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.
