How to Choose the Best Lithium Battery for Your Trolling Motor

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Step 2: Check the Motor’s Maximum Amp Draw

After matching the system voltage, compare the trolling motor’s maximum amp draw with the battery’s maximum continuous discharge rating.

Every Dakota Lithium battery contains a battery management system, or BMS. The BMS limits how much current the battery can safely deliver continuously. If a trolling motor asks for more current than the battery is rated to supply, the BMS may shut off the battery to protect it.

Smaller-capacity batteries often have lower continuous discharge ratings because they are designed for smaller loads. However, amp-hour capacity and discharge capability are separate specifications. Batteries with similar Ah ratings can have different discharge limits depending on their cells, BMS, and intended application.

Here are several examples from the current Dakota Lithium lineup:

This comparison shows why a battery should not be selected from its Ah rating alone. The 12V 10Ah battery has a 20A continuous limit, while the larger 12V 60Ah batteries can continuously supply 100A. The same continuous rating as the 12V 100Ah deep-cycle battery—even though the 100Ah battery stores considerably more energy.

The continuous rating is the figure to compare with the motor’s required current. A battery’s short-duration or pulse rating should not be used to determine whether it can operate a trolling motor continuously.

As an example, published Minn Kota figures include maximum draws of approximately:

For example, a 12V motor with a published maximum draw of 50A needs a 12V battery rated to deliver at least 50A continuously. The 12V 10Ah battery would not meet that requirement, while the 60Ah and 100Ah models meet or exceed it based on their current published specifications. 

These Minn Kota figures do not apply to every trolling motor. Maximum current can vary by model and generation, even when two motors have similar thrust ratings. Always check the owner’s manual or manufacturer specifications for the exact motor.

A compatible trolling motor battery must:

• Match the motor’s required voltage

• Have a maximum continuous discharge rating equal to or greater than the motor’s required current

• Store enough energy for the desired runtime

• Provide an appropriate reserve for changing conditions

• Work with the required wiring, circuit breaker, and charger

Battery specifications can change as products are updated. Confirm the specifications on the individual product page before purchasing or installing a battery.

Step 3: Estimate Trolling Motor Runtime

A basic runtime estimate is:

Battery capacity in Ah ÷ average motor draw in amps = estimated runtime in hours

For example, a 100Ah battery supporting an average 20A load has a theoretical runtime of approximately five hours:

100Ah ÷ 20A = 5 hours

These estimates do not mean the motor will run for an exact number of hours on the water. Actual runtime can be affected by:

• Motor speed

• Boat weight and hull design

• Wind, waves, and current

• Propeller condition

• Vegetation and underwater resistance

• Spot-Lock or anchor-mode use

• Battery temperature

• Wiring length, size, and condition

• Other electrical loads connected to the system

Calculating with the motor’s maximum amp draw provides a conservative full-power estimate. Most anglers vary motor speed throughout the day, so actual fishing time may be longer.

Include Electronics and Other Onboard Loads in Your Runtime Estimate

Some boaters use their trolling motor battery system to power fish finders, sonar, live imaging, networking equipment, pumps, lights, sound systems, and other onboard electronics. This can help preserve the starting battery for cranking the engine, but every connected device reduces the energy available for the trolling motor.

When multiple devices share the battery system, estimate runtime using the combined average power consumption. This is usually more easily done in watt-hours. 

Battery energy in watt-hours ÷ total average load in watts = estimated runtime in hours

For example, if the trolling motor averages 400W and the connected electronics use another 100W, the battery system is supporting an average total load of approximately 500W. Electronics that operate throughout the entire fishing day can have a meaningful effect on runtime even when their power demand is much lower than the trolling motor’s maximum draw.

Connecting 12V Electronics to a Higher-Voltage Trolling Motor System

Most marine electronics operate on 12V and should not be connected directly to a 24V, 36V, or 48V battery system unless the equipment is specifically rated for that voltage.

A properly sized DC-to-DC converter can reduce the trolling motor bank’s voltage to the voltage required by the electronics. When selecting a converter, confirm:

• The input voltage matches the trolling motor battery bank

• The output voltage matches the connected electronics

• Its continuous output rating exceeds the combined electronic load

• Wiring and overcurrent protection are sized for the circuit

• The equipment manufacturer permits the proposed configuration

Do not power 12V electronics by connecting them to only one battery within a 24V or 36V series bank. Drawing from one battery can discharge the batteries unevenly and cause the bank to become imbalanced. If 12V power is needed from a higher-voltage bank, use a compatible converter connected across the complete battery bank.

