Trolling motors play an important role in fishing. They help maneuver the boat silently and avoid shooing fish, ultimately increasing your chances of catching a fish. Additionally, the type of battery you use with your trolling motor can have a significant impact on the performance of your fishing experience. In recent years, lithium batteries have become a popular choice among anglers due to their longer lifespan and lower maintenance requirements compared to traditional batteries. In this article we will discuss the benefits of using lithium batteries for trolling motors.

Table of contents

• 5 advantages of lithium batteries for trolling motors
• Advantage 1: Lightweight and portable
• Benefit 2: Longevity - LiFePO4 offers long-term cost savings
• Benefit 3: High Energy Density - Improved trolling motor performance
• Advantage 4: Low maintenance - Practical for all fishing enthusiasts
• Advantage 5: Increased safety and environmental friendliness
• Factors to consider when choosing the right LiFePO4 battery size for your trolling motor
• Choosing the right LiFePO4 battery for your trolling motor

5 advantages of lithium batteries for trolling motors

Advantage 1: Lightweight and portable

When choosing the perfect trolling motor battery, weight is a key factor to consider. A heavy battery can affect your boat's speed, maneuverability and fuel efficiency, especially in turbulent water conditions. Because trolling motors operate at low speeds for extended periods, choosing a lightweight battery pack can reduce the overall weight of the boat, improving handling and responsiveness.

Battery weight also affects the boat's balance, which is critical for safe operation in varied water conditions. A heavy battery can cause the bow to dive, making steering difficult and unsafe in bad weather. A lighter battery can ensure the stability of the boat and make it easier to navigate in difficult conditions.

Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries offer a significant weight advantage over conventional gel cell and AGM batteries. Gel cell and AGM batteries often weigh between 60-70 pounds for a 12V 100Ah battery, while the same capacity LiFePO4 battery weighs 26-32 pounds. A Power Queen 12.8V 100Ah LiFePO4 battery weighs only 24.25 lbs(11kg).

The weight savings can improve the boat's speed, maneuverability and fuel efficiency, giving you more time to fish and less worry about battery weight.

Benefit 2: Longevity - LiFePO4 offers long-term cost savings

Trolling motors place heavy demands on batteries, especially over extended periods of use in varying water conditions and speeds. A battery's lack of durability can lead to premature failure, leaving you without power on the water.

In contrast, a high-capacity battery can maintain its capacity even with repeated use, providing you with reliable power at all times. This longevity guarantees that you'll save money in the long run because the batteries will not need to be replaced as often, which can be expensive and a hassle.

It is also important to consider the expected lifespan of a battery. Long-lasting batteries tend to last longer than their less durable counterparts. For example, lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries last 3-5 times longer than lead-acid batteries. Lead acid batteries have a lifespan of 300-500 cycles, which means they need to be replaced every 2-3 years. In contrast, you can use LiFePO4 batteries with a lifespan of 4.000-15.000 cycles use for more than ten years.

By choosing a long-lasting battery, you can avoid frequent battery replacement costs and hassles, ensuring your trolling motor performs at its best on the water and saving you money in the long run.

Benefit 3: High Energy Density - Improved trolling motor performance

Compared to other battery types, lithium iron phosphate batteries (LiFePO4) have a higher energy density. This means that more energy can be stored in a smaller size and lighter weight compared to lead-acid batteries. While the typical energy density of lead-acid batteries is between 30-50 Wh/kg, for LiFePO4 batteries it is around 100-150 Wh/kg. This higher energy density allows LiFePO4 batteries to power the trolling motor for longer periods of time.

The higher energy density of LiFePO4 batteries also ensures a consistent voltage output, which is critical for optimal trolling motor performance. This consistency allows the motor to run at a constant speed, allowing for smooth and efficient navigation on the water.

In addition, LiFePO4 batteries can be discharged at a higher discharge rate than lead-acid batteries. They offer discharge rates up to 5C or more compared to the 1C-2C rates of lead-acid batteries. This rate of discharge means the battery can deliver more energy to the motor when needed, ensuring better performance and longer run times on the water.

Advantage 4: Low maintenance - Practical for all fishing enthusiasts

Proper maintenance is critical to optimal trolling motor battery performance and life, and accessibility for service should be considered when selecting a battery.

Maintenance can affect your overall fishing experience as regular maintenance such as checking water levels, topping up distilled water and ensuring proper charging can be time consuming, inconvenient and will reduce your fishing time.

Lead-acid batteries, for example, require regular maintenance, and neglecting these tasks can result in reduced battery life or even battery failure, leaving you without power to your trolling motor.

