Top 10 Best Trolling Motor Batteries For Kayak (Uninterrupted Backup) Reviews

Kayak paddling can be a fun sport. However, it can often seem a hassle especially if you want to get to your location fast! This is where trolling motors come in! A kayak trolling motor is a small electric motor that is used to move a boat without any noise to avoid spooking the fish out.

A good, powerful trolling motor battery can help you get the most out of your kayak. They can make travel easier and safer. Curious to know what’s the best trolling motor battery? Read ahead and find out our top recommendations. But first, let’s learn more about these batteries!

Batteries For Beginners – What To Look Out For?

Best Trolling Motor battery with so many trolling motor batteries in the market, you are bound to be confused about which one to choose. For instance, you can find numerous trolling motor batteries in Walmart. These batteries can range widely in terms of capacity, reliability, and quality.

As a beginner, you might not be aware of some of the most desirable features of batteries. However, the real confusion is due to the fact that most batteries are quite versatile. You will find that folks use them to power a variety of equipment and not just trolling motors for kayaks. One might be great for an RV, another might be great for a wheelchair, and however, they might fall short when it comes to trolling motors.

Thus, it can be more difficult to figure out which one would be best for your boat. Not to worry though! We have listed some of the most critical factors you should consider when choosing the best trolling motor battery for kayaks:

Top Rated Trolling Motor Batteries

Types of Batteries

Needless to say, there are many types of batteries in the market. Folks often don’t pay attention to the type of battery as they think that it has no effect on the quality. However, they are dead wrong! The wrong battery type can result in low quality, reduced performance as well as higher maintenance costs.

If you want maximum power from your motor, we suggest you pay special attention to the type of battery you are buying. Research beforehand what each type has to offer to your kayak. The three main types of trolling motor batteries are:

• Wet Cell Batteries

Wet Cell Batteries are more commonly known as flooded cell batteries. This is due to the fact that they use liquid acid. These batteries are quite popular in the automotive industry. They are easy to operate and most manufacturers find them easy to design as well. This is why you’ll find that most wet cell batteries are affordable.

Moreover, these batteries have an average lifespan of about 2 years. They can easily withstand frequent charges and discharges. However, they require much more maintenance. This is due to the liquid acid construction where you may be required to add water.

What’s more, is that are prone to leakages and spills. Furthermore, they are not resistant to shock and vibrations. This can be disastrous especially for kayak trolling motors where you will be travelling over the roughest of waves and leakages might occur. In addition, they generate Hydrogen gas which needs ventilation to mitigate.

• AGM Batteries

AGM batteries are perhaps more popular when it comes to trolling motors. This is because all the acid is absorbed inside a fibreglass mat, thus earning them the name ‘Absorbed Glass Mat Batteries’. They are sealed so they do not leak or spill acids.

What’s more, is that there are regulated valves that allow for better mitigation of any gases. Moreover, they can be used in a variety of different positions without the fear of leakages. Also, they are quite resistant to vibration and shocks. This makes them the perfect candidate for use as a boat battery.

They do not require any maintenance and can last twice as long as wet cell batteries. While they can work perfectly in cold weather, too much heat can damage them. In addition, if not used with the correct charger, you can run the risk of overcharging them. Lastly, they tend to be costlier than their wet counterparts.

• Li-ion Batteries

These batteries are found in most electronic gadgets such as smartphones, computers, and remote-controlled cars and boats. They have only recently entered the market for trolling motors. However, their high performance and reliability have made them an instant hit.

The Lithium trolling motor battery tends to be the most expensive out of all the three types. They are lightweight and can charge faster. In addition, the charge tends to last for a long time. Due to the lightweight design, they do not hinder the speed of the boat. Thus, they can be easily used in tournaments.

Furthermore, they are durable and sturdy. If maintained at the right temperature, below 105 degrees, they can last for about 10 years. They are also quite resistant to spills and leakages so you can easily use them in most kayak applications.

• Weight of the Battery

Another important aspect is the weight of the battery. If you have a small trolling motor, pairing it up with a heavy battery will weigh it down immensely. Too heavy of a battery can also slow you down and your kayak. A heavier battery can be harder to carry around as well.

However, if the kayak has a large weight capacity, say 500 lbs, then a 40-50 lbs battery won’t be too much of a concern.

Most batteries weigh between 20-50 lbs. Generally, we recommend that you go for batteries below 30 lbs if it can provide sufficient power. Going for a lightweight battery is useless if it does not supply the amperage you need.