A shared system is not always the best choice. Motor operation can sometimes introduce electrical interference into sensitive sonar equipment, and an electronics failure or wiring problem could affect more of the boat’s systems. Anglers who rely heavily on live sonar or other critical electronics may prefer a dedicated Dakota Lithium electronics battery while keeping the trolling motor and starting systems separate.

Whether the electronics use a shared bank or a dedicated battery, include their energy consumption when deciding how much total battery capacity the boat needs.

Step 4: Balance Runtime, Reserve Capacity, and Weight

Once voltage and discharge compatibility and estimated runtime are confirmed, consider how much energy you want to carry compared to weight.

A smaller battery can reduce boat weight and free up storage space. That can be especially valuable in kayaks, canoes, skiffs, and other weight-sensitive boats but limits runtime. A larger battery stores more energy and provides additional reserve for long days, wind, current, or unexpected changes in the fishing plan.

For many trolling motor systems, batteries between 60Ah and 100Ah provide a useful range to evaluate:

• Around 60Ah: A balance of stored energy, physical size, and weight for many typical fishing applications.

• Around 100Ah: More energy and reserve for longer trips, sustained propulsion, heavier boats, and demanding conditions.

• More than 100Ah: May be appropriate for offshore use, strong current, large boats, guides, tournaments, or multiple days between charges.

The goal is not necessarily to install the largest battery possible. It is to carry enough energy for the intended use, plus a reasonable reserve, without adding more cost and weight than the boat needs.

Choosing a 12V Lithium Battery for a Trolling Motor

A 12V trolling motor normally uses one 12V deep-cycle battery but can utilize multiple in parallel. 

A battery around 60Ah may be a good fit for:

• Kayaks and canoes

• Small fishing boats

• Intermittent motor use

• Anglers prioritizing low battery weight

• Motors whose maximum draw is within the battery’s continuous discharge limit

A 100Ah battery may be more appropriate for:

• Long fishing days

• Trolling motors used as primary propulsion

• Heavier boats

• Frequent operation at medium or high power

• Anglers who want more reserve for wind and current

Dakota Lithium options include the DL+ 12V 60Ah and the 12V 100Ah deep-cycle battery. Compare each battery’s current discharge rating, stored energy, weight, dimensions, charging specifications, and approved uses.

Choosing a 24V Lithium Battery for a Trolling Motor

A 24V trolling motor can be powered by:

• One 24V lithium battery, or

• Two compatible 12V batteries wired in series

• Two or more compatible 24V batteries wired in parallel 

A single 24V 60Ah lithium battery provides approximately 1,536Wh of stored energy while offering a relatively simple installation with fewer battery-to-battery connections.

Two 12V batteries can provide more configuration flexibility and may be easier to replace or repurpose individually. A pair of 12V 100Ah batteries wired in series creates a 24V 100Ah system with approximately 2,560Wh of stored energy.

For many 70- to 80-pound-thrust trolling motors, a 60Ah 24V battery can provide a useful balance between runtime and weight. Anglers who routinely fish in current, operate at high power, or need substantial reserve capacity should consider a 100Ah or larger 24V system.

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Choosing a 36V Lithium Battery for a Trolling Motor

A 36V trolling motor can use:

• One 36V lithium battery, or

• Three compatible 12V batteries wired in series

A single 36V 60Ah lithium battery stores approximately 2,304Wh while simplifying wiring and reducing the number of batteries and connections in the boat.

Three 12V batteries provide a modular alternative. Three 12V 100Ah batteries wired in series create a 36V 100Ah system with approximately 3,840Wh of stored energy.

Consider a higher-energy 36V system when:

• The boat is large or heavily loaded

• The trolling motor frequently holds position in strong current

• You fish long tournament days

• You operate offshore or in remote locations

• Recharging between trips may not always be possible

The best 36V trolling motor battery is the one that meets the motor’s discharge requirement and provides enough energy and reserve for the application—not necessarily the one with the highest Ah number.

