How long do trolling motor batteries last & tips for extending their lifespan

Table of contents

• Part 1. What are trolling motor batteries?
• Part 2. Marine starter batteries vs. deep cycle batteries
• Part 3. Deep Cycle Trolling Motor Battery Types
• 3.1 Flooded lead-acid batteries
• 3.2 AGM batteries
• 3.3 LiFePO4 batteries
• Part 4. Factors affecting the life of trolling motor batteries
• Part 5. Maintenance of the trolling motor battery
• Part 6. What battery specifications should I pay attention to?
• 6.1 Ampere-hour rating
• 6.2 Voltage
• 6.3 Useful tips
• Part 7. Can I convert my trolling motor battery to LiFePO4? What are the advantages?
• Part 8. Choosing the right lithium battery for your trolling motor
• Part 9. Conclusion

Part 1. What are trolling motor batteries?

Trolling motor batteries are specifically designed to operate trolling motors and provide power for longer periods of time, especially when trolling slowly through fishing areas.

In contrast, marine starter batteries are designed to start the engine. Marine batteries are important for both starting the engine and providing sufficient power for the engine and the equipment connected to the boat.

In order to make an informed decision about the ideal battery for a tow motor, it is important to know the different battery types.

Part 2. Marine starter batteries vs. deep cycle batteries

Marine starting batteries are specifically designed to deliver high bursts of energy to start a boat's engine. They quickly discharge a large amount of energy and are then quickly recharged by the engine's alternator.

In contrast, deep cycle batteries are designed to provide power over long periods of time. These batteries are used to power onboard accessories such as trolling motors, radios and lighting. Deep cycle batteries can be repeatedly discharged and recharged without affecting their performance, making them ideal for extended use.

Further reading: Differences between Marine Deep Cycle and Starting Battery

Part 3. Deep Cycle Trolling Motor Battery Types

Deep cycle trolling motor batteries are critical to powering electric trolling motors used in fishing boats and other marine applications. The three main types of deep cycle trolling motor batteries are lead acid batteries, AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries, and LiFePO4 batteries, each with unique characteristics.

3.1 Flooded lead-acid batteries

• Flooded lead-acid batteries are the most traditional and widely used type of deep cycle batteries.
• They are the most cost-effective option initially, but require regular maintenance, such as checking and refilling the water level.
• During charging, they can release gases, which requires good ventilation.
• These batteries are quite heavy and should not be completely discharged, with a discharge rate of around 50% being recommended.
• In addition, their average lifespan is relatively short and is usually only 2-3 years.

3.2 AGM batteries

• AGM batteries (Absorbent Glass Mat) are a type of sealed lead-acid battery that uses a glass mat separator to hold the electrolyte in place.
• They are maintenance-free as they do not require watering, and as they are sealed, they do not emit gases when charged.
• AGM batteries are more resistant to vibrations and shocks, making them ideal for use at sea.
• Compared to flooded lead-acid batteries, they generally have a longer life and better performance in cold temperatures.
• However, they are still heavy and should not be completely discharged, with a discharge rate of around 50% being recommended.
• Despite their advantages, their average lifespan is usually only 2-3 years.

3.3 LiFePO4 batteries

• LiFePO4 batteries are known for their high energy density, which allows them to store more energy in a lighter and smaller package compared to lead-acid batteries.
• They have a longer lifespan and can be discharged more deeply without being damaged. Timeusb lithium batteries, for example, can be discharged to 100%, allowing you to fully utilize the stored energy. The lifespan of Timeusb lithium batteries is between 4,000 and 15,000 cycles, with a lifespan of up to 10 years.
• They are lightweight and have high charge/discharge efficiency, allowing longer runtimes for trolling motors.
• Although LiFePO4 batteries are more expensive to purchase, they offer longer overall life and superior performance, making them a popular choice for high-quality trolling motor systems.
  

Part 4. Factors affecting the life of trolling motor batteries

Here are some factors that can affect the lifespan of a trolling motor battery:

charge and discharge cycles: The number of times you charge and discharge your trolling motor battery will affect its lifespan. Over time, repeated charging and discharging will reduce battery capacity and shorten its lifespan. Timeusb lithium trolling motor batteries, for example, offer up to 4,000-15,000 charge and discharge cycles, which is a lifespan of over 10 years.

Temperature: Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can damage the internal components of a battery and shorten its overall lifespan. Always store the battery in a cool, dry place when not in use. It is important to the optimal temperature range for your battery type, e.g. for LiFePO4 batteries.

Depth of discharge (DOD): Depth of discharge also affects the lifespan of the battery. If a battery is regularly discharged too deeply, its lifespan can be shortened. Lead-acid batteries usually have a depth of discharge of around 50%, while lithium batteries can have a depth of discharge of 100%.

Battery type: The lifespan of your battery is largely influenced by its type. Conventional lead-acid batteries generally have a shorter lifespan than LiFePO4 batteries, e.g. lithium iron phosphate.

Maintenance: Proper maintenance can extend the life of the battery. This includes regular cleaning and, for lead-acid batteries, checking and topping up the water level as needed.

Use: How often and for how long you use your trolling motor will affect the longevity of the battery. Running the trolling motor at high speeds for long periods of time will drain the battery faster and shorten its overall lifespan.

