wet cell lead-acid battery?
Lead-acid batteries are the most common batteries on the market. These batteries utilize an electrolyte to flood the lead plates and that’s why they are usually heavy. Besides, lead-acid batteries need regular maintenance as the user has to inspect the fluid levels and monitor corrosion. One of the issues associated with lead-acid batteries is a vibration which reduces the battery’s overall lifespan.
This is not the same case with sealed AGM batteries. These batteries are maintenance-free and very durable. Also, most are vibration resistance, meaning the battery will last longer.
Deep cycle battery or starting a battery or dual-purpose battery
Trolling motors require a firm and consistent source of power. As a result, you will have to utilize a reliable battery such as a deep cycle battery or dual-purpose battery. This is because unlike the starting battery, these two batteries discharge a large percentage of their total capacity over time. On the other hand, a starting battery discharges a large amount of power at once to crank and start the engine. Because of this, you can’t only have a starting battery inside your boat to power your trolling motor, but you will need a deep cycle or dual-purpose battery.
Deep cycle batteries are great at discharging a great capacity over a long period and last longer. While the dual-purpose battery is created to crank the engine and deliver a consistent source of electrical power for trolling motors. So, the dual-purpose battery serves both the functions of a starting and deep cycle batteries. And by reviewing this best trolling motor battery, you might now have the idea which one to choose.
Voltage
When selecting a trolling motor battery, you also need to look at the voltage. Getting a battery with a good voltage, such as 12-volt, is important. In some cases, some batteries have 24-volts or 36-volts, but these are best suited for very large boats. For small and medium-sized boats, the best batteries to select should have 12-volts.
Reserve capacity
If you intend to spend a lot of time in the water, you need to consider the duration of your battery. You don’t want to be stranded in the middle of a lake or ocean at night. Therefore, you need to look at the reserve capacity that the battery has. This is normally measured in amps per hour. Select a battery with at least 100-amp hours. This is enough time and it will allow you to accomplish many things.
Brand
Don’t just go for any brand. Ensure that you pick your trolling battery from some of the most reputable brands on the market. If you select a battery from an unknown brand, then you don’t know what to expect from it. Some parts could be unreliable or they may not offer support if you have a problem. Some of the most popular battery brands include Optima, Vmax, Universal Power Group, Mighty Max, Odyssey, and Interstate batteries.
Price
Apart from selecting your trolling motor from a reliable brand, another factor to consider is the price of the battery. Some battery models are more costly than others. Always check out the features and performance of batteries before looking at the price. However, the top on performance of the best trolling motor battery is more costly than the least-performing ones.
Warranty
Last but not least, you need to look at the warranty. Not all manufacturers offer good warranties. Some provide a 10-year warranty, others a 5-year warranty, and even some a 1 or 2-year warranty. The best brands offer the longest warranties, with some even offering a lifetime warranty. A good warranty adds confidence in the product as you’re sure that you’re protected.
Besides the warranty, you should also go through reviews and confirm whether the brand offers support or if the warranty is just another selling point for the brand. This will help you make your final judgment before buying the best trolling motor batteries.
Conclusion
Buying the right and the best trolling motor battery for your boat is very important. This is because it will determine how fast your boat can go and how long you will last in the water. Don’t purchase a battery because it is cheap but buy because it has the features that you want for your trolling motor. Compare different batteries from different brands and choose the one that best fits your boat size and the tasks that you want it to perform. Just know that there is no perfect battery, and you must decide between deep-cycle and dual-purpose batteries.
With our detailed review of the best trolling motor batteries, you can now pick a battery with the desired features and is within your budget.
FAQs
What size of battery should I select for my trolling motor?
The trolling motor on your boat determines what battery size to select. Therefore, you need to know what group-size battery is ideal for your boat. Picking the wrong battery size might leave you in the middle of the water when your battery power depletes. For a small boat, a Group 24 battery that delivers up to 85-amps per hour at 12V is great. A group 27 battery that delivers up to 110-amps per hour at 12V is ideal for a normal boat. And for a larger boat, a group of 31 batteries that delivers up to 125-amps per hour at 12V will be perfect.
What duration does the AGM battery perform to its full capacity?
The duration the AGM battery lasts varies from one battery brand to another. Some batteries last up to 10 years, while others have a short lifespan of 2 to 3 years. Another key factor determining how long a battery lasts is its charger. A quality and recommended battery charger will ensure your battery doesn’t spoil quickly.
Is picking the right battery charger for my battery important?
Yes, it is. This is because different trolling battery manufacturers recommend different types of chargers. Apart from selecting an ideal charger, you also need to select a charger with the right amperage and it should be compatible with your AGM battery. However, picking a battery charger that is recommended by the manufacturer will help extend the life of your battery.
Should I choose a lightweight or heavy-trolling motor battery?
This depends on what you intend to do with the battery. A heavy battery will be a good choice if you want a powerful battery that will run for longer and last longer. Most heavy trolling batteries have more lead in their core, making them heavy, powerful, and with longer run time.
Why are deep-cycle batteries great for trolling motors?
This is because trolling batteries are designed to discharge power over a long period of time. As a result, they are great for trolling motors as the boat or Kayak may be out there for 7 hours or even more. For this to take place, you will need a powerful battery that can run for longer hours. A conventional battery will deplete power quietly, while a deep cycle battery will last for a longer period.