Single 24V or 36V Battery vs. Multiple 12V Batteries

Both configurations can work when approved by the battery and trolling motor manufacturers.

Benefits of a Single-Voltage Battery

• Fewer cables and connections

• Simpler installation

• One battery to monitor and charge

• Less opportunity for batteries in the bank to become imbalanced

• Often a smaller overall footprint

Benefits of Multiple 12V Batteries

• More capacity and product choices

• Individual batteries may be easier to lift or fit in tight spaces

• Batteries may be repurposed for compatible 12V applications

• Dual-purpose models may provide additional capabilities when properly configured

Multiple batteries also require more cabling and careful series wiring. Follow the battery and motor manufacturers’ instructions, and use a qualified marine installer if you are uncertain about cable size, overcurrent protection, or connection layout.

Can You Use a Lithium Battery With a Minn Kota Trolling Motor?

Many anglers use LiFePO4 batteries with Minn Kota trolling motors, but compatibility should be checked by specific motor and battery model.

When choosing a lithium battery for a Minn Kota trolling motor:

1. Confirm the motor’s required voltage.

2. Find its maximum amp draw.

3. Choose a battery whose continuous discharge rating exceeds that requirement.

4. Calculate how much stored energy and runtime you need.

5. Follow Minn Kota’s wire-gauge and circuit-breaker recommendations.

6. Confirm that the battery manufacturer approves the intended configuration.

Do not assume every Minn Kota model has the same electrical requirements simply because two motors have similar thrust ratings.

See How Professional Anglers Build Their Battery Systems

Dakota Lithium has spent years working with professional anglers, tournament competitors, guides, and recreational boaters in demanding marine environments. Those real-world applications help inform battery recommendations for everything from lightweight kayak systems to high-capacity tournament and offshore boats.

Professional boats also demonstrate why battery selection needs to consider the complete electrical system. The trolling motor is only one load. Sonar, live imaging, chartplotters, networking equipment, pumps, lights, and engine starting can all influence how an angler divides and sizes the boat’s battery capacity.

🎥 Watch: Powering the Pros—Team Dakota Lithium Battery Setups

*Results may vary due to conditions, but this is a general consensus. Performance data is based on 300+ pro-staff testing Dakota Lithium batteries in the most rugged of conditions.

What Batteries Do Bassmaster & Walleye Champions Use?

The most common setup for professional anglers is the 36 volt configuration for the trolling motor and a separate 12v system for the electronics. A few examples of pros using  uses 3 x DL+ 12V 135Ah batteries for his trolling motor and 1x DL+ 12V 135Ah battery for their livescope, sonar, graphs, fish finder, and other onboard electronics.

Tyler Rivet, Bassmaster Champion, 1st place Lake Okeechobee

Hank Cherry, Bassmaster Grand Champion, 2 years in a row 

Duane Hjelm, National Walleye Tour Champion

Lithium vs. Lead-Acid Trolling Motor Batteries

Here at Dakota, we specialize in Lithium iron phosphate, or LiFePO4, a type of lithium-ion battery chemistry for trolling motors because it offers far superior performance in almost every category. 

Compared with a similarly sized lead-acid battery, a LiFePO4 trolling motor battery offers:

• Lower weight

• More usable energy under many operating conditions

• More consistent voltage during discharge

• Faster charging with suitable equipment

• Much longer cycle life when operated within specifications

• A built-in BMS that protects against several damaging electrical conditions

• No toxic metals (lead) utilized in chemistry

• No off-gassing of flammable and corrosive gases during charging

• No venting requirements for installation locations

Lead-acid batteries generally cost less initially, but in the long run lithium outperforms and outlasts, lowering total cost of ownership. 

Charging a Lithium Trolling Motor Battery

Use a charger designed or programmed specifically for LiFePO4 battery chemistry when using Dakota batteries. The charger must match the voltage of the battery or complete battery bank and must not exceed the battery manufacturer’s maximum charge-current specification.

For example, a 12V battery requires an approved 12V LiFePO4 charging profile, while a 24V, 36V, or 48V bank may be charged with a compatible charger designed for the voltage of the complete bank.

There are several ways to charge a trolling motor battery system:

• Single-bank onboard charger: Permanently installed in the boat and connected to one battery or a complete bank of the matching voltage.

• Multi-bank onboard charger: Uses separate, electrically isolated charging outputs for individual batteries within a multi-battery system.

