Kayaking and canoeing are enjoyable outdoor activities that require reliable trolling motor batteries to help improve your time on the water.
The right deep cycle marine battery can make a huge difference in your experience by providing you with long-lasting power and ensuring you can safely navigate even the toughest of water conditions.
With so many canoe and kayak battery options available on the market, it can be difficult to find the perfect deep cycle marine battery for your needs.
In this guide, we’ll review some of the best trolling motor batteries for kayaks and canoes, including the lead acid battery type, lithium battery type, and more. We’ll cover everything from trolling motor battery type and capacity to durability and cost-effectiveness, so you can make an informed decision and choose the perfect trolling motor battery for your next adventure.
Canoe and Kayak Trolling Motor Batteries: Top Picks
This 12V deep cycle battery is designed with a maintenance-free sealed design and is constructed with military-grade custom plates, making it a durable and reliable option for long-term use. It is designed with a shock and vibration-resistant build, which makes it ideal for use as a kayak battery in rough waters.
This lithium battery is designed to provide high energy density and long-lasting performance for a wide range of uses. It is also a lightweight battery designed to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations making it a reliable option for use in colder climates or high heat.
This trolling motor battery provides a good balance of performance and affordability, making it a great option for budget-conscious boaters who still want reliable and durable deep cycle batteries. As one of the best trolling motor batteries, it is designed with a maintenance-free sealed construction and is resistant to shocks and vibrations, which makes it great for use in kayaks and canoes.
Canoe and Kayak Trolling Motor Batteries: Full Reviews
This is a reliable and high-performance 12V AGM deep cycle battery. This AGM battery has a capacity of 100Ah and can deliver consistent power over a long period of time. The long lifespan and maintenance-free use of this deep cycle marine battery make it great for boaters that want a hassle-free, reliable trolling motor battery.
- Long 8-10 year AGM battery lifespan when maintained properly
- Maintenance-free, spill-proof and safe to use in any position
- Able to handle high currents and deep discharge cycles
This LiFePO4 trolling motor marine battery is designed for deep cycle use in trolling motors of all sizes and other marine applications such as fish finders and GPS. This lithium battery has a high capacity of 100Ah and can deliver a maximum continuous current of 100 amps at 12 volts.
- Lightweight and compact design for easy installation and portability
- Can be discharged up to 100% without damaging the trolling motor battery
- Long lifespan of up to 3,500 cycles, perfect for a kayak battery
This 12-volt trolling motor marine battery is a versatile and durable deep cycle battery in the AGM style that can be used for a variety of uses, including kayak and canoe trolling motors. These AGM batteries have a capacity of 100Ah and can deliver reliable power for an extended period of time before needing to be recharged.
- 10-12 year expected life span for this compact AGM battery
- Can be mounted in any position making it easy to install
- Can be used in parallel with multiple batteries for increased starting battery voltage
This trolling motor battery is a high-capacity 12V option with 100Ah capacity and is designed specifically for use in kayak or canoe trolling motors. This lithium battery has a maximum continuous discharge rate of 100 amps and has a built-in battery management system for safety and performance.
- Can be connected to multiple batteries in parallel for increased starting battery capacity
- Has a high discharge rate of up to 200 amps for short periods of time
- Can be mounted in any orientation without affecting performance
This is a compact and powerful 12V deep cycle AGM battery that is designed for use in a variety of applications, including kayak and canoe trolling motors. These AGM batteries have a capacity of 35Ah and can deliver consistent absorbed glass mat power over the weekend before needing to be recharged.
- Can be used in any orientation without the risk of acid spills or leaks
- Long 3-5 year expected life span for this AGM battery
- Compact and lightweight design making it easy to transport
The Mighty Max lithium battery is designed for deep cycle battery use in a variety of applications, including small to mid-sized trolling motors. It has a battery reserve capacity of 100Ah and can provide a maximum continuous current of 100 amps to make your canoe or kayak trolling experience much better.
