Imagine this: you’re out on the water, the fish are biting, and your trolling motor suddenly sputters and dies. Frustrating, right? For many anglers, the battery powering their trusty trolling motor is the unsung hero of a great day on the lake. But choosing the right one can feel like navigating a maze of technical jargon and confusing choices.
We all want more time on the water and less time worrying about our equipment. The old lead-acid batteries can be heavy, take forever to charge, and just don’t last as long as we’d like. This is where lithium batteries for trolling motors step in, promising lighter weight, faster charging, and longer run times. But with so many brands and types, how do you pick the one that’s perfect for *your* fishing adventures?
This post is here to help! We’ll break down what makes a lithium battery a great choice for your trolling motor, explore the key features you should look for, and tackle some common questions. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to confidently select a lithium battery that will keep you fishing longer and happier, without all the guesswork.
Our Top 5 Lithium Battery For Trolling Motor Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Lithium Battery For Trolling Motor Detailed Reviews
1. CHITOLI 12V 100Ah BCI Group 24 LiFePO4 Battery
Rating: 8.8/10
Looking to upgrade your power source for your RV, boat, or home? The CHITOLI 12V 100Ah BCI Group 24 LiFePO4 Battery is a fantastic option. This lithium battery is designed to be a direct replacement for your old, heavy lead-acid batteries. It’s much lighter and smaller, giving you more space and making it easier to handle. Plus, it lasts a really long time, so you won’t have to worry about replacing it for years.
What We Like:
- It’s super light and compact, making it a breeze to swap out your old battery.
- This battery can handle tons of recharges (over 4000 cycles!), meaning it will last for a very long time.
- The built-in smart system protects the battery from damage, keeping it safe to use anywhere.
- It fits perfectly in the common Group 24 battery box, so installation is simple.
- You get a long 10-year lifespan and a 5-year warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- This battery is not designed for starting engines, only for powering devices.
If you need a reliable and long-lasting power solution for your adventures or home, the CHITOLI 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 battery is an excellent investment.
2. Autocessking 12V 100Ah Trolling Motor Bluetooth LiFePO4 Battery
Rating: 8.6/10
The Autocessking 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 battery is a powerful and versatile energy solution. It’s designed for deep cycle applications, making it an excellent upgrade for your trolling motor, RV, or solar power system. This battery offers significant advantages over traditional lead-acid batteries, including being much lighter, providing more power, and lasting much longer. Its built-in Bluetooth feature lets you easily monitor its status from your phone, adding a layer of modern convenience.
What We Like:
- It’s incredibly lightweight, making it easy to transport and install.
- The battery offers twice the power and lasts up to 8 times longer than lead-acid batteries.
- It has a very long lifespan, designed for over 4000 deep cycles and 10+ years of use.
- The consistent power output means your devices won’t lose power suddenly.
- The smart BMS protects the battery from various issues like overcharging, over-discharging, and extreme temperatures.
- It can operate in a wide range of temperatures, from -4℉ to 140℉.
- Bluetooth connectivity allows for easy remote monitoring.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product description mentions it’s for energy storage only and not recommended as a car starting battery, which is important to note for some users.
This Autocessking battery is a fantastic choice for anyone needing reliable and long-lasting power for their outdoor adventures or off-grid setups. Its advanced features and robust construction make it a worthwhile investment.
3. 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery 12.8V Lithium Battery Built-in 100A BMS
Rating: 9.5/10
Meet the 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery, a powerhouse designed to keep your adventures going! This 12.8V lithium iron phosphate battery is your reliable energy companion for RVs, boats, solar setups, and more. It’s built tough with 8000+ deep cycles and a waterproof design, ready for any challenge.
What We Like:
- Fast Charging & Discharging: It handles a strong 100A continuous discharge and a 200A inrush current. You can charge it with up to 50A.
- Robust BMS Protection: The built-in 100A BMS offers complete safety against overcharging, over-discharging, and more. It even has a low-temperature cut-off to keep things safe in the cold.
- Lightweight & Compact: This battery weighs only 19.4 lbs, making it about 70% lighter and 30% smaller than lead-acid batteries. It’s a perfect upgrade!