• Portable external charger: Connects to the battery terminals with clamps or another approved removable connection.

• Full-bank charger: Charges a series-connected battery bank across its main positive and negative terminals using the correct total bank voltage.

• Individual battery chargers: Compatible chargers can charge each battery separately. When batteries remain connected in a series bank, use properly isolated charging outputs approved for that configuration.

• DC-to-DC charger: Uses power from the boat engine’s alternator to recharge the trolling motor batteries while the engine is operating.

• Generator-powered charger: A portable generator can supply AC power to a compatible LiFePO4 charger where permitted and safely operated.

• Solar charging system: Solar panels can recharge trolling motor batteries through a properly sized charge controller programmed for LiFePO4 chemistry and the bank’s voltage.

Onboard chargers and portable external chargers are the most common options. The best arrangement depends on the battery configuration, available charging time, shore-power access, and whether charging is needed while underway or away from the dock.

When charging from an engine alternator, use a suitable DC-to-DC charger rather than connecting the trolling motor batteries directly unless the battery and engine manufacturers specifically approve that configuration. Confirm that the alternator can support the charger’s input demand without overheating or being overloaded. The DC-to-DC charger must also provide the correct output voltage and limit charging current to an acceptable level for the battery bank.

For solar charging, the solar array and charge controller must be properly sized for the battery-bank voltage and desired recharge time. Solar can be useful for maintaining or extending available energy, but the output of a small panel may not be sufficient to quickly recharge a large trolling motor bank.

Before choosing a charging arrangement, confirm:

• The charger uses an approved LiFePO4 charging profile

• Charger output voltage matches the battery or complete bank

• Charge current does not exceed the battery manufacturer’s limit

• Each output is appropriately isolated when charging batteries individually within a series bank

• The charger is suitable for the installation environment

• Wiring, connectors, and overcurrent protection are properly sized

• The charging method is approved by the battery, charger, and boat-equipment manufacturers

• The batteries are within their permitted charging-temperature range

Trolling motor banks can be charged in several safe and effective ways. The important requirements are correct battery chemistry, voltage, current, wiring, and system compatibility.

Find the Right Dakota Lithium Trolling Motor Battery

Dakota Lithium has powered professional and recreational anglers for years, from compact kayak fishing systems to demanding tournament and offshore boats.

If you are unsure which battery or charging setup fits your boat, Dakota Lithium’s U.S.-based professional technical support team is ready to help. Our specialists can review your trolling motor requirements, compare single-battery and multi-battery configurations, account for electronics and other onboard loads, and help you choose compatible batteries and charging equipment.

Contact Dakota Lithium’s technical support team or call 1-855-743-3279, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific Time.

Whether you are powering a small fishing kayak or designing a complete tournament-boat electrical system, our team can help you build a reliable setup around how and where you fish.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What battery should I use for a trolling motor?

Use a deep-cycle battery system that matches the trolling motor’s required voltage and can supply its maximum amp draw. Then choose the watt-hour capacity according to the runtime and reserve energy you need.

Q: What is the best lithium battery for a trolling motor?

The best lithium battery is one that matches your motor voltage, exceeds its required continuous current, provides sufficient stored energy, fits the available space and weight limits, and works with a compatible charging system.

Q: Is a 60Ah lithium battery enough for a trolling motor?

It can be. A 60Ah battery offers a practical balance of energy storage and weight for many systems. Its actual energy capacity and expected runtime depend on its voltage, the motor’s power consumption, and operating conditions.

Q: Is a 100Ah lithium battery enough for a trolling motor?

A 100Ah battery can provide substantial reserve, but amp-hours must be considered alongside voltage. A 36V 100Ah system stores approximately three times the energy of a 12V 100Ah battery. Boat size, motor use, current, wind, and desired runtime determine whether it is enough.

Q: Can I replace three 12V batteries with one 36V lithium battery?

Potentially, provided the 36V battery is approved for the motor and its continuous discharge rating meets the motor’s requirements. Check dimensions, stored energy, charger compatibility, overcurrent protection, and manufacturer instructions before converting.

Q: Do I need a special charger for a lithium trolling motor battery?

Use a charger approved for the battery’s LiFePO4 chemistry and voltage. Do not assume an existing lead-acid charger is compatible.

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