• Amp-hour rating

One of the most important features to consider is the amperage or the amp-hour rating of the battery. The amperage is usually mentioned as Ampere-hours or Ah. This unit determines the amount of charge your battery can provide you in an hour. It basically determines how long your battery will last for each charge for a particular motor.

You’ll find that smaller batteries will provide you with about 15 to 50 Ah while the larger batteries may offer up to 100 Ah. The higher the number, the longer the battery will last and the more power it will provide your motor.

First, find out how many amperes your motor needs to operate. If your motor needs 5 amps, then a 55Ah battery will be able to run it for 11 hours while a 35Ah battery will run it for 7 hours. At the same conditions, a 100Ah battery will run it for about 20 hours! Most often you can find the capacity by finding out what battery group size chart your particular battery falls into!

• Cold Cranking Amps

Cold Cranking Amps determines the amps the battery provides in the first half-minute while it powers up at 0 deg F. This is an important feature as your battery might take a lot of power to start up. This might affect its reserve capacity later on as it will lose a large amount of power in the start.

• Wet Cell vs. Dry Cell Battery

The following table depicts the main differences between the Wet Cell and Dry Cell battery:

• Wet Cell Battery and Dry Cell Battery

Description A wet cell battery uses a liquid electrolyte. It is known as a flooded cell since the liquid floods all parts of the battery. Another name is Vented cell since gases are produced which need to be vented out. A dry cell battery uses a paste electrolyte instead of a liquid one. They are more commonly used in homes as well as in most industrial applications.

Mounting Can be mounted in the upright position only, otherwise, it might cause spills. Can be mounted in multiple directions.

Portability Hard to move since they might spill acid on the user. Easy to move.

Gases Produce gases that are toxic. Do not produce any gases.

Maintenance Need to be maintained for leaks, water, and acid gravity. No maintenance needed.

Shock Resistance Not resistant to shocks or vibrations as they can easily spill. Resistant to shock as well as vibrations of all kinds.

As you can see, the wet cell batteries are not really the best in design for kayaks as they can spill acid and are harder to maintain. Dry cell batteries can easily keep up with the rough waves and last much longer.

Check out our trolling motor battery reviews ahead!

1: Mighty Max Battery 12V Power Lightweight Trolling Motor For Kayak

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If you’re looking for an affordable option to power your kayak, then the Mighty Max 12 Volt battery is perhaps the best battery for a trolling motor. The Sealed Lead Acid battery delivers a high charge of 55 AH, which means it can run an 11-ampere motor for about 5 hours. This makes it perfect for long tours and fishing trips.

What’s more, is that the battery is maintenance-free! This means you’ll be saving on maintenance costs as well. Furthermore, it features the Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) technology that allows for a spill-proof performance using a valve regulated design.

Another important feature is that you can mount the battery in a number of different positions. Furthermore, the battery is quite small in size, having dimensions: 9.02 x 5.43 x 9.13 inches. You can fit it anywhere without worrying about space.

Moreover, the mighty max battery has a high discharge rate which ensures better performance as well as a long run life. Not only that, but the battery can work in all kinds of temperatures as well. This makes it easier to use it in all kinds of weather and climates.

You’ll find that the boat battery is quite durable as it features heavy-duty calcium-alloy construction. In addition, the battery is resistant to shock and vibration, which means the roughest of waves cannot damage it. To top it all off, the Might Max Trolling Motor battery comes with a 30-day refund policy as well as a 1-year warranty to help you secure your investments.

2: VMAX MR127 100Ah AGM Deep Cycle Trolling Motor Battery For Kayak

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If you’re looking for a tougher battery with more power, then switch over to the VMAX MR127. The 12 Volt deep cycle battery comes with a rating of about 100Ah which is quite high. This makes it perfect for sea or touring kayaks where you might spend the whole day out on the sea. It can easily handle about 40lbs of thrusting power from a trolling motor quite easily.

The rechargeable battery can provide you with 12 hours on the lowest speed, while at a medium speed, it can run for 7 hours straight. The battery uses the AGM technology as well to ensure leak-free operation as the electrolyte is absorbed inside the Matt. It also means that you don’t need to constantly add water, ensuring a maintenance-free operation.

What’s more, is the durable and sturdy construction which makes it perfect for rolling n the waves. The Heavy-duty lead and tin alloys ensure a better performance even after consecutive discharging. In addition to this, it has a longer life span of about 8-10 years.