- Universal Fit: It fits BCI Group 24/31 battery boxes, making it easy to swap out old batteries.
- Flexible Connections: You can connect multiple batteries in series or parallel (up to 4S4P) for more power.
- Long-Term Support: It comes with a 5-year warranty and excellent customer service.
What Could Be Improved:
- Not for Starting: This battery is designed for energy storage, not for starting engines.
This LiFePO4 battery is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a dependable, long-lasting power source for their mobile or off-grid systems. Its advanced features and user-friendly design make it a top contender.
4. KEPWORTH 12.8V 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery Group 31
Rating: 9.4/10
The KEPWORTH 12.8V 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery Group 31 offers a powerful and reliable energy solution for a wide range of applications. This rechargeable lithium battery boasts impressive longevity and robust protection features, making it an excellent upgrade for your trolling motor, RV, boat, or solar power system.
What We Like:
- Impressive Lifespan: Enjoy over 4000 deep cycles, meaning this battery can be recharged and used many, many times, lasting up to 10 years.
- Strong Protection: A built-in 100A BMS (Battery Management System) safeguards against overcharging, over-discharging, over-current, and short circuits. It also includes high and low-temperature cut-offs for safety.
- High-Quality Cells: KEPWORTH uses Automotive Grade A LiFePO4 cells, known for their energy density, stable performance, and greater power output.
- Flexible Connectivity: You can connect multiple batteries in parallel or series to expand your power system, making it adaptable for home storage, off-grid setups, and more.
- Convenient Charging: An included 7A aviation head charger allows you to charge from both side ports and the top terminal simultaneously.
- Excellent Support: KEPWORTH offers a 5-year after-service solution with responsive customer support, promising solutions within 24 hours for any delivery or battery issues.
What Could Be Improved:
- Dimensions: While compact at L13.07*W6.93*H8.66 inches, it’s important to check if it fits your specific compartment.
- Charging Current: The recommended charging current is less than 50A, which might be slower than some users prefer for very quick top-ups.
With its durable construction, advanced safety features, and long-term reliability, this KEPWORTH LiFePO4 battery is a smart investment for anyone needing dependable power.
5. LITHINENG 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery with Bluetooth
Rating: 8.7/10
The LITHINENG 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery is a powerful and versatile energy solution. This mini lithium battery is designed for a variety of applications, including trolling motors, marine use, RVs, and off-grid solar systems. It features smart Bluetooth monitoring, a robust BMS for safety, and impressive durability.
What We Like:
- Bluetooth Real-Time Monitoring: Easily check your battery’s voltage, current, and capacity right from your phone. This makes managing your power simple and efficient.
- Grade-A Cells & Upgraded 100A BMS: The battery uses high-quality cells for better performance. The built-in 100A BMS protects against overcharging, over-discharging, and other potential issues, ensuring safety.
- Trusted Performance: This battery can handle extreme temperatures from -40℉ to 162℉ and even survive being submerged in water for a short time. It’s built tough for demanding environments.
- Mini Size & Lightweight Design: It’s 30% lighter than traditional batteries and fits easily into tight spaces. The IP65 waterproof rating is great for marine adventures.
- Expandable for Wide Applications: You can connect multiple batteries to increase your power capacity, making it suitable for both small and large power needs.
- Capable of Installation in Any Direction: Mount this battery however you need to, even upside down, for maximum flexibility in installation.
- Peace of Mind with Lifespan and Support: Expect a long lifespan of up to 10 years and thousands of deep cycles. The battery also has low-temperature protection to prevent damage.
What Could Be Improved:
- Low-Temp Cutoff: While it has low-temperature protection, the BMS will cut off power if the internal temperature goes below -4°F or above 150°F, which might limit use in extremely cold or hot conditions.
This LITHINENG battery offers a fantastic blend of smart technology, robust construction, and user-friendly features. It’s an excellent choice for anyone needing reliable and expandable power for their adventures.
Powering Your Adventures: The Ultimate Lithium Battery Buying Guide for Trolling Motors
Choosing the right lithium battery for your trolling motor is a big deal. It can make or break your fishing trip or day out on the water. These batteries offer great power and last a long time. Let’s dive into what you need to know.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a lithium trolling motor battery, keep these important things in mind.
