The battery is a critical element of your electric motor system. A high-quality deep cycle marine battery should always be used. Unlike automobile batteries, deep cycle marine batteries are designed to be run down to a discharged state and then recharged. Note: To extend the life of your battery, always recharge after use. Most trolling motor batteries fail due to lack of proper charging.
Click here for more information on battery selection and power issues.
- Battery Recommendations
- Using a 12-volt Battery for a 24-volt Motor
- Lithium Ion Batteries
- Lithium Ion Battery Power Output
- Battery Life
- Selecting the correct type of battery to run a Minn Kota Trolling Motor
- Advice Regarding Batteries
- CAUTIONS
Battery Recommendations
We suggest selecting a 12 volt deep cycle marine battery with at least a 110 amp hour rating, usually a group 27 size battery. The higher the amp-hour rating, the more run time you will receive. If an amp hour rating is not available, select a deep cycle battery with a minimum of 180 minutes reserve capacity. Note: A starting battery is not suitable for use with an electric trolling motor. Starting batteries are rated in cold cranking amps (CCA)or Marine Cranking Amps (MCA); both ratings have no relevance to deep cycle performance.
Using a 12-volt Battery for a 24-volt Motor
While it is not recommended and depending on the model of motor, you can run a 24-volt motor off of a 12-volt battery. For a cable steer or hand-controlled model this will not hurt the motor, but it will considerably affect the performance of the motor. However, an electric steer motor, such as, the PowerDrive, Terrova, or Ulterra cannot be used on lower voltages. 24/36V Terrova, Ulterra, and Ultrex will not even power on at below 18 volts.
Lithium Ion Batteries
The QUEST series trolling motors are compatible with deep-cycle marine batteries operating at 12, 24, or 36 volts. They are optimized for use with LiFePO4 lithium-ion battery cells, which maintain higher voltages over extended periods compared to lead-acid batteries, thereby enhancing trolling motor performance.
To ensure safety and compliance, it’s essential to adhere to the relevant marine regulations and standards for battery choices in different regions:
United States: Use only batteries that meet U.S. Coast Guard regulations and applicable American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) standards. ABYC’s E-13 standard for lithium-ion batteries ensures safety and reliability in marine environments.
Canada: Comply with Transport Canada’s Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations, which govern the safe handling, packaging, labeling, and transportation of batteries, particularly lithium batteries classified as dangerous goods. Marine safety guidelines provided by Transport Canada further ensure environmental protection and operational safety when using batteries on vessels.
Europe: Follow the European Union’s Batteries Regulation, which promotes sustainability, performance, and safety throughout a battery’s life cycle.
Australia: Comply with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) regulations and standards, which emphasize maritime safety and environmental protection.
New Zealand: Align with Maritime New Zealand’s standards, which provide guidance on the safe use of lithium-ion batteries on vessels.
NOTE: Always consult local and/or in-country marine regulations and standards when selecting and installing batteries for your trolling motor to ensure compliance and optimal performance.
The LiFePO4 Lithium batteries can be used with our motors. When using lithium batteries, you want to ensure the battery(s) provide(s) enough continuous discharge amperage to run the motor at its max amp draw. The chart below shows the max amp draw by motor thrust. If the motor is not getting enough amperage, it will have issues including working for a short time and then shutting off, being able to turn on the motor but not turn on the prop, steering issues, issues with i-Pilot and i-Pilot Link such as Spot Lock not working or being erratic. If you are having any issues with your motor and you are using Lithium batteries, verify you have enough continuous amperage available for the motor to pull its max amp draw.
Lithium Ion Battery Power Output
Lithium Batteries maintain higher voltages for longer. Motors engineered to make the most of flooded lead acid batteries can be damaged by the higher power output. To prevent this damage when using Lithium batteries you should not run your motor at its highest speeds, staying at 85% or Speed 8.5 or lower.
Battery Life
The length of time your batteries will last can vary based upon battery amp hour rating, boat size and weather conditions. Generally, you should get a typical day of fishing on a single charge. We suggest selecting a 12 volt deep cycle marine battery with at least a 110 amp hour rating. You can use the chart below and this formula for determining Estimated Runtime.
Selecting the correct type of battery to run a Minn Kota Trolling Motor
For more information review these instructions on Selecting the Correct Batteries, click on the guide or watch the video below.
A Minn Kota trolling motor will operate with a lead acid or lithium deep cycle marine 12-volt battery/batteries. For best results, use a deep cycle, marine battery with at least a 110-ampere hour rating.
Advice Regarding Batteries
- Never connect the (+) and the (-) terminals of the same battery together. Take care that no metal object can fall onto the battery and short the terminals. This would immediately lead to a short and extreme fire danger.
- It is highly recommended that a circuit breaker or fuse be used when installing a trolling motor. Refer to the Minn Kota “Conductor Gauge and Circuit Breaker Sizing Table”. For motors requiring a 60-amp breaker, the Minn Kota MKR-27 60-amp circuit breaker is recommended.
- Batteries should be stored and maintained at full charge. Failure to recharge lead-acid batteries (within 12-24 hours) is the leading cause of premature battery failure. Minn Kota offers a wide selection of chargers to fit your needs and application.
- If using a crank battery to start a gasoline outboard, we recommend that you use separate deep cycle marine battery/batteries for your Minn Kota trolling motor.
CAUTIONS
- For safety reasons do not switch the motor on until the propeller is in the water. If installing a lead wire plug, observe proper polarity and follow instructions in your boat owner’s manual.
- For safety reasons, disconnect the motor from the battery or batteries when the motor is not in use or while the battery/batteries are being charged.
- Improper wiring of 24/36/48-volt systems could cause battery explosion!
- Keep all battery post connections tight to the battery terminals.
- Install battery in a ventilated compartment.
