Trolling Motor Battery

Not afraid to admit that I’m a rookie when it comes to batteries. I’ve got a two year old 55 lb Terrova on my little (and light) 14 ft tiller. Assuming I stick with just 1 battery on the 12v system, is there any specific battery you’d recommend for this kind of use? Obviously depends on several different factors, but would a Group 27 deep cycle be enough to last me for a decent day of trolling motor use? Are battery brands the same as chevy vs ford?

My buddy has a group 31 super start from Oreilly that seems to treat him well. Thoughts?

Not trying to invest an arm and a leg into this, looking to spend less than about $200.

If your boat is “little and light” as you say, you might find a size 31 battery to be very big and heavy. I ran an Alumacraft F7 (little and light 14 footer) for many years and I always used a 24 series battery. Less expensive, smaller, and lighter. Some of this is going to depend on what you’re doing with that trolling motor. If you’re running it hard in a river or actually trolling with it, you might need more battery.

There are always tradeoffs.

SR

I think a regular group 27 deep cycle would be perfectly fine for you. It should last just fine for a day of use, unless you’re running the motor all day long at high speeds.

I’ve got a 16′ with a 55lb Terrova and a group 27 battery from Fleet Farm. I can go more than a day on a single charge while muskie fishing.

No mater what battery you get make sure it is a deep cycle and not a starting battery. This will give you the best reserve capacity. Your 55 will draw a max of 52 amps. That being said I do not know how you use your motor but here are some examples: These numbers are general and are not exact but it will give you an idea of how long the battery will last. Time is in hours. This is also assuming the battery is in perfect condition. I would probably use a 15% loss to the numbers would probably be more reality.

Group size: / 1/3 speed time / 2/3 speed time /full power time:
24 / 8 / 4 / 2.6
27 / 9.4 / 4.7 / 3.0
31 / 12.3 / 6.1 / 4.0

Also, remember that if using the battery specifically for trolling motor usage, it should be a deep cycle battery.

I used to run an interstate 27 series for my old 12 volt system and it worked fine. Like others have said make sure its a Deep Cycle not a dual purpose they last longer.

I’d personally go group 27 AGM. That’ll put you right around $200. And don’t be surprised when you push 8-10 years with it though.