If you are an angler or boating enthusiast, you surely understand the importance of a reliable trolling motor battery. Whether you navigate still water or cruise through currents, your trolling motor needs a power source that delivers consistent, long-lasting performance. This is especially important for motors with higher thrust ratings, such as an 80 pound thrust trolling motor, which demand significant power.
Choosing the right battery can make all the difference in the longevity and performance of your motor. I will now tell about the top 5 trolling motor batteries for 80 pound thrust motors. and give a simple guideline on their capacity, longevity, reliability and specific suitability for high-thrust motors. Let’s begin
1. Optima BlueTop D34M Marine Battery
Optima is a household name in the marine battery market, known for its SpiralCell Technology that provides robust performance and long-lasting power. The Optima BlueTop D34M is an excellent choice for a trolling motor battery, especially for 80 lb thrust motors. This battery excels in cranking power and deep-cycle capacity, making it perfect for marine applications.
Some Features:
- Reserve Capacity: 120 minutes for consistent performance
- Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): 750 CCA, ideal for both starting and deep cycling
- SpiralCell Technology: This offers a strong and clean power source, ensuring your battery runs cooler and lasts longer than conventional batteries.
- Durability: Highly resistant to vibrations and can withstand rough marine conditions.
Why It’s Ideal for 80 lb Thrust Motors:
The Optima BlueTop offers excellent durability and power retention, making it capable of powering an 80 lb thrust motor without any power dips. Its deep-cycle nature ensures you can run the motor for hours without worrying about battery drainage. Moreover, its fast recharge time means you’ll spend less downtime recharging and more time on the water.
Drawbacks:
Price: It’s more expensive than some other options on the market.
Weight: Slightly heavier, making it less portable compared to lithium-ion batteries.
2. VMAX MR137-120 AGM Deep Cycle Battery
The VMAX MR137-120 AGM is a powerful battery specifically designed for deep cycling, making it a great choice for trolling motors with high thrust capacities like 80 lbs. This Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery delivers reliable performance with minimal maintenance, providing a long lifespan and good overall value.
Some Features:
- Capacity: 120Ah (amp-hours), ensuring long-lasting performance for extended trips.
- Maintenance-Free: The sealed AGM design means no maintenance is required, and it’s spill-proof.
- Durability: Designed for heavy-duty marine use with high vibration resistance.
- Discharge Rate: Offers a slow discharge rate, making it ideal for continuous trolling motor usage.
Why It’s Ideal for 80 lb Thrust Motors:
The high amp-hour rating of this battery ensures it can handle prolonged use with heavy motors like the 80 lb thrust. The deep-cycle capability allows it to discharge gradually without impacting performance. Its maintenance-free design makes it incredibly convenient for long fishing trips where you don’t want to worry about battery upkeep.
Drawbacks:
Size and Weight: This battery is large and heavy, making it harder to transport.
Cost: Like the Optima, it is priced on the higher end for lead-acid batteries.
3. Battle Born LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery
For those willing to invest in cutting-edge battery technology, the Battle Born LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery is one of the best options available. Lithium batteries are lightweight, have faster charging times, and offer more power compared to traditional AGM or lead-acid batteries. The Battle Born battery is designed for deep-cycle applications and comes with an impressive 10-year warranty.
Some Features:
- Capacity: 100Ah, with high energy density for lightweight efficiency.
- Cycle Life: 3000 to 5000 cycles, which far exceeds that of lead-acid batteries.
- Weight: Only 31 lbs, making it extremely portable.
- Battery Management System (BMS): Protects the battery from overcharging, undercharging, and overheating.
Why It’s Ideal for 80 lb Thrust Motors:
The Battle Born LiFePO4 battery is perfect for 80 lb thrust motors due to its ability to deliver a consistent and reliable power output over a long period. It’s lighter than AGM batteries, making it a great option if weight is a concern. Additionally, lithium-ion batteries charge faster and have a longer lifespan, saving you money in the long term.
Drawbacks:
Price: It’s significantly more expensive than both AGM and lead-acid batteries.
Charging Requirements: Lithium-ion batteries need specific chargers, which can be an additional cost.
4. Mighty Max ML35-12 AGM Battery
The Mighty Max ML35-12 AGM battery offers a more affordable option for anglers looking for a reliable battery without breaking the bank. It’s a sealed lead-acid (SLA) AGM battery that provides good deep-cycle performance with minimal maintenance. Though it’s smaller in capacity compared to some of the other batteries on this list, it’s still a solid option for lighter or shorter boating trips.
Some Features:
- Capacity: 35Ah, suitable for short trips or as a backup battery.
- AGM Technology: Sealed, maintenance-free, and spill-proof.
- Lightweight: Weighs about 24 lbs, making it easy to transport.
- Vibration Resistant: Built to withstand rough marine environments.
Why It’s Ideal for 80 lb Thrust Motors:
While this battery might not have the same capacity as the Optima or Battle Born options, it’s still capable of providing reliable power for an 80 lb thrust motor during shorter trips. Its affordability makes it a great backup or secondary battery for those who don’t need long hours of continuous trolling.
Drawbacks:
Capacity: The 35Ah rating may not provide enough power for long trips with an 80 lb thrust motor.
Not Suitable for Long Use: This battery is better suited for short trips or as a secondary power source.
5. Renogy 12V 100Ah Deep Cycle AGM Battery
The Renogy 12V 100Ah AGM battery is known for its high performance and durability in deep-cycle applications. Renogy is a trusted brand, particularly in renewable energy, and their deep-cycle batteries are designed to withstand heavy use in various conditions. This battery offers a good balance between price and performance, making it a solid choice for high-thrust trolling motors.
Some Features:
- Capacity: 100Ah, providing ample power for extended trolling motor use.
- Maintenance-Free: Sealed AGM design ensures minimal maintenance and a spill-proof battery.
- Wide Operating Range: Performs well in a wide range of temperatures, from -4°F to 140°F.
- Durability: Vibration-resistant and designed for marine environments.
Why It’s Ideal for 80 lb Thrust Motors:
The Renogy 100Ah battery offers plenty of power for an 80 lb thrust motor, providing long run times and reliability even during extended use. Its maintenance-free design makes it easy to handle, and the wide operating temperature range means it will work well in almost any weather condition.
Drawbacks:
Weight: At 63.9 lbs, this is one of the heavier options, which can be a downside for portability.
Charging Time: Lead-acid batteries generally take longer to charge compared to lithium-ion batteries.
When choosing a battery for your trolling motor, there are a few key things to consider:
Capacity (Amp-hours): A higher capacity means more run time. For 80 lb thrust motors, you’ll want at least a 100Ah battery for a full day of use.
Durability: The marine environment can be tough on batteries, so look for options that are vibration-resistant and built to handle extreme conditions.
Maintenance: AGM and lithium-ion batteries are generally maintenance-free, while traditional lead-acid batteries require more care.
Weight: If portability is important, consider lightweight lithium-ion batteries. However, be prepared to pay more for weight savings.
In summary
If you’re looking for a reliable, long-lasting battery for your 80 pound thrust trolling motor, each of the options listed above brings something to the table. The Optima BlueTop D34M offers durability, while the Battle Born LiFePO4 battery delivers the best performance in terms of weight, cycle life and charging efficiency. For those on a budget, the Mighty Max ML35-12 provides a decent option for short trips.
