Best Deep Cycle Marine Battery for Trolling Motors

If you like boating but do not like the idea of paddling to move your boat around, a trolling motor would surely do the job for you. This would help you move with varying speeds, which, in return, could improve your fishing. But every trolling motor requires a battery. This could sustain power for hours and provide power not only to your boats but also to your other items. However, you would want not just any battery but quality and affordable one.

We reviewed our top picks to help you find the best deep cycle marine battery for trolling motors. You would also be guided on what makes a good battery to help you identify the factors to consider when you’re buying one.

Top 10 Deep Cycle Marine Battery Overview

ImageNameAmperageMax CurrentDimensionsWeightWarranty
Mighty Max 12V Deep Cycle Battery1. Mighty Max 12V Deep Cycle Battery 55 AH140 amps9.02 x 5.43 x 9.13 in38.58 lbs1 yr
Mighty Max 12V Deep Cycle Battery2. Mighty Max 12V Deep Cycle Battery35 AH140 amps7.68 x 5.16 x 7.13 in23.2 lbs1 yr
Universal 12V Deep Cycle Battery3. Universal 12V Deep Cycle Battery100 AH30 amps12.17 x 6.61 x 9.16 in63.93 Lbs1 yr
Vmax V35-857 12V Deep Cycle Battery4. Vmax V35-857 12V Deep Cycle Battery35 AH115 amps7.7 x 6.1 x 5 in25 lbs1 yr
Vmax MR-127 12V Deep Cycle Battery5. Vmax MR-127 12V Deep Cycle Battery100 AH800 amps12.1 x 6.7 x 8.2 in67 lbs1 yr
Optima OPT8016-103 Deep Cycle Battery6. Optima OPT8016-103 Deep Cycle Battery55 AH870 amps10 x 6.88 x 7.8 in43.5 lbs1 yr
Optima Batteries 8052-161 D31M Deep Cycle Battery7. Optima Batteries 8052-161 D31M Deep Cycle Battery75 AH900 amps12.8 x 6.5 x 9.38 in59.8 lbs1 yr
Interstate Batteries 12V Deep Cycle Battery8. Interstate Batteries 12V Deep Cycle Battery35 AH 5.16 x 6.42 x 7.68 in22.90 lbs
Battle Born LifePo4 Deep Cycle Battery9. Battle Born LifePo4 Deep Cycle Battery100 AH 200 amps12.75 x 6.88 x 9 in31 lbs10 yrs
Weize 12V Deep Cycle Battery10. Weize 12V Deep Cycle Battery100 AH 30 amps12.09 x 6.65 x 9.17 in57 lbs1 yr

Factors to Consider in Buying the Best Deep Cycle Marine Battery

What are the several factors you need to consider when buying a trolling motor battery? To save time and money, you need to do a couple of research about these factors, including the price, the battery’s brand reputation, and reviews from other customers. We specify all that you need to know about trolling motor batteries to guide you.

Know the Three Types of Trolling Motor Battery

First, you need to know the three types of trolling motor batteries. These are the following:

Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM)

This battery is made out of a glass plate and has a substance that’s somehow the same as a gel. Because these types of batteries are entirely enclosed, adding distilled water to them is not necessary. Compared to wet-cell batteries, they can last longer. They can even last up to three to four years. The drawback, however, is that they are more expensive than wet cells because of their longevity.

Wet-Cell 

These types of deep cycle marine batteries are the most basic and the most affordable. They can deal with several and continuous power recharges and drains. They are also very durable. The challenge for you, however, is the maintenance. Wet-cell batteries would usually demand to top off with distilled water. Compared to the absorbed glass mat (AGM), they do not last that long. After a year or two, it might need a replacement.

Lithium-ion

Mostly, these types of batteries are used for smartphones so that they might be pretty familiar to you. Bigger lithium-ion batteries are usually used to help power trolling boats. Because of their extensive durability, these types of batteries are pretty famous and among the most effective.

This lasts longer than a wet-cell and even with Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM). When stored under a 105-degree temperature, this battery could last for around ten years! This is thrice the lifespan of an AGM battery. Because of this amazing feature, though, this type of battery is also costly compared to other types.

Other Important Factor to Consider

Now that you know these three types of batteries for trolling boats, you might already have an idea about which would suit you best. However, you should know the types of batteries and the things you should look for when buying one. Here are some important factors:

Amp Hours (Ah)

This is about the number of amps your battery draws in every hour. What this indicates is how long the battery would last after a single charge. You would find batteries with different amp hours. When your speed is slow, 35Ah batteries will last around seven hours. 100Ah batteries, on the other hand, could even last for approximately 20 hours.

