5 Ways for Charging Trolling Motor Batteries While On the Lake

A dead trolling motor battery can ruin your day out on the water. Whether you want to explore, cruise, or fish, losing battery power in the middle of your journey can leave you frustrated. The best part? Nowadays, you don't have to get back to shore and recharge your batteries. The right setup can help you recharge a trolling motor battery while you are on the water.

With the ability to charge your trolling motor battery during the trip, you get more time to explore and fish. Plus, it makes your boating experience memorable. This guide presents practical and smart methods (including solar panels, onboard marine chargers, and portable battery chargers) to charge trolling motor batteries while you are on the water.

By the end, you will be well familiar with how to spend a great day out on the water without losing a power supply. Let's get into detailed specifics.

How To Charge Trolling Motor Batteries on the Water

Suppose you are in the middle of a vast ocean or a large lake and your trolling motor battery suddenly stops working. Though it is frustrating, the question that arises here is, “What to do in that case?” Well, it is a common issue that thousands of anglers face around the globe. However, there are practical ways to charge a trolling motor battery while on the water. Let's explore some methods you can count on to make your fishing trips memorable and uninterrupted.

1. Solar Panels

It is the best choice for boaters and anglers to recharge their trolling motor batteries on the water. All you need to do is buy solar panels from a trusted brand like Renogy, connect them with your batteries, and you can recharge your batteries as many times as you want for free. Below is a list of steps required to recharge your trolling motor batteries with solar panels while you are on the water.

Step 1: First, you should select the right solar panel to recharge your marine batteries. Don't forget to ensure that the solar panel delivers the power that trolling motor batteries need to recharge.

Step 2: Once you choose the panel, it is time to position it on the deck of a boat in a way that it directly receives sunlight. Make sure it is fastened securely and does not move while your boat is in motion.

Step 3: Right after securing your panel, connect a charge controller to the trolling motor batteries. Ensure you use the right connectors and appropriate wiring. The addition of a charge controller in the circuit enables solar panels to charge your trolling motor batteries without any issues, like improper voltage and overcharging.

Step 4: Now, connect solar panels to the charge controller. It effectively manages the power flow between the batteries and solar panels. A charge controller regulates the current and voltage to protect batteries from overcharging, as mentioned earlier.

Step 5: Once the complete setup is ready, you need to monitor and maintain it effectively. Keep a close eye on the connections and the performance of the charge controller to make sure everything is performing the way it should. Clean solar panels regularly to maximize their efficiency and overall performance.

2. Portable Marine Battery Charger

This is another essential tool you need to recharge trolling motor batteries while traveling on the water. Marine batteries are more durable, as they are manufactured to bear harsh water conditions. Therefore, always choose a charger that is perfectly built for your marine batteries.

Portable marine battery chargers are lightweight and compact. Plus, they are equipped with features that are required for boat batteries. It is important to consider multiple factors when choosing the right charger, such as compatibility with your trolling motor battery type, amperage capacity, and versatility.

3. Onboard Charger

If you have installed an onboard battery charger on your boat, it is an incredible solution to recharge trolling motor batteries while you are on the water. An onboard charger stays in contact with your trolling motor batteries continuously. Therefore, it prevents your batteries from getting completely discharged and leaving you stranded on the water, giving you peace of mind.

4. Trolling Motor Alternator

Alternator systems are compatible with some trolling motors. These systems generate power when the trolling motor operates. The generated power can be used to recharge trolling motor batteries. The alternator systems offer an efficient and convenient way to keep the trolling motor batteries charged while traveling on the water. Alternators are built to integrate with the operation of trolling motors, ensuring continuous charging with no manual intervention.

5. Dual Battery Setup

Installing a dual battery setup is another effective solution to keep your trolling motor batteries charged during the trip on the water. In this setup, one battery delivers power to the trolling motor while the second battery is reserved for charging. When the trolling motor is off, the charging battery refuels the trolling motor battery.

Having a dual battery setup enables you to rotate the use of batteries and make sure you always have a fully charged battery to run trolling motors and enjoy a seamless journey on the water.

Pro Tip: Conserving battery power significantly extends the runtime of your trolling motor batteries. Therefore, adopt energy-efficient strategies, such as minimizing abrupt speed changes, using lower speed settings, and maintaining a steady course.

Use Lithium Batteries for Longer Power on the Water

Do you want to enjoy extended trips on the water that add extra value to your boating experience? If so, choose batteries that offer longer lifespans, higher energy densities, and improved efficiency. If these are the parameters to consider, look no further than lithium batteries. A list of lithium battery advantages (as given below) will help you better understand why you should consider lithium batteries to power your trolling motors.

1. Longevity

Lithium batteries offer more charge cycles compared to traditional batteries. For example, a modern lithium battery comes with 3,000 to 5,000 (or even more) charge cycles, whereas a conventional lead-acid battery completes only 300 to 500 full cycles before it fails. Longer lifespans help lithium batteries offer greater long-term value. Read more about lithium batteries' lifespan.

2. Faster Recharge

The charging speed of lithium batteries is much faster than lead-acid batteries. It means if your trolling motor battery is dead while you are on the water, you can start your journey sooner.

3. Lightweight

The lesser the weight of the boat, the easier the handling and transportation will be. Lithium batteries come with lightweight structures (can be five times lighter) compared to conventional lead-acid batteries. The installation of lithium batteries reduces the overall weight of your boat, making handling easier.

For example, a 100 Ah lead-acid battery weighs between 60 and 80 pounds, whereas the weight of a 100 Ah lithium battery can be as low as half (or even lower) of the lead-acid battery.

4. Higher Energy Density

Another reason why people today prefer using lithium batteries in boats instead of installing traditional lead-acid batteries is that lithium batteries offer enhanced efficiency and higher energy density. You get longer runtimes (because more energy is stored in lithium batteries) to spend more quality time on the water due to the higher density of lithium batteries.

Final Thoughts

If your trolling motor battery is low on charge or completely dead, it should not cut your trip on the water short. The right charging setup ensures that you enjoy a seamless adventure. Whether it is a portable marine battery charger, an onboard charger, or solar panels, you can quickly recharge trolling motor batteries without going back to shore.

Proper battery care and the right charging setup extend your fishing journey and make it more enjoyable, as you expect. If you want to spend long hours on the water without any interruption, especially with low battery power, consider upgrading to lithium batteries to run the trolling motors on your boat.

Lithium batteries are highly reliable and offer higher energy density, extended lifespan, enhanced efficiency, and faster charging. Always buy marine-grade batteries and chargers from a trusted seller, like Renogy, for your boating needs.

FAQs

What is the best way to charge a trolling motor battery while on the lake?

If you are looking for a reliable charging system to charge your trolling motor batteries while you are on the water, try solar panels, an onboard marine charger, or a portable marine battery charger. Picking the best option mainly depends on how long you want to stay on the water and your boating setup.

How long does a trolling motor battery take to charge while you are on the water?

The charging time depends on various factors, including the power output of the battery charger, the charging method, and the battery size. If you are charging a trolling motor battery via a solar charger, it may take several hours to do the job. In contrast, a DC charger or an alternator can charge your trolling motor batteries much faster.

Is charging a trolling motor battery safe while the boat is in motion?

If you use a marine-rated battery charger and carefully follow the safety precautions, charging your trolling motor battery is absolutely safe while using the boat. One thing you should take care of is that the connections are secure and dry. Moreover, don't forget to ensure that you have the right charging system installed on your boat.

What size battery charger should I buy for my trolling motor battery?

The battery type and capacity can help you determine the ideal charger size. If you need efficient and safe charging, it is recommended to choose a charger with an output of 10-20% of the battery's amp-hour capacity.