When it comes to your boat, battery selection is all-important. A substandard battery can cause significant issues and impact your time on the water. Because they can mean the difference between landing your dream catch and returning home empty-handed after cutting your fishing trip short, your bass boat needs the best trolling motor batteries available.
However, selecting the right battery isn’t always straightforward. Not all batteries serve the same purpose - some are intended specifically for producing cranking power for engine startups, and others are used exclusively for running your trolling motor. They also come in various sizes and voltages.
To help you make an informed decision, we created this comprehensive trolling motor battery FAQ. It features a range of frequently asked questions about choosing the right battery for your needs. If you want a more general introduction to trolling motor batteries, check out our trolling motor battery guide.
How many trolling motor batteries do I need?
The number of batteries you need depends on your trolling motor voltage. RELiON offers 12-volt, 24-volt, and 36V lithium batteries. If you have a 12-volt trolling motor, you can choose from several 12-volt options. If you have a 24-volt motor, you can use two 12-volt batteries in series or a single 24-volt battery. If you have a 36-volt motor, you can use three 12-volt batteries in series or a single 36-volt battery.
36V Trolling Motor Series Wiring Diagram:
36V Trolling Motor Parallel Wiring Diagram:
Which Lithium Battery Should I Use For My Trolling Motor?
Which lithium battery you need for your trolling motor depends on the size of your trolling system. Trolling motors come in 12V, 24V, and 36V power configurations.
12V Trolling Motor Setup
RELiON produces several 12-volt battery options. The most common models are the RB52, RB60, RB75, RB80, and RB100, which are rated at 52Ah, 60Ah, 75Ah, 80Ah, and 100Ah, respectively. To get the same runtime as a wet or AGM lead-acid battery, use a lithium battery that is 60% the capacity of that lead-acid battery. If you want more time on the water, size up from there.
For instance, if you have a 100Ah lead-acid battery and want the same runtime, you would choose a 60Ah RELiON lithium battery.
24V Trolling Motor Setup
If you have a 24V trolling motor system, you can either pair a couple of 12V batteries in series or choose a single 24V battery. This will save space and weight on the boat. RELiON recommends one of our 24V LiFePO4 batteries - such as the RB24V40 or RB24V52 - for your 24V trolling motor.
36V Trolling Motor Setup
If you have a 36V trolling motor system, you can pair three 12V batteries in series or purchase a single 36V battery. A single, lightweight trolling motor battery is typically preferred over three linked batteries due to the space and weight savings. RELiON has the perfect 36V trolling motor battery in the RB36V40. This powerful lithium battery is easy to install, is IP67 certified, and can easily be scaled up by connecting multiple RB36V40's in parallel.
Are RELiON lithium batteries a drop-in replacement for my old lead-acid battery?
RELiON offers the standard Group 24, Group 27, and Group 31 battery sizes. This allows for quick and easy replacement of older lead-acid batteries.
Read more about the factors you should consider when upgrading to lithium.
Do I need to use a lithium starter battery if my trolling motor batteries are lithium?
No. You can use a lead-acid starter battery with your lithium trolling motor batteries.
Is there a RELiON lithium starter battery?
RELiON produces the RB100-HP - a Group 31 dual-purpose battery that you can use for starting.
Are RELiON lithium trolling motor batteries waterproof?
All RELiON lithium batteries are enclosed in an IP66 or IP67-rated case. This ensures they are protected from splashed or spilled water. However, they should not be submerged in water, as this can result in critical damage. While RELiON batteries are designed for use on the water and excel in this environment, we recommend you try to keep them as dry as possible.
Why are lithium models the best trolling motor batteries?
Some of the key benefits of lithium technology include:
- Greater longevity - lithium batteries last up to 10 times longer than alternatives.
- Fast charging - quick to charge, they ensure you are always ready to go.
- Lightweight - lithium batteries are far lighter than other types of batteries.
- Constant power - lithium battery power delivery does not fluctuate.
- Temperature resistant - the batteries perform well in challenging conditions.
- Safe & non-hazardous -
What type of charger should I use for my deep-cycle lithium batteries?
We recommend you use a multi-bank charger so that each 12-volt battery can be charged separately. This ensures they stay balanced and receive a full charge. Ideally, use a charger with a lithium charge profile. However, most AGM charge profiles will also work.
Learn more about charging lithium batteries.
Do I need to charge my batteries each time I use them?
Unlike lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries do not get damaged if they sit partially discharged for extended periods. However, we recommend you charge them after each use to ensure you have the maximum runtime available every time you use your boat.
How long do you expect RELiON lithium batteries to last?
RELiON lithium batteries are engineered to last for more than 3,500 cycles at an 80% discharge depth. They provide up to ten times the lifespan of traditional lead-acid batteries.
How should I maintain my RELiON lithium batteries?
One of the biggest advantages of lithium batteries is that they require relatively little upkeep. As a result, you do not need to carry out any significant trolling motor battery maintenance. If you want to keep your long-lasting trolling motor batteries in the best possible condition, consider the following steps:
- Charge your battery after each use.
- Store your lithium trolling motor batteries in a cool, dark place.
- Check for component corrosion before use.
- Never mix battery types.
Read more about optimal storage conditions for lithium batteries.
Use our Lithium Battery Selector Tool to calculate your energy needs and find the optimal battery for your application and usage.
Have other questions about RELiON lithium trolling motor batteries? Check out more of our common FAQs or contact us.