- Capacity (Ah): This tells you how much power the battery holds. More Amp-hours (Ah) mean longer run time. Think about how long you usually spend on the water. A bigger battery gives you more freedom.
- Voltage (V): Most trolling motors run on 12V, 24V, or 36V. Make sure the battery’s voltage matches your motor. Using the wrong voltage can damage your motor.
- Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): While not as critical for trolling motors as for starting engines, a good CCA rating means the battery can deliver a strong burst of power. This is helpful when you need to move quickly.
- Weight: Lithium batteries are much lighter than old lead-acid batteries. This makes them easier to carry and handle. Check the weight to ensure it’s manageable for you.
- Built-in Battery Management System (BMS): A BMS is like a brain for the battery. It protects the battery from overcharging, over-discharging, and short circuits. This keeps the battery safe and helps it last longer.
- Waterproof Rating: Many boat batteries need to be waterproof. Look for a good IP (Ingress Protection) rating, like IP67, which means it can handle splashes and even brief submersion.
Important Materials
Lithium batteries are made with advanced materials. The most common type for trolling motors is Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4).
LiFePO4 batteries are known for being very safe and long-lasting. They handle many charging and discharging cycles without losing much power. This makes them a great investment.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a lithium battery great or not so great.
- Brand Reputation: Stick with well-known brands. Companies with good reviews and a history of making reliable batteries are usually a safe bet.
- Cell Quality: The quality of the individual lithium cells inside the battery matters a lot. Top brands use high-quality cells that perform better and last longer.
- Construction: A sturdy case protects the battery from bumps and vibrations on the water. Good seals also keep water out.
- Charging Speed: Some lithium batteries charge much faster than others. If you have limited time between trips, a quick-charging battery is a big plus.
- Extreme Temperatures: Lithium batteries can lose some performance in very cold or very hot weather. Check the battery’s operating temperature range.
User Experience and Use Cases
People love lithium batteries for their trolling motors. They make boating much more enjoyable.
Imagine going out for a whole day of fishing without worrying about your trolling motor dying. Lithium batteries offer that peace of mind. They are great for long fishing trips, exploring quiet coves, or just cruising around the lake. Because they are light, carrying them to and from the boat is easy. They also charge up quickly, so you can be ready for your next adventure sooner.
For serious anglers, a reliable trolling motor battery means more time spent actually fishing and less time worrying about power. For casual boaters, it means more time enjoying the water with friends and family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does a lithium trolling motor battery last?
A: A good lithium trolling motor battery can last for many years, often 5 to 10 years or even more. This is because they can be recharged thousands of times.
Q: Can I use any lithium battery for my trolling motor?
A: No, you need to make sure the battery’s voltage matches your trolling motor. Also, check if it has enough capacity (Ah) for your needs.
Q: Are lithium batteries safe for boats?
A: Yes, especially LiFePO4 batteries. They have built-in safety features (BMS) that prevent problems like overheating or explosions.
Q: How do I charge a lithium trolling motor battery?
A: You need a specific lithium battery charger designed for your battery’s voltage and chemistry (LiFePO4). Using the wrong charger can damage the battery.
Q: How do I know when my lithium battery is fully charged?
A: Your charger will usually have an indicator light or display that shows when the battery is full. Some batteries also have indicators.
Q: Can I leave my lithium battery connected to the charger all the time?
A: While LiFePO4 batteries are better at handling this than older lithium types, it’s generally best to disconnect them once fully charged or use a charger with a float mode.
Q: How do I store a lithium trolling motor battery?
A: Store it in a cool, dry place. If storing for a long time, make sure it has about a 50% charge.
Q: Will a lithium battery work in cold weather?
A: They work better than lead-acid batteries in cold weather, but extreme cold can reduce their performance. Some have built-in heaters.
Q: Is a lithium battery worth the extra cost?
A: Yes, the longer lifespan, lighter weight, and better performance often make them a better value over time.
Q: What does “deep cycle” mean for a trolling motor battery?
A: A deep cycle battery is designed to be discharged deeply and then recharged many times. This is exactly what trolling motor batteries do.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.