You would want to choose that with a higher Ah to ensure that your battery would last long after a single charge, as you won’t be going at slower speeds all the time. Also, getting 12V batteries for the trolling motor could help provide more power.

Battery Lifespan

As mentioned in the types of batteries, each type has different lifespans, and it would be more advantageous if you choose one that would last longer. However, two different batteries under the same type might have a different lifespan as well. One might last longer than the other. Checking customer reviews would help you identify what brand could last long. One tip that would help you choose is also recognizing the warranty offered. Usually, longer warranties mean a longer lifespan.

Durability and Vibration Resistance

Traveling over choppy waters (the way most fishing boats do) might cause vibrations that could bother your batteries. There are batteries, however, that are vibration resistant and could withstand this occurrence. Some batteries also have features that improve durability, like shock resistance, and are spill-proof.

Size 

You need to make sure that your boat size can accommodate the size of the battery. You need to make sure that your boat can also carry the weight of the battery, so you need to look for the most appropriate size. Small boats may accommodate only up to 40 pounds. Check the dimensions of the battery you’re buying and examine if it fits your boat

Ease of

Because you would need to install your battery on your boat, you need to know if installation instructions are available and are easy to follow. While some batteries can be mounted in any position, some require a particular setup. You would also want to know how your battery must be maintained to make sure that it remains useful.

Versatility 

Choose the most versatile one. Some batteries could power not only your boat but also other gadgets you might be using while you’re on board in your boat. Some batteries may even be helpful for other things like motorcycles, jet skis, and even scooters.

Advantages of Having a Battery for Trolling Boat

So, why do you need a battery for your trolling boat anyway? And why does it have to be a deep-cycle marine battery? Here are several advantages of having one:

  1. They make your boats go faster
  2. Could sustain power for a long time
  3. They are less likely to overheat
  4. They can be dual purpose
  5. They can withstand different temperatures
  6. They can be recharged many times

Best Deep Cycle Marine Battery Reviews

1. Mighty Max 12V Deep Cycle Battery

Mighty Max 12V Deep Cycle Battery

Offering a great AH than the other Mighty Max model, this battery could last longer, although it’s a bit more expensive. This compact battery weighs only 23.15 pounds, measuring 7.68 x 5.16 x 7.13 inches. Use it for high or low temperatures, and this battery could still last long. This is among the lightest deep cycle marine batteries you can find.

Resistant to shock and vibration, this battery is spill-proof and easy to install. This requires no maintenance and could be used even in an enclosed setting, as it prevents leakage.

Pros

  • It does not occupy too much space
  • Reliable
  • It does not require a special charger
  • Spill-proof

Cons

  • Not very long-lasting
  • It may take a while before it’s fully charged

2. Mighty Max 12V Deep Cycle Battery

Mighty Max 12V Deep Cycle Battery

This is the cheapest you could find but would still work best for you. Its low cost does not prevent it from giving quality service, as this compact battery is considerably small, which could undoubtedly fit your boat. This is also a lightweight deep cycle marine battery. No matter in which temperature you use it – high or low – it could still work over a long period. 

Aside from being shock and vibration proof, this battery is also spill-proof, so it is possible to mount it at any angle you desire. It could last around three hours of service when it is in the middle setting.

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • Does not occupy too much space
  • Lightweight
  • No maintenance needed
  • Does not need any special charger

Cons

  • It does not last very long compared to other batteries
  • It may take a while to recharge

3. Universal 12V Deep Cycle Battery

Universal 12V Deep Cycle Battery

This battery weighs only 63.93 pounds with dimensions 12.17 x 6.61 x 9.16 inches which could indeed be accommodated by your boat of average size. Because this is an AGM battery, it does not need extensive maintenance, meaning you don’t need to pour it with distilled water from time to time.

This is also spill-proof and can be installed and mounted so easily. It could last for several hours because of its AH.

Pros

  • Maintenance-free
  • Mountable
  • Easy to install
  • Affordable

Cons

  • It does not last that long

4. Vmax V35-857 12V Deep Cycle Battery

Vmax V35-857 12V Deep Cycle Battery

Because of its high amp hours, you can expect that this battery is very long-lasting, no matter how powerful your motor is. When it’s at its lowest speed setting, it could last you up to 12 hours. Even on medium speed, it could go on until around seven hours. It can last over two hours at constant full speed, which is way longer than other batteries.

