All kayakers know that a trolling motor is an essential piece of equipment, allowing them to get to those hard-to-reach spots with ease. But how long does a trolling motor battery last, and what can you do to make it last as long as possible?
The answer to that question really depends on the type of trolling motor battery you have, and how much power you need it to produce.
This blog post will clear all your questions about trolling motor batteries. So read on for all the info you need.
Table of Contents
What Is a Trolling Motor Battery And What Does It Do?
A trolling motor battery is a rechargeable battery that provides power to a trolling motor. It’s connected to the motor in order to provide it with the power it needs to move across the water.
This makes it a necessary part of any kayak or other boat that uses a trolling motor for propulsion.
Different Types Of Trolling Motor Batteries
There are three main types of trolling motor batteries: flooded lead acid, gel cell, and absorbed glass mat. Each has its own unique benefits and drawbacks – I’ll talk in more detail about those below.
1. Flooded Lead Acid
This is the most common type of battery and the one that we offer here at TrollingMotors.net. It’s also known as a wet cell battery because it has liquid electrolytes inside.
2. Gel Cell or Gel-Type
The gel cell or gel-type trolling motor battery works similarly to the flooded lead acid battery, as it’s also a rechargeable battery with liquid electrolyte inside. The difference is that the gel cell is sealed and filled with a gelled electrolytic solution.
This makes it more spill-proof than a standard wet-cell battery, so if you have extra sensitive equipment or can’t afford to deal with spills, the gel cell battery is a good choice for you.
3. AGM or Absorbed Glass Mat
The last type of trolling motor battery is the absorbent glass mat (AGM) battery, also known as a valve-regulated lead acid (VRLA) battery.
How Long Does A Trolling Motor Battery Last?
Trolling motor batteries come in all shapes and sizes, and the amount of power they produce can vary widely. The power output of a trolling motor battery can range from 100 amps to 300 amps or more.
When you take into account the power required to run the motor and other components on your boat, battery life can vary dramatically depending on how much power you need. That being said, here are some general guidelines for how long a trolling motor battery will last:
- A 100-amp battery will last an average of 3 to 5 hours, and a 300-amp battery can last up to 8 hours
- The more amps you need (particularly when traveling at high speeds), the shorter your battery life is likely to be. If you’re considering upgrading your current trolling motor battery or buying a new one, this is something to take into account.
- A faster boat will drain your battery faster as well. If you have a smaller boat or a trolling motor with less power, it’s going to draw considerably less current and probably won’t impact your battery life very much at all!
Factors That Affect Trolling Motor Battery Life
There are several factors that affect how long a trolling motor battery will last, and they’re all important to take into consideration before you buy.
1. Power Output
The more power you need, the less time your battery is going to last. If you’re looking for a powerful trolling motor battery that’ll provide several hours of use at top speeds, opt for one with higher power output so it can handle the job.
If your boat isn’t very heavy or doesn’t go fast, consider buying a trolling motor with less power.
2. The Size Of The Battery
The size of your battery will impact how long it lasts. As a general rule, bigger batteries last longer than smaller ones due to their ability to hold more power for longer periods of time.
While you’ll pay more for a larger trolling motor battery, you’ll benefit from not having to replace it as often.
3. Brand And Quality Of The Battery
The brand and quality of your trolling motor battery can impact its lifespan, so it’s important to choose high-quality batteries for top performance.
4. Maintenance
If you keep up on the maintenance for your trolling motor battery by adding water or a solution as needed, you can extend its lifespan and prevent corrosion from impacting it.
If your battery is new, check with the manufacturer for proper maintenance instructions.
5. Weather Conditions
Whether it’s winter or summer, anything that affects the temperature of your battery has an impact on its lifespan.
If you tend to go boating in varying weather conditions you might need a more powerful trolling motor battery to account for shifting temperatures.
Conclusion
In the end, the amount of power you need your trolling motor battery to produce as well as other factors like its size and quality will determine how long it lasts. If you have a large boat with a powerful trolling motor, expect to have to replace it more often than someone with a smaller one using a less powerful battery.
However, if you take proper care of your battery and perform routine maintenance, you can help it last as long as possible.
I hope that this article helped you understand how long a trolling motor battery will last, and what factors impact its lifespan. Remember to account for these before you buy your next trolling motor battery!
FAQs
Q1. What is the average lifespan of a trolling motor battery?
Typically, you can get several years’ worth of use out of any trolling motor battery if you take care of it properly and keep up on maintenance tasks like adding water or an electrolyte solution as needed.
Q2. When do you usually need to replace your battery?
A trolling motor battery is typically good for several hours of use at a time. If you need to replace your battery with top performance, choose one with a higher power output that’ll handle the job.
Q3. Will different size batteries have different lifespans?
Yes, smaller batteries can drain faster than larger ones, so opting for a bigger one can increase the lifespan you get out of your battery.