Power Your Boat With a Trolling Motor Battery: A Comprehensive Guide
Selecting the right trolling motor battery determines whether your fishing day delivers 8+ hours of reliable power or leaves you stranded mid-lake watching fish you can't reach. Most anglers underestimate battery requirements, selecting undersized units lasting 3-4 hours maximum. Understanding power demand, battery chemistry, and capacity calculations prevents expensive mistakes costing $800+ in premature replacement cycles.
Trolling Motor Power Demand Reality
Thrust Rating Impact on Runtime:
30-lb thrust = 25 amps/hour
40-lb thrust = 32 amps/hour
50-lb thrust = 45 amps/hour
55-lb thrust = 50 amps/hour
Runtime Calculation Example:
If fishing 8 hours with 50-lb thrust:
45 amps/hour × 8 hours = 360 amp-hours required
200Ah battery × typical usage (60-70% d...