• Post author:
  • Post last modified:July 10, 2024
When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

With our charts, you can compare the run times of different battery sizes when used with popular trolling motor sizes: 30, 55, 80 and 112 pounds of thrust.

Our battery run time calculator will give you an idea of what you can expect from a given battery capacity at a specific amp draw.

How Do We Calculate Run Time?

The run time of trolling motor batteries is calculated by dividing the battery’s amp-hours (Ah) rating by the number of amps the motor draws at a given speed.

In our calculations, we assume 80% depth of discharge (DoD), which means the battery will still have 20% remaining capacity. This is a recommended value for lithium batteries.


Trolling Motor Run Time Calculator

Ah
A
%


In the battery charts below, we use a rough estimation of how much amp draw occurs at different speeds. The actual amount varies depending on the motor being used, as well as the boat and water conditions.

To get an accurate amp draw estimation, read your motor’s user manual or check our amp draw chart.

Remember to factor in any additional electrical equipment that may be using power from the battery while trolling.

30 lb Trolling Motor Battery Chart

Trolling motors with 30 pounds of thrust are often found on smaller boats like kayaks and canoes. They are powered by a single 12-volt battery. The following chart shows the run times at various speeds with different battery sizes.

Battery Bank
12V
Max Speed
30A
Med Speed
15A
Low Speed
7A
35Ah Battery56min1h 52min4h
50Ah Battery1h 20min2h 40min5h 42min
100Ah Battery2h 40min5h 20min11h 24min

55 lb Trolling Motor Battery Chart

Battery Bank
12V
Max Speed
40A
Med Speed
16A
Low Speed
8A
35Ah Battery42min1h 45min3h 30min
50Ah Battery1h2h 30min5h
100Ah Battery2h5h10h
200Ah Battery4h10h20h

80 lb Trolling Motor Battery Chart

Trolling motors with 80 pounds of thrust are most often found on larger boats such as bass boats, pontoons, and small center console fishing boats. They are powered by two 12 volt batteries wired in series for 24 volts in total.

Battery Bank
24V
Max Speed
35A
Med Speed
15A
Low Speed
5A
2 x 35Ah Battery48min1h 52min5h 36 mins
2 x 50Ah Battery1h 8min2h 40min8h
2 x 100Ah Battery2h 16min5h 20 min16h
2 x 200Ah Battery4h 32min10h 40 min32h

112 lb Trolling Motor Battery Chart

These powerful trolling motors are typically found on larger and heavier boats. They need 36 volts to run at full power. (3 x 12 Volts)

Battery Bank
36V
Max Speed
40A
Med Speed
15A
Low Speed
5A
3 x 35Ah Battery42min1h 52min5h 36 mins
3 x 50Ah Battery1h2h 40min8h
3 x 100Ah Battery2h5h 20 min16h
3 x 200Ah Battery4h10h 40 min32h

Depth of Discharge

For lead-acid batteries, the deeper a battery is discharged, the lower its capacity and run time will be. It’s recommended not to discharge them more than 50% to maximize your battery’s life. If you frequently discharge a lead-acid battery to 80%, it will very likely have reduced capacity after one season.

Lithium batteries, on the other hand, can be regularly discharged to 80% and still last hold the charge after 5 and more years.

Power Queen 12V 100Ah Lithium Battery
Deep Cycle Battery with Upgraded 100A BMS, Max 1280W Energy, Up to 15000 Cycles & 10-Year Lifespan for RV, Solar, Trolling Motor & Camping

Battery Type and Longevity

The main difference between lead-acid and lithium batteries is their longevity. Lead-acid batteries will typically last around two or three years with regular use, while lithium batteries can last five years or more.

Additionally, lead-acid batteries are prone to sulfation (the buildup of sulfate crystals on the plates) when stored for long periods of time, while lithium batteries do not suffer from this problem.

Battery Warranty

When selecting a trolling motor battery, it’s important to consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer.

Lithium batteries usually come with a longer warranty, often up to five years full coverage and sometimes as much as 10.

Conclusion

By comparing different batteries on this chart, you can identify the best battery size for your application based on the trolling motor thrust.

Keep in mind the amp draw is just an estimation based on our research to give you a rough idea of what to expect.