- Lightweight and compact design for easy installation and portability
- Can be charged at a high rate of up to 50 amps for fast charging times
- Comes with a 1-year warranty direct from the manufacturer
The Renogy deep cycle battery is a reliable and high-quality AGM lead acid battery that is designed for use in canoe and kayak trolling motors as well as for electronics and many other applications. These AGM batteries have a capacity of 100Ah and have a maintenance-free design with a great battery management system.
- Low internal resistance for maximum efficiency and power output
- Long lifespan with a 10-year expectancy on this absorbed glass mat battery
- Can handle high currents and deep discharge cycles
This lithium battery is a smaller-capacity option suitable for lighter trolling motors and other basic marine applications such as depth finders, sonar, and GPS. It has a capacity of 35Ah and can deliver a continuous current of 50 amps.
- Has a compact design making it great for kayaks
- Can be recharged in 2-3 hours using a high-quality battery charger
- Has an extremely low self-discharge rate
This deep cycle battery is a powerful and reliable AGM that is designed for use in a variety of marine applications, including canoe and kayak trolling motors, onboard electronics, and more. These AGM batteries have a battery reserve capacity of 33Ah and offer a maintenance-free design for easy installation, use, and storage over the years.
- Low self-discharge rate for extended periods of storage
- Long 3-5 year expected life span when maintained properly
- Lightweight and compact design, making it easy to transport
This lithium battery is a high-capacity option with 125Ah capacity and is suitable for use in heavy-duty trolling motors and other robust marine applications. These marine batteries have a maximum continuous discharge rate of 125 amps and a long lifespan of up to 4,000 cycles.
- Can be used in -4°F to 140°F temperatures without affecting performance
- Has a rugged design with a heavy-duty case and reinforced terminals
- Comes with a 1-year warranty for added peace of mind
Trolling Motor Battery Safety
While marine deep cycle batteries are generally safe when used properly, there are still some important safety considerations that kayak or canoe owners should keep in mind to ensure the safe and effective operation of their marine batteries.
Trolling motor batteries come in a variety of types and sizes. It’s important to choose a trolling motor battery that is appropriate for the size and power requirements of your trolling motor. Using the wrong type of trolling motor battery can not only result in poor performance but can also cause overheating, internal damage, or a fire hazard.
Before each use, it’s important to inspect your trolling motor batteries for signs of damage, such as cracks in the casing, leaks, or corrosion on the terminals. If you notice any issues with your marine batteries, consider having the deep cycle batteries replaced immediately.
When not in use, trolling motor batteries should be stored in a cool, dry place away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Marine batteries should also be stored in an upright position to prevent damage or leaks.
When charging the trolling motor battery, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Overcharging or undercharging the trolling motor battery can result in reduced performance or even damage to some lead-acid batteries. Use a charger specifically designed for the type of trolling motor battery you are using.
Always handle the trolling motor battery with care, avoiding dropping or puncturing it. Do not expose the trolling motor battery to open flames or sparks, and avoid using any marine batteries near excessive heat. If the trolling motor battery shows signs of damage or overheating, stop using it immediately.
How to Choose an Electric Trolling Motor Battery
Trolling Motor Size
To determine the appropriate trolling motor battery size for your canoe or kayak trolling motor, you will need to consider the motor’s voltage and amperage requirements. Most trolling motors operate on either 12-volt or 24-volt systems, with higher thrust motors typically requiring 24 or even 36 volts.
It’s important to choose a marine deep cycle battery that is rated to handle the amperage requirements of your trolling motor, as using an undersized trolling motor battery can result in poor performance and reduced trolling motor battery life.
Battery Voltage: 12V vs 24V
Trolling motors are typically designed to operate on either a 12-volt or 24-volt system, with larger motors requiring 24 volts to operate.
The size of your trolling motor is the most important factor to consider when choosing between a 12-volt and 24-volt kayak trolling motor battery. Trolling motors with a thrust rating of 55 pounds or higher will require a 24-volt system. Smaller motors with a thrust rating of 30 to 40 pounds can typically operate on a 12-volt system or other compact battery. See here for more info on how to choose what size trolling motor you need.
