How Should I Choose A Battery For My Trolling Motor?-Acoucou Buying Gu

What Is Trolling Motor?

Trolling motor is an electric drive device used on trolling boat. It is usually installed on the stern or outboard side of a boat to provide additional power and boat control.

What Should I Consider When Choosing A Battery For A Trolling Motor?

When choosing a battery for a trolling motor, there are some key factors to consider to ensure that the battery will meet the boat's power requirements and perform well in use.

• Battery Type

Different batteries have different performances. Common battery types include lead-acid, AGM, polymer, and lithium iron phosphate. lithium iron phosphate batteries are typically lighter and more durable but may be more expensive.

• Capacity

Battery capacity indicates the amount of electrical energy a battery can store. Selecting a battery with the proper capacity depends on the power requirements and usage time of the trolling motor. Increasing capacity batteries can provide longer drive times.

• Voltage

Trolling motors are usually designed with a specific voltage range. Please make sure the voltage of the battery meets the specifications of the trolling motor.

• Cycle Life

Cycle life is an indicator of how many times a battery can be charged and discharged, and still maintain performance. Consider the cycle life of the battery, especially if gapped charging and discharging are required at all.

• Charging Time

Some batteries can be recharged more quickly, which may be important if fast charging is required in a short period.

• Environment

Different environmental conditions also influence the performance of the battery, such as temperature. The performance of some batteries may be affected in extreme temperatures.

What Are Common Trolling Motor Batteries?

Lead-Acid Battery

Lead-acid batteries are a common and economical choice and are divided into flooded lead-acid (FLA) and sealed lead-acid (SLA, including AGM and gel batteries). They are relatively cheaper but heavier and the life is shorter.

• Flooded Lead-Acid Battery

Flooded lead-acid batteries, also known as deep-cycle or wet-cell batteries, consist of three parts: Bluetooth, the drastic, and static fluid. The spinning fluid is usually made of lead oxide and eventually lead sponge (Pb). The resting fluid is an aqueous solution of dilute sulfuric acid, which contains sulfuric acid.

Unlike AGM batteries, flooded lead-acid batteries have a continuous fluid, an aqueous sulfuric acid solution. This allows the continuous fluid to flow freely inside the battery, which promotes the chemical reactions in the battery.

• AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) Battery

Compared to flooded lead-acid batteries, AGM batteries use a special absorbent glass mat structure maintaining the dynamic fluid between the glass fibers, rather than allowing the static fluid to flow freely. With a sealed structure, the acid does not leak and they are suitable for well-ventilated cabins.

Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery

Lithium iron phosphate batteries are becoming increasingly popular in many applications because of their high energy density, lightweight and long life. They are also capable of providing a stable power output for applications that require continuous use. However, lithium iron phosphate batteries are more expensive than lead-acid batteries.

Why Do We Choose Acoucou LiFePO4 Batteries?

• Longer Cycle Life: Acoucou can withstand more charge/discharge cycles and have a better lifespan than lead-acid batteries. Acoucou LiFePO4 battery has more than 6000 cycles and a 10-year life.
• Lightweight: Acoucou LiFePO4 12V 100Ah is 29.98 lbs nearly 1/3 of the weight of the same type of lead-acid battery, which means that the efficiency and speed of the boat can be improved while saving weight.
• Safety: Acoucou LiFePO4 batteries are relatively safe, and they have a lower risk of thermal runaway compared to other lithium-ion batteries, such as lithium cobalt-acid batteries. It makes them more suitable for use in specific environments. Acoucou LiFePO4 battery has a built-in BMS that people can check the situation of batteries through Bluetooth in the APP.
• Maintenance-Free: Unlike lead-acid batteries, LiFePO4 batteries do not require regular water replenishment.

What is the typical power of a trolling motor?

The power of a trolling motor is usually expressed in "pounds of thrust" (lbs of thrust) rather than directly in "power" (horsepower). Trolling motors are available in a wide range of thrust capacities, usually from 30 to 150 pounds. Generally, a thrust between 55 pounds and 80 pounds is a common choice for trolling motors. A powerful motor usually provides enough power to propel a small or medium-sized trolling boat through lakes, rivers, or oceans.

Warm tips: While choosing Acoucou lithium iron phosphate batteries, you can refer to the following data in making your selection.

1. Between 30 and 55 pounds, we recommend you use a 12V 100Ah lithium iron phosphate battery.
2. 55-80 lbs, we recommend you to use a 12V 200Ah lithium iron phosphate battery.