The higher AH of this battery makes it bigger than others, measuring around 12 inches in width and 7 inches deep, with around 8 inches in length.

It weighs around 68 pounds, so you need to ensure that your boat can bear this weight. Because this is an AGM battery, expect it to be spill-proof and maintenance-free.

Pros

  • You can be very speedy on the water for a longer time
  • It can last for several years
  • Easy to recharge

Cons

  • Heavier and bigger and would not fit in small boats
  • More costly
  • Requires power kit

5. Vmax MR-127 12V Deep Cycle Battery

Vmax MR-127 12V Deep Cycle Battery

Because of the 100 Ah this battery offers, you could expect it to last longer than usual batteries. It could last up to 12 hours when at the lowest speed, 7 hours on medium speed, and even around two hours when used at full speed continuously.

Being a bit bigger, this battery is also heavier and may add considerable weight to your boat. However, this battery is very durable and nonhazardous. This is also easy to install because this is an AGM battery.

Pros

  • It could last very long
  • Very durable
  • Easy to recharge

Cons

  • Heavy and big
  • A bit expensive

6. Optima OPT8016-103 Deep Cycle Battery

Optima OPT8016-103 Deep Cycle Battery

This is among the very versatile batteries you could use for both starting and deep cycling operations. Not only can it power up boats, but it can also power RVs that utilize many electrical accessories. It can last for quite a long time because of its 55 Ah. You can recharge this up to three times before it would ultimately fail to function. It only needs about 35 minutes to have a 90% charge capacity when used with 100 amps in recharging.

Aside from being incredibly durable, this battery is also resistant to vibrations, so it works best for your trolling boat. Being an AGM battery, this does not need much maintenance. Meaning, you don’t need to put distilled water on it because it is already encased. Being encased also means that the battery is spill-proof, and you could mount it in any position, making it very easy to install. It can work under any weather conditions.

Pros

  • Can start motors even at very cold temperature
  • It does not take too long to recharging
  • Lightweight
  • Very easy to install, as it is mountable in any position
  • It does not require maintenance

Cons

  • The battery might overcharge when you’re not using the correct charger
  • Too many instructions to follow to recharge

7. Optima Batteries 8052-161 D31M Deep Cycle Battery

Optima Batteries 8052-161 D31M Deep Cycle Battery

This model of Optima batteries can be a dual purpose, working both for starting and deep cycle. Because this is an AGM battery, this model is maintenance-free and could last longer. You could also recharge this many times compared to other traditional batteries. This is resistant to vibration, so you don’t need to worry about bringing it to rough waters.

This model of Optima batteries also has a faster recharge time, so you don’t have to wait for too long for it to be useful again.

This measures 12.8 x 6.5 x 9.4 inches and could fit in your typical trolling boat without adding too much weight, being a lightweight marine battery for trolling motor.

Pros

  • Great battery, especially for hotter periods
  • Low self-discharge rate
  • Long-lasting

Cons

  • A bit expensive

8. Interstate Batteries 12V Deep Cycle Battery

Interstate Batteries 12V Deep Cycle Battery

Another cheaper battery with 35AH. This could be great for boating because of leisure and if you don’t want to travel too fast. Its dimensions are enough to fit your boat, and it does not weigh so much.

With its compact design, this battery could be used for around six hours, although, because it’s only 35AH, it can’t be used for a long time when at full speed.

Aside from powering trolling boats, however, this battery can also be helpful for other devices like wheelchairs or gadgets in RV. Being an AGM battery, Interstate Lead Acid is spill-proof and can be installed at any angle you desire.

Pros

  • Quite compact
  • Very lightweight
  • Can power trolling boats for leisure for several hours
  • Does not need a special charger

Cons

  • It might take a long time to recharge completely
  • It can’t be used the whole day

Final Thoughts

Finding the best deep cycle marine battery for trolling boats is among the most important tasks in boating – whether you’re doing it for leisure or for business. With this, you must choose the appropriate battery. Choose from among the products that we’ve reviewed and seen which of them would help you most.

1 thought on “Best Deep Cycle Marine Battery for Trolling Motors”

  1. Wow! Great post! very informative helpful article. I found a lot of information from this share. Here you have expiained the Best Deep Cycle Marine Batteries very informative to all.
    Thanks for sharing such an informative article.

    Reply

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