A 24-volt trolling motor battery will provide longer run times than a 12-volt trolling motor battery, allowing you to stay on the water for longer periods of time without needing to recharge the trolling motor battery.
A 24-volt trolling motor battery will also cost more than a 12-volt kayak trolling motor battery due to its higher capacity and the additional components required to operate a 24-volt system. However, the increased run time and performance of a 24-volt trolling motor battery system may be worth the additional cost for some boaters.
Battery Ah – Amp Hours
The amp hour or amperage hour rating is a measure of the amount of energy a trolling motor battery can provide over a certain period of time. In general, a higher amperage hour rating shown on deep cycle marine batteries indicates a larger trolling motor battery capacity and longer run time.
The amp hour draw is the amount of current the motor will pull from the trolling motor battery when running at full power. You should choose a trolling motor battery with an amp-hour rating that can provide enough power to run your motor for the length of time you need.
To calculate the trolling motor battery amp hour rating needed, divide the amp draw of the trolling motor by the number of hours you need it to run on your trolling batteries.
See also:
- The Best Trolling Motors For Kayaks
- How to Charge a Trolling Motor Battery
- The Best Kayak Fish Finder Batteries
- The Best Trolling Motors for Canoes
What Kind of Battery for a Trolling Motor?
AGM Trolling Motor Battery
An AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) trolling motor battery is a great battery choice that can be used for a trolling motor of almost any size, including larger trolling motors on fishing boats as well as a small kayak trolling motor.
AGM trolling motor batteries are a type of sealed lead acid battery that uses a glass mat to hold the electrolyte solution in place rather than a free-moving liquid or gel.
AGM trolling motor batteries offer a number of benefits over other kayak trolling motor battery types as the best trolling motor battery, including:
- Maintenance-free
- Durability
- Long lifespan
- Fast charging
Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery
A Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) trolling motor battery is a smaller and lightweight option that can be used as a canoe or kayak trolling motor battery in most cases.
LiFePO4 batteries are a type of lithium-ion battery that offer a number of benefits over other trolling motor battery types as the best trolling motor battery, including:
- High energy density
- Long lifespan
- Fast charging
- Low self-discharge rate
AGM Trolling Motor Battery vs Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery
AGM lead acid batteries use a fiberglass mat to hold an electrolyte solution, making them a spill-proof and maintenance-free type of lead acid battery. They are relatively inexpensive and provide reliable power for shorter periods of time, making them a good choice for occasional or light deep cycle use.
Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries are a newer technology that offers several advantages over AGM lead acid batteries. Lithium batteries are usually lighter and smaller, making them easier to transport and install. Lithium batteries also have a longer average lifespan and can be discharged to a much lower level without damaging the kayak trolling motor battery.
LiFePO4 batteries are also more efficient than AGM lead acid batteries, which means they can provide the same amount of power with less energy, saving you money in the long run. However, LiFePO4 batteries can be more expensive upfront compared to AGM batteries.
See also: The Best Trolling Motor Battery For Boats (not kayaks and canoes)
Why Lithium Ion Batteries Aren’t Suitable for Kayaks and Canoes
While Lithium Ion batteries are a popular and efficient choice for many applications, and in most cases are the lightest battery you can find, they are not always suitable for kayaks and canoes due to several factors.
Lithium batteries are typically more expensive than other lightweight trolling motor battery types, such as lead-acid batteries or AGM batteries. This can make lithium-ion batteries cost-prohibitive for many kayak and canoe users who may not need the added performance benefits that lithium batteries offer for their trolling motor or electronics.
Lithium-ion batteries can also be more delicate than other trolling motor battery types, which can be problematic. Kayaks and canoes are often exposed to extreme weather conditions, including high temperatures, which can pose a risk to lithium batteries. This risk can be mitigated with proper care and storage of the kayak trolling motor battery, but it may still be a concern for some users.