In contrast, LiFePO4 batteries require much less maintenance than lead-acid batteries, earning them the title of "maintenance-free". LiFePO4 batteries do not require frequent water level checks and do not require special charging to ensure their longevity. Choosing LiFePO4 batteries saves you time and effort in maintenance, which makes fishing on the water smoother and more enjoyable.

As such, battery maintenance is an important consideration when selecting a trolling motor battery, and choosing a low-maintenance option like LiFePO4 can provide benefits in terms of time, effort, and overall performance on the water.

Advantage 5: Increased safety and environmental friendliness

The safety of trolling motor batteries is critical as overcharging and undercharging pose a significant safety hazard. Overcharging can cause the battery to overheat and rupture or explode, while undercharging can damage the battery and affect its performance.

Another risk is the release of toxic gases when charging or using the battery. Charging or using lead-acid batteries releases hydrogen gas, which is highly flammable and can cause a fire or explosion if not properly ventilated. In contrast, LiFePO4 batteries do not emit toxic gases, making them safer for enclosed areas such as boats.

Advanced safety features that ensure optimal battery safety include overcharge protection, thermal regulation and short circuit protection mechanisms. Also, it is important to store and use the battery in a well-ventilated area away from heat sources and flames.

Power Queen LiFePO4 batteries have a built-in BMS (Battery Management System) that offers overcharge, overdischarge, overcurrent, short circuit and high temperature protection, ensuring the best safety and reliability.

By selecting a battery with advanced safety features and following appropriate storage and usage guidelines, you can minimize the risks associated with battery use. This allows you to enjoy a safe and worry-free experience on the water with your trolling motor. In addition, LiFePO4 batteries are environmentally friendly, avoiding pollution and caring for nature.

Factors to consider when choosing the right LiFePO4 battery size for your trolling motor

Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries offer a number of advantages over traditional lead-acid batteries, including high energy density, longer life and improved safety. When considering a LiFePO4 battery for your trolling motor, choosing the right size is critical to ensure optimal performance and durability.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right LiFePO4 battery size for your trolling motor:

voltage

The first thing to consider is the voltage required for your trolling motor. Most trolling motors use either a 12 or 24 volt system. Choose a LiFePO4 battery with a voltage that matches the needs of your trolling motor.

Amp-hour (Ah) capacity

The amp-hour capacity of the battery determines how long your trolling motor can run on a single charge. To calculate the battery capacity you will need, consider how long you want your trolling motor to run and at what speed. Keep in mind that higher speeds use more power and drain the battery faster.

You can calculate the required battery capacity with the following formula:

Battery capacity (Ah) = (trolling motor current draw in amps x hours of continuous use) x 1.5

For example, if your trolling motor draws 10 amps and you plan to use it continuously for 4 hours, you will need a battery with a capacity of at least (10 x 4) x 1.5 = 60 Ah.

Height and weight

LiFePO4 batteries come in a variety of sizes and shapes. It is therefore important that you choose a battery that fits your boat and is easy to install and remove. Keep in mind that LiFePO4 batteries are also much lighter than traditional lead-acid batteries, so you may be able to choose a battery with a higher amp-hour capacity without putting too much strain on your boat.

Choosing the right LiFePO4 battery for your trolling motor

When choosing the right LiFePO4 battery for your trolling motor, there are a few factors you need to consider. The size of the battery, measured in ampere-hours (Ah), its voltage and dimensions all have to match.

For motors with a thrust of 30 to 55 pounds a LiFePO4 battery with a capacity of 50-100Ah should be sufficient. In this case, the Power Queen 12.8V 100Ah mini LiFePO4 lithium battery is highly recommended.

For motors with a thrust of 55 to 80 pounds a battery with a capacity of 100-150 Ah is required. The Power Queen 12.8V 200Ah LiFePO4 lithium battery is ideal for this category.

If your motor has between 80 and 100 pounds of thrust, you should choose a battery with a capacity of 150-200 Ah. In this case, the Power Queen is 12.8V 300Ah LiFePO4 lithium battery a suitable partner.

If you have a larger 200-300lb thrust trolling motor, a 200-300Ah capacity LiFePO4 battery is required to provide the power and runtime you need. In this scenario, the Power Queen would be 12.8V 410Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery the best choice.

Conclusion

Lithium batteries offer an impressive list of benefits including longer life, better battery performance and better power-to-weight ratio than traditional batteries. This makes them an excellent option for anglers looking to enhance their trolling motor experience. Buying a trolling motor with a lithium battery that suits your fishing needs and preferences is easy when you know what to look for. Follow the guidelines in this article and you'll have no trouble finding the right lithium battery and trolling motor, which will ultimately improve your fishing experience.