This trolling motor battery box is a little expensive than others, however, you’ll find that the extensive features are definitely worth every penny! Moreover, it is heavyweight at about 68 lbs. This makes it unsuitable for smaller boats and kayaks.

However, you’ll note that the battery is not quite bulky as it has the following dimensions: 12.1″ x 6.7″ x 8.2″. This makes it perfect for small boat motors. The small size, as well as the carrying handles, make it easier to carry the battery. No matter what kind of trolling motor you have, you can trust blindly on the VMAX MR127 to power it for ages to come.

3: Mighty Max ML35 12 V Small Trolling Motor Battery For Kayak

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The Mighty Max ML35 is the best trolling motor battery for those looking to run smaller boats. This battery runs at 35 AH which is quite sufficient for smaller boats. Moreover, this is a very lightweight battery, weighing about 24 pounds. This makes it perfect for smaller capacity boats that cannot handle too much weight.

The 12 V battery is a sealed acid AGM battery. This ensures that the battery remains free of any potential leaks or spills. It can help you save up on maintenance costs as it is maintenance-free. The battery is quite compact in size, having dimensions: 7.68 x 5.176 x 7.13 inches.

The best part is that the Mighty Max battery is quite affordable yet it still comes jam-packed with a wide variety of features. Also included is a deep discharge recovery which means that the battery will recharge quickly even after getting discharged to a significant extent.

No need to worry about fitting it into the kayak as it can be mounted in various positions without any effect on the excellent performance. What’s more is that the battery is resistant to shock and vibrations so, you can take it out to the roughest of waves and it will last longer.

The lifespan of the small 12 V battery is quite long and it can even perform in the most extreme temperatures. In fact, you can run it for about 3 hours to power a 30 lbs. thrust trolling motor. The battery is backed by a 1-year warranty as well as a 30-day refund policy.

4: ExpertPower Standard Trolling Motor Battery For Kayak

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The Expert Power Standard Battery is yet another powerful battery perfect for smaller kayaks and boats. In fact, this is actually a battery pack consisting of two 12 Volt 18 ah batteries. Connecting them together would give you about 24 V so, if you’re interested in running a boat at 24 V, this should be the perfect option for you.

If you thought the Mighty Max was affordable, you’re in for a shock. These are in the extremely low price range where a double pack costs less than most single packs. These are sealed lead batteries and we have found them to be quite reliable for most kayaks.

This trolling motor battery box is maintenance-free which makes it easier for you to use. They are also valve-regulated for easier operation. In addition, the Expert Power Battery pack uses AGM Technology to allow for a safer operation as well. What’s more, is that the battery pack can operate at a wide range of temperatures.

Since these 12-volt deep cycle batteries are AGM sealed, you can mount them in any position you like as they won’t leak. The two batteries are quite sufficient even for a larger boat, as you can easily replace them during your travel time.

Each of the batteries weighs about 24 lbs, which is quite lightweight. Furthermore, these batteries are compact as they measure about 7.1 x 3.1 x 6.6 inches. Moreover, they are quite easy to install and include a durable and rugged construction that lasts a long time.

5: VMAXTANKS VMAX Trolling Motor Battery For Kayak

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VMAX is perhaps one of the most reliable brands in the market. So, it should come as no surprise that the VMAX Tanks 35AH AGM Battery is as reliable as it is durable. The small 12-volt battery consists of heavy-duty grids, made from lead and tin alloys. This allows for durability as well as excellent performance. Also, it grants it a longer service life in all kinds of float or cyclic applications.

What’s more is that the battery can be used in all kinds of weathers and climatic conditions. The AGM technology allows for a maintenance-free operation. No more hassles with adding water or checking on the electrolyte!

Also included in the best AGM battery is a special valve that helps regulated any accumulated gases. This makes for a safer functioning battery. The VMAX 857 is the perfect choice for trolling motors with a thrust of 18-35 lbs.

The 35Ah capacity battery ensures a long-lasting charge perfect for short to medium-sized trips. The battery self-discharges at about 1 – 2% per month. This is quite a leap from conventional deep cycle batteries that usually discharge at rates of 3 – 4% per month.

What’s more is that the battery is quite easy to install since it can be mounted in all kinds of positions. This is due to the leak-proof AGM Technology. The ABS plastic case, as well as the high-quality metallic plates, further add to the overall durability of the battery.

