If you fish out on the water, you might be someone who likes to do a little trolling every now and then. It might be possible to keep that trolling motor humming as you are cruising along some parts of your favorite fishing spots. It won’t be as fun as you like if all of a sudden the battery dies or worse, the motor doesn’t start at all. A battery charger can save you time that would otherwise be spent on kicking yourself, wishing you had charged the battery in the first place.
In this guide on finding the best battery chargers for trolling motors, we’ll go over two options that make the best sense for your charging needs. Before we do that, we’ll discuss why a trolling motor needs charging. Let’s get right to the details.
Why the Best Chargers for Trolling Motors Make Sense
Trolling motors typically rely on 12V batteries that are wired in series, meaning they can also reach 24V, 36V, and 48V. As such, you’ll need a charger that will be able to make sure the batteries maintain their balance and reach a full charge safely. Choosing the right charger that will keep your battery charged and maintained (albeit with the best safety features like float mode, reverse polarity, etc.) can be the best long-term investment you make. It may be a good idea to consider whether it's compatible with other types of batteries.
Our List of Trolling Motor Battery Chargers
Now, we will take a look at the best battery chargers for trolling motors on the market. Since there are two listed here, it may seem difficult to choose one over the other. It all comes down to the features that benefit you best and your budget.
PowerPlus 36V 18 AMP On-Board Battery Charger and Maintainer
If your boat has a 36V trolling motor system (or 12V batteries wired in series), this might be the best charger to have on hand. To begin, it’s powerful enough to handle those batteries and deliver an 18 AMP charge that will be safe and optimized throughout the entire battery bank. It uses a multi-staging charging process (bulk, absorption, and float modes) that will maintain excellent battery health. It’s rated IP68 to ensure weather resistance, along with shock and vibration resistance.
Not to be outdone, it’s got spark-proof and reverse polarity protections. Plug it in, keep the battery charged, and you’ll be ready for some good old-fashioned trolling the next time you hit the waters.
Simply put, this battery charger and maintainer is for the angler who might be on the water for lengthy periods. That’s not a bad thing at all, especially if you regularly rely on your trolling motor for long durations. Nevertheless, it can be the best option for the consistent, long life you’re looking for with your 36V trolling battery.
Key features:
- Features an output of 36V at 18 AMPs
- Mounting hardware for easy installation on your boat
- Compatible with Lead Acid, AGM, and Lithium batteries
PowerPlus 48V 15 AMP Battery Charger and Maintainer
If your trolling motor is a bit higher end, then it’s clear that this battery charger and maintainer is the best option. Its high-voltage charging is ideal for the batteries themselves and will make sure they stay efficient and functional for the long term.
Larger setups require something more advanced. There’s no denying that the PowerPlus 48V 15 AMP Battery Charger and Maintainer is the go-to option for those who know this old adage: “Bigger means more.” In this case, we mean more power. Additionally, you have LED status indicators that will let you know the charging stages and quiet operation, so you won’t have to deal with any annoying noises while this charger and maintainer is in operation.
Furthermore, its setup options include a portable setting where you don’t need to secure it permanently. Then again, if mounting it is what you want, you’ll have the stuff for it. Finally, like the other PowerPlus option, it’s got the IP68 rating for resistance to weather, shock, and vibration. It’s about what you’d expect from a charging device like this.
Key features:
- Has an output of 48V at 15 AMPs for long battery life
- IP68 rated for weather, shock, and vibration resistance
- Compatible with Lead Acid, AGM, and Lithium (LiFePO4) trolling batteries
Tips for Maintaining Trolling Motor Batteries
Now that we’ve gone over the two options for trolling motor battery chargers, it may be important to share tips on maintaining such batteries. Be sure to follow these steps carefully, whether you are using one of the above charger options. Here are some tips to follow:
- Charge After Every Use: One of the biggest mistakes a boater can make is leaving trolling batteries depleted. This can result in sulfation and shorten the lifespan of the battery. After every boat outing, make sure you use your battery charger for your trolling motor. It doesn’t matter if it’s a short outing or a long day, this is something you shouldn’t skip.
- Store Your Trolling Batteries Properly: If you are planning on storing your boat, this means removing your batteries safely from the boat. They need to be stored in a specific environment where it’s cool and dry. Once you find a place, connect them to your Battery Tender battery charger and maintainer, whether it’s the PowerPlus 36V or 48V.
- Choose a Battery Charger that Prevents Overcharging: Your standard battery charger for trolling motors might not have the necessary safety features for overcharging, which is why the options above from Battery Tender are considered the best. They feature modes that will charge the battery and switch off once the charge is complete. From there, you won’t have to deal with overcharging, even if you are letting the batteries charge for months on end during storage.
- Match the Voltage: It is always a good idea to use a charger that will match the battery bank voltage. For example, use a 36V charger if you have a 36V battery. Never use a 12V charger as it can be ineffective and unsafe.
Charging your trolling motor battery regularly will ensure that each time you hit the water on your boat, you will never have to worry about a dead battery. Aside from charging the battery, it’s good to make sure that your battery is in good physical condition, meaning you should inspect it for any physical damage or corrosion. Such signs could mean that a battery replacement may be needed.
Troll On with the Right Battery Charger from Battery Tender
You can’t troll on a dead battery, so it might be a good idea to consider finding a battery charger that will provide it with a consistent charge so you can do more of it. Best of all, the chargers from Battery Tender are easy to use. We’ve got one for each battery bank that your trolling engine relies on. Don’t let the next trolling adventure get cut short due to a dead battery. If you need a reliable charger, then one of these two options might be the best fit. Check out Battery Tender and see which one is your perfect match.