Part 5. Maintenance of the trolling motor battery

To ensure your trolling motor batteries provide long, reliable service, follow these troubleshooting and maintenance guidelines:

1. Recharge immediately: Fully charge your trolling motor battery immediately after use to prevent the buildup of lead sulfate. Operating the battery at less than 12.4V can significantly affect its performance and lifespan.
2. Maintenance out of season: Use a trickle charger to maintain the charge of lead-acid batteries during the off-season or charge them monthly. For lithium batteries, use lithium chargers and keep the battery at 40 to 50% of its capacity to keep it in optimal condition. Avoid leaving the battery uncharged for long periods of time as this can affect its performance and longevity.
3. Fully discharge and recharge: Fully discharge and recharge your battery regularly to avoid stratification, which causes the chemicals in the cells to become unbalanced and affect performance and lifespan.
4. cooling phase: Allow the battery to cool after charging. Using the battery immediately after charging may cause damage or failure due to the heat generated during the charging cycle.
5. Balance load: After each charge, use the equalization cycle on most battery chargers to balance the battery cells. This process involves a prolonged low-current charge to ensure that all cells are evenly charged.
6. Maintenance of wet cell batteries: For wet lead-acid batteries, check the water level monthly and top up with distilled water if necessary.
7. Storage and inspection: Clean the battery and terminals before storing in a dry, temperature-controlled environment during the off-season. When you remove the battery from storage, inspect it thoroughly for signs of damage such as bulging, cracks, frayed wires, or corrosion, which can severely affect performance and safety. For more information, see: How to Store LiFePO4 Batteries.
8. Routine tests: Perform routine voltage and density tests of the electrolyte solution in each cell of wet lead-acid batteries to detect problems such as over-watering and insufficient charge.
9. High-quality charger: Invest in a high-quality charger to ensure effective charging and keep the battery at full capacity.

General Guidelines

1. Understand the performance requirements: Familiarize yourself with your boat's power requirements to better understand how your battery works.
2. Adjust discharge rate: Match your battery discharge rate to your engine's power input to optimize performance and extend battery life.
3. Operating conditions: If possible, use the trolling motor in calm waters to reduce power consumption and extend battery life.
4. Battery aging: Monitor the age, capacity and internal resistance of your battery, as aging batteries can exhibit reduced performance and increased resistance. Using a battery monitor is advisable to keep an eye on the battery's health.
5. Continuous use: Load the trolling motor evenly and moderately and adjust the speed gradually to save power and preserve the battery.
6. Careful handling: Handle wet cell lead-acid batteries carefully to avoid damaging the internal plates from vibration or sudden shocks, which can affect their ability to hold a charge.

Part 6. What battery specifications should I pay attention to?

The specs of a battery can have a huge impact on your overall experience. With so many batteries on the market claiming to be the best, it can be difficult to figure out which ones are truly outstanding.

6.1 Ampere-hour rating

The amp hours, similar to the fuel gauge, indicate how long your battery will last by indicating the available charge of your trolling motor battery.

A higher amp hour rating means your trolling motor will be powered for a longer period of time, so this is an important specification to consider when choosing a new trolling motor battery.

For reliable performance, it is generally recommended to choose a battery with at least 100Ah, but batteries with higher values, such as 125Ah, offer longer operating time. Choose the amp-hour capacity based on your specific needs to find the option that best suits your application.

6.2 Voltage

Standard deep cycle batteries usually have a voltage of 12V. Before making a final decision, you should check your power system to see if a higher voltage is required. Some power systems may require 24V or even 36V.

6.3 Useful tips

When choosing a trolling motor battery, the intended use is crucial to finding the best solution for your needs. For optimal performance and minimal maintenance, it is recommended to invest in lithium batteries.

Here are some useful tips for maintaining your lithium battery:

• Charge the battery after each use
• Store the batteries in a cool place to prevent leakage.
• Check for corrosion before use
• Do not use different battery types together

Part 7Can I convert my trolling motor battery to LiFePO4? What are the advantages?

Yes, you can replace your trolling motor battery with a lithium iron phosphate battery (LiFePO4).

LiFePO4 batteries are lighter, have a longer lifespan, charge faster and offer a higher energy density compared to conventional lead-acid batteries. They also require minimal maintenance, deliver a constant voltage and are more environmentally friendly.

Part 8. Choosing the right lithium battery for your trolling motor

voltage of the motor	engine thrust	Recommended maximum battery amperage	Recommended Timeusb LiFePO4  batteries	Recommended reasons
12V	9 ~ 13kg	50A	Timeusb 12V 50Ah Pro Lithium Battery	Cost-effective
12V	13 ~ 31kg	100A	Timeusb 12V 100Ah Pro Lithium Battery	Cost-effective, low temperature, lighter
24V	31  ~ 45kg	100A	Timeusb 24V 100Ah Lithium  battery	Cost-effective
36V	45 ~ 54kg	100A	3 x Timeusb 12V 50Ah Pro Lithium Battery 3 xTimeusb 12V 100Ah Pro Lithium Battery	3 batteries in series

Part 9. Conclusion

By choosing the right battery type, following recommended charging procedures, and using your trolling motor under optimal conditions, you can extend battery life and enhance your fishing experience.

Following the manufacturer's maintenance and care instructions is crucial for reliable performance over a long period of time. In addition, switching to LiFePO4 batteries can further improve your experience.