If you’re still not convinced then perhaps the 2-year warranty will help change your mind. All in all, the VMAX battery is reliable, durable and ensures high-quality performance for all small boat motors.

6: Optima BlueTop Marine Trolling Motor Battery For Kayak

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The Optima D34 is at the higher end of the price range, however, its price is completely justified by the power it packs. This Optima top rated battery is quite versatile and is often regarded as the best AGM battery. What’s more, is that the 55Ah capacity makes it perfect for longer trips out in the saltwater. In fact, it can provide consistent power for about 120 hours.

That’s not all! It can recharge easily within 35 minutes. Furthermore, it can operate in all kinds of extreme weather. So, you won’t have to worry about starting your kayak in the extreme cold.

The battery is 15 times more resistant to shock and vibration which adds to the sturdiness of the unit. This means you can easily use it for kayaking down the roughest of rapids without any worries.

Like all the other batteries on our list, the Optima battery uses AGM Technology to hold all the battery acid. This means no more worrying about spills and leaks. This also helps you cut down on any possible maintenance costs.

Moreover, the battery weighs about 43.5 lbs. and is quite small in size. This makes it easier to carry and store. The AGM technology further makes it easier to install and mount in any position.

With the Optima battery, you can leave it unused for almost a year without worrying about discharging. What’s more, is that the internal resistance of the battery ensures that you can recharge it instantly. It is more suited for 30-55 lbs thrust trolling motors.

FAQs:

How Long Does Battery Last On Each Charge?

A common question you need to consider when buying your battery is how long it will last. It depends on the type of battery you are buying as well as the motor you are using. Another major factor is speed. It’s quite obvious that a boat travelling at a higher speed will use up battery faster than one travelling at lower speeds.

Then there’s the load you’re pulling along with you. If the kayak is too heavy, your motor might require higher amps to pull it along.

If you want to find out how long your particular battery will last, then first find out how many amps your motor requires. You can find the Ah from the battery group size chart. Divide the amperage of the battery with the amps of the motor. This will give you the time (in hours) of how long the battery will last.

An example calculation is shown below:

• Battery: 55Ah
• Motor: 5 Amperes
• Hours: 55/5 = 11 hours

How Long Do They Take To Charge?

The time a battery takes to charge depends on the amp rating on the charger. If the charger has a higher ampere rating, it will generally charge your battery faster. Of course, it also depends on the size of your battery. If your battery can hold a larger amount of charge, then it will take longer to fully charge.

A common problem with most batteries is overcharging. However, wet-cell batteries are much prone to overcharging. This can lead to corrosion which in turn can lead to a circuit breaker. This can highly diminish the lifespan of the battery.

On the other hand, undercharging can also negatively affect the lifecycle. So, we recommend that you recharge your battery fully. Generally, lithium-ion batteries are the fastest to recharge. There is a number of chargers available in the market, including solar chargers, portable chargers as well as regular electric ones.

Best Way to Store Battery:

When you store your battery for a long time, the battery tends to naturally discharge over time. The discharge rates range from 1% to about 15% per month. The lower the natural discharge rate, the better it is. We recommend storing your battery in a dark, cool place as the cold can slow down the discharge rate.

Follow these tips to ensure proper storage of trolling motor batteries:

• Place your battery in a dark place below room temperature
• Keep different types of batteries separate
• Clean your battery before storing it
• Remove any corrosion from the batteries
• Recharge your batteries before keeping them in storage

Keep checking on the charge of the battery. Generally, if it goes lower than 80%, recharge it. If it goes lower, the battery might disintegrate.

Use a trickle charger or low amp charger to charge them extremely slowly.

The lifespan of the Battery:

The Lifespan of the battery indicates how long it will last in the long run, As we have already mentioned, Lithium trolling motor batteries can last for a decade if kept under proper conditions while the wet cell batteries last merely 2 years. On the other hand, an AGM battery will last for about 4-5 years.

The lifespan of the battery is greatly affected by the storage conditions. If you follow the above tips, you are bound to buy your battery an extra life. Too much heat can quickly disintegrate them. Afloat cycle demands much less charging, so using your batteries for a floating cycle can help you extend the life of the battery.

A deep cycle can often result in damage due to overheating. In a deep cycle, you will be using the battery to start the motor which can often drain a large amount of power. This can require frequent charging and discharging.

Bottom Line: