Author: Jasmeen Aneja

Why Choose Lithium-Ion Over AGM/Lead Acid for Your Trolling Motor?

If you’re a passionate angler who spends long hours on the water, you know that your trolling motor’s power source is just as important as your fishing gear. Choosing the right battery can make all the difference in how long you can stay out, how easy it is to manage your boat, and how much you enjoy your fishing experience.

Lithium-Ion batteries are becoming the go-to choice for powering trolling motors, especially for 24V and 36V systems. Let’s explore how Lithium-Ion compares to traditional AGM/Lead Acid batteries, and why upgrading can be a game-changer for your time on the water.

Longer Time on the Water

One of the most noticeable differences with Lithium-Ion batteries is the extended runtime. With a 36V 50Ah Lithium-Ion battery, you get significantly more power, which means more hours of fishing before your battery needs a recharge.

Lithium-Ion batteries allow you to discharge more of their energy without damaging the battery, meaning you can use almost all of its capacity before needing to recharge.

AGM/Lead Acid batteries, on the other hand, should only be discharged to about 50% to avoid shortening their lifespan. This means you’re getting much less usable power per charge, resulting in more frequent recharges.

If you love spending full days on the water without interruptions, Lithium-Ion is the clear winner for giving you more time between charges.

Lightweight and Easy to Manage

Fishing boats are often limited in space and weight, and that’s where Lithium-Ion batteries shine. These batteries are much lighter than their AGM/Lead Acid counterparts, allowing you to reduce the weight on your boat without sacrificing power.

For example, a 36V Lithium-Ion battery could weigh up to 50% less than an AGM battery with the same capacity. This makes handling and installing the battery much easier, and the lighter weight helps improve your boat’s overall performance on the water.

Less Maintenance, More Fishing

One of the great advantages of Lithium-Ion batteries is that they require virtually no maintenance. You don’t need to check water levels or worry about corrosion, and they hold their charge much longer during periods of inactivity.

Lithium-Ion batteries have a very low self-discharge rate—only about 3% per month when not in use. This means that even if your boat sits unused for months, your battery will still hold a charge and be ready to go when you are.

AGM/Lead Acid batteries self-discharge much faster, which can be a problem if your boat isn’t used frequently, requiring you to recharge them more often.

For those who fish occasionally or seasonally, the low maintenance of Lithium-Ion batteries makes them a far more convenient option.

Long-Term Value

It’s true that Lithium-Ion batteries come with a higher price tag upfront, but they offer incredible long-term value because of their longer lifespan.

A Lithium-Ion battery typically lasts up to 10 times longer than an AGM/Lead Acid battery. While an AGM battery may only provide 300 to 500 cycles, a Lithium-Ion battery can last more cycles before needing to be replaced.

This means fewer replacements over time, making the cost per cycle much lower with Lithium-Ion. Even though you pay more initially, the extended lifespan and reduced need for replacements make them a smart investment.

If you’re thinking long-term, Lithium-Ion batteries pay for themselves with their durability and reliability.

Built for Tough Conditions

Whether you’re fishing in hot, humid conditions or dealing with saltwater, Lithium-Ion batteries are designed to handle it all. They come with built-in safety features, including systems that prevent overcharging, overheating, and deep discharging, which can damage traditional batteries.

For anglers who often face unpredictable weather or harsh conditions, Lithium-Ion is a dependable choice, ensuring you have power when you need it most.

Why Make the Switch?

Choosing the right battery for your trolling motor is about more than just power—it’s about how long you can stay on the water, how easy it is to manage, and how much hassle you’ll have over time. While AGM/Lead Acid batteries have been a reliable option for years, Lithium-Ion batteries offer longer runtime, easier handling, and greater long-term savings.

Whether you’re out for a casual day of fishing or on a serious weekend trip, Lithium-Ion batteries give you the confidence that your trolling motor will keep you moving without interruptions.

As an angler, you know that the key to a great day on the water is having the right gear, and that includes your power source. If you’ve been using a 12V system to run your trolling motor, it might be time to step up to a 24V or 36V 50Ah lithium-ion battery. These batteries offer big advantages—longer runtime, less weight, and more efficiency—so you can focus on what matters: fishing. Let’s dive into why making the switch is a smart move for your trolling motor.

More Power, Less Effort
With a 24V or 36V system, you get more power with less current draw, which means your motor runs more efficiently. For example:

A 12V motor pulling 600W uses 50 amps.
A 24V motor needs only 25 amps for the same power.
A 36V motor takes just 16.7 amps.

By lowering the current, you’re not just saving energy—you’re also reducing heat in the wiring, meaning your system works smoother and lasts longer. Upgrading to a 36V 50Ah lithium-ion battery can make your trolling motor run more efficiently, giving you longer, more productive days on the water.

Stay on the Water Longer
We all know how frustrating it is when the battery dies right in the middle of a great fishing trip. With a 24V or 36V battery, you’ll get more hours of runtime than a 12V system could ever give you. Take the 36V 50Ah battery as an example—it provides 1,800 watt-hours of energy. That’s enough to run a 600W trolling motor for about 3 hours before needing a recharge. You get more energy without the extra bulk, so you can keep fishing without worrying about your power supply.

Lighten the Load
When space is tight and weight matters, reducing the size of your wiring can make a big difference. A higher voltage system like 24V or 36V means you can use smaller, lighter cables, making it easier to install and manage your setup. Less weight on your boat means better performance, and fewer headaches when setting everything up. Plus, with smaller-diameter cables, you don’t have to worry about overheating.

Keep It Simple, Keep It Reliable
If you’ve ever had to connect multiple 12V batteries to get the power you need, you know how complicated it can get. More connections, more wires, more chances for something to go wrong. Switching to a single 36V lithium-ion battery simplifies your system, with fewer components to maintain and less risk of failure. It’s less to worry about in harsh marine conditions, where saltwater and vibration can mess with your wiring. Plus, the built-in Battery Management System (BMS) ensures that your battery stays safe from overcharging, deep discharging, and temperature extremes.

Built to Handle Harsh Marine Conditions
The marine environment is no joke—between the temperature swings, saltwater, and humidity, your gear needs to be tough. Xantrex 24V and 36V lithium-ion batteries are designed to handle these challenges. They come with thermal management features, including sensors that keep the battery from overheating. And when you’re not using your boat, the sleep mode kicks in, reducing self-discharge to just 3% per month after 10 days of inactivity. It’s perfect for those off-seasons when your boat is stored away, but you still want your battery ready to go when you are.

Compatibility with Modern Trolling Motors
Most modern trolling motors are built to work with 24V or 36V systems, offering more thrust and better efficiency than older 12V motors. If you’re upgrading from a 12V system, it’s important to check if your motor is compatible with the higher voltage. If it’s not, upgrading the motor might be necessary—but the performance benefits will be worth it.

Upgrading to a 24V or 36V lithium-ion battery is a game-changer for anglers looking to get the most out of their trolling motors. You’ll get longer runtimes, better efficiency, and a simpler, more reliable setup. Plus, Xantrex’s marine-grade lithium-ion batteries are designed to stand up to the toughest conditions, keeping you powered up for every trip.