24V trolling motor batteries are marine-grade power systems designed to deliver sustained thrust for electric boat motors. Operating at 24 volts nominal, they combine two 12V batteries in series or use a single 24V lithium pack (LiFePO4 preferred) for compact setups. These batteries prioritize deep-cycle endurance, handling 50–100Ah capacities with 1000+ cycles. Built with corrosion-resistant terminals and vibration-proof casing, they’re optimized for freshwater/saltwater angling.
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What defines a 24V trolling motor battery system?
A 24V system uses two 12V batteries wired in series or a single 24V lithium unit to power thrusters requiring ≥80 lbs of force. Key specs include 20–50Ah discharge rates, IP67 waterproofing, and marine terminals. Lithium variants often integrate BMS thermal protection against overcurrent in choppy waters.
Unlike 12V systems, 24V configurations reduce amperage draw by half for equivalent power, minimizing voltage drop across long wiring runs. For example, a Minn Kota Terrova 80lb motor draws ~46A at 24V versus 92A at 12V. Pro Tip: When connecting two 12V AGMs in series, ensure identical age/capacity—mismatched cells cause uneven discharge. Transitional setups like 24V/36V switchable motors require expert wiring to avoid controller damage. But how do you pick between AGM and lithium? Lithium packs save 60% weight (e.g., 22 lbs vs. 55 lbs for 100Ah) and tolerate deeper discharges, but cost 3x upfront.
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Weize YTX14 BS ATV Battery  |
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| Parameter | AGM | Lithium |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle Life | 500–800 | 2000–5000 |
| Weight (100Ah) | 55–70 lbs | 22–30 lbs |
| Cost per kWh | $150–$200 | $500–$800 |
How does a 24V lithium battery differ from AGM for trolling?
Lithium batteries (LiFePO4) offer 2–5x longer cycle life versus AGM, with 95%+ usable capacity versus 50% in lead-acid. Their flat discharge curve maintains thrust consistency even at 20% charge.
Practically speaking, a 24V 50Ah lithium battery can deliver 40Ah usable energy (80% DoD), while AGM provides only 25Ah (50% DoD). Beyond capacity, lithium’s 100A continuous discharge supports high-thrust motors without voltage sag. For example, a Newport Vessels 86lb motor paired with a Dakota Lithium 100Ah can run 5+ hours at 50% throttle. Pro Tip: Use lithium’s built-in Bluetooth BMS to monitor cell balance—critical in saltwater environments where corrosion accelerates imbalances. Transitioning from AGM? Remember lithium doesn’t need float charging; overcharging past 29.2V per 24V pack degrades cells. But what about cold climates? Lithium loses 20–30% capacity below 0°C unless heated—AGM handles -20°C better but with reduced output.
What maintenance ensures long 24V battery life?
For AGM: Monthly voltage checks (12.6–13.2V per 12V unit) and terminal cleaning. Lithium needs balanced charging every 10 cycles and storage at 50% SOC if unused >2 weeks.
AGM batteries sulfate if left discharged, permanently losing capacity. After a fishing trip, recharge to 100% within 24 hours. Use a marine charger with desulfation mode—Noco Genius 10A models work well. For lithium, avoid storing at 100% SOC; set storage voltage to 26.5V (24V system). Pro Tip: Apply dielectric grease on terminals to prevent saltwater corrosion. Transitional maintenance steps: If your boat has both starting and trolling batteries, install an isolator to prevent trolling loads from draining the starter battery. Ever forgotten to disconnect loads? Lithium’s low self-discharge (3% monthly) outperforms AGM’s 5–10%.
| Task | AGM | Lithium |
|---|---|---|
| Recharge After Use | Within 24h | Within 72h |
| Winter Storage Voltage | 12.8V per 12V | 13.2V per 12V |
| Terminal Cleaning | Monthly | Quarterly |
How to charge a 24V trolling motor battery correctly?
Use a multi-stage marine charger with 24V output. AGM requires 14.4–14.8V per 12V battery (28.8–29.6V total), while lithium needs 29.2V max with CC-CV phases.
Charging AGM too fast (>0.3C) causes gassing—stick to 10–20A chargers. Lithium accepts up to 1C (e.g., 50A for 50Ah). For dual 12V AGM in series, charge each battery individually monthly to prevent imbalance. Transitional charging solutions: Solar panels? Match voltage (24V nominal) and use MPPT controllers. Did you know lithium’s 99% charge efficiency outperforms AGM’s 85%? Example: A 100Ah AGM needs 115Ah input for full charge; lithium needs 101Ah. Pro Tip: For lithium, set charger absorption voltage to 28.8V—exceeding 29.2V accelerates cathode decay.
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What runtime can I expect from a 24V trolling battery?
Runtime depends on motor thrust setting and battery Ah. A 24V 100Ah lithium provides 3–8 hours at 50% throttle (20–40A draw), while AGM offers 2–5 hours due to lower usable capacity.
Calculating runtime: Divide usable Ah by motor Amp draw. For example, a MotorGuide Xi5 drawing 30A at medium speed with a 100Ah lithium (80Ah usable): 80Ah ÷ 30A = 2.66 hours. Transitional factors: Rough water or heavy loads increase Amp draw—add 20% buffer. Pro Tip: Use a battery monitor like Victron BMV-712 for real-time Ah tracking. Ever wondered why runtime drops yearly? AGM loses 20% capacity after 300 cycles; lithium retains 80% after 2000. But what if you need more endurance? Parallel another 24V battery—ensure BMS supports current sharing.
Can I upgrade my 12V trolling motor to 24V?
Only if the motor supports 24V input—check manufacturer specs. Upgrading requires replacing wiring with 6–8 AWG cables and a 24V-compatible circuit breaker. Never connect 24V to 12V motors—insulation failures and burnt armatures result.
For motors rated 12/24V, like the Minn Kota PowerDrive, simply reconfigure battery connections. Example: Two 12V 50Ah AGMs in series create 24V. Transitional costs: Expect $200–$500 for new batteries, $50–$100 for heavy-duty wiring. Pro Tip: Install a 40A resetable breaker between battery and motor—catches reverse polarity errors. But is voltage alone sufficient? Confirm the motor’s max Amp draw doesn’t exceed battery BMS limits. Upgrading from 55lb to 80lb thrust? Lithium handles the 50A surge better than AGM.
Battery Expert Insight
FAQs
No—car batteries aren’t deep-cycle. They’ll fail within months due to shallow discharges damaging plates.
How should I store my 24V battery offseason?
Lithium: 50% SOC, 30–60% humidity. AGM: Fully charged, topped up every 3 months.
Do lithium trolling batteries last longer than AGM?
Yes—LiFePO4 lasts 5–10 years vs AGM’s 2–4, assuming proper maintenance and 80% DoD cycles.