24V vs. 36V Trolling Motor Batteries: Which One Should You Choose?

24V vs. 36V Trolling Motor Batteries: Which One Should You Choose?

Published: August 2026

30-Second Answer

The voltage of your trolling motor battery is determined by your motor — not your boat size, not your preference. Check the voltage specification for your specific motor before purchasing any battery.

  • Motor requires 24V: Two 12V batteries wired in series, or a single 24V lithium pack such as the ABYSS 24V lineup.
  • Motor requires 36V: Three 12V batteries wired in series, or a single 36V lithium pack such as the ABYSS 36V lineup.
  • Motor supports dual voltage (24V/36V): Verify the thrust output at each voltage and decide which configuration fits your application before building the battery system.

Dealer take: Start with the motor specification. Once voltage is confirmed, choose your battery architecture, size capacity to your runtime needs, and verify that the battery’s discharge capability is appropriate for the motor. Don’t size the battery system before confirming the motor’s voltage requirement and current draw.

For a full explanation of how voltage, thrust, and motor selection interact, see our 24V vs. 36V Trolling Motors: Which Voltage System Is Right for You? guide.

How This Article Fits the Broader Decision

This article focuses on battery selection — voltage, architecture, capacity, discharge capability, and chemistry — once you have confirmed your motor’s voltage requirement. If you are still deciding between a 24V and 36V motor, or trying to understand how voltage affects thrust and performance, start with the 24V vs. 36V Trolling Motors guide first.

What Voltage Means for Your Battery System

Voltage is one part of a trolling motor’s electrical design. It determines the battery configuration your motor requires — not how much thrust the motor produces or how long the battery will last. Those are determined by motor design and battery capacity respectively.

What voltage directly determines for your battery system:

  • Battery configuration: 24V requires two 12V batteries in series (or a 24V lithium pack). 36V requires three 12V batteries in series (or a 36V lithium pack).
  • Charger compatibility: Your charger must be compatible with the battery bank voltage and chemistry. Follow the battery manufacturer’s charging requirements for your specific configuration.
  • Wiring and circuit protection: Conductor sizing, overcurrent protection, and connection requirements are determined by the motor specification and installation. Follow the motor manufacturer’s installation documentation.

Do not operate a trolling motor outside the manufacturer’s approved voltage range. Verify the required or supported voltage for the exact motor SKU before ordering the battery system.

Battery Architecture: Single High-Voltage Pack vs. Series Bank

Once you have confirmed the required voltage, you have two architecture options for building the battery system.

Single dedicated high-voltage battery (24V or 36V lithium pack)

  • Fewer batteries and series interconnects
  • Simpler packaging in many installations
  • Must match the motor’s current requirements and BMS discharge limits
  • Charger must be compatible with the specific battery voltage and chemistry
  • Verify that a single high-voltage pack is compatible with your motor and charging requirements before ordering

Series bank (multiple 12V batteries)

  • Uses two 12V batteries (24V) or three 12V batteries (36V) wired in series
  • Batteries in a series bank should be appropriately matched — verify series compatibility and matching requirements with the battery manufacturer
  • Charging architecture must suit the bank — verify charger compatibility for the complete series configuration
  • Do not assume any two or three 12V lithium batteries can be wired in series without verifying manufacturer-approved series compatibility

Changing from a multi-battery series bank to a single high-voltage battery does not automatically mean the existing cable, breaker/fuse, disconnect, or connectors are appropriate. Verify the complete motor circuit against the motor manufacturer’s installation instructions when changing battery architecture.

Capacity Isn’t Enough: Check Discharge Capability

Battery voltage and capacity (Ah) are only part of the compatibility check. A lithium battery’s BMS must also support the motor’s required current draw. A battery can have adequate voltage and Ah but still be wrong for the motor if its continuous-discharge current limit is insufficient for the motor’s peak or sustained draw.

Before ordering any lithium battery for a trolling motor application:

  • Verify the battery’s continuous discharge current rating
  • Verify any applicable peak-current limits and their duration
  • Confirm that the battery manufacturer states compatibility with your specific trolling motor or motor type
  • Check the motor manufacturer’s battery requirements if published

Do not choose a trolling motor battery by voltage and Ah alone. Discharge capability is a required part of the compatibility check.

24V Battery Systems

Configuration

A 24V system uses two 12V batteries wired in series, or a single dedicated 24V lithium battery. A single 24V lithium pack eliminates series wiring and simplifies the installation to one battery, one connection. Verify architecture compatibility with your motor and charger before ordering.

Compatible motors

Many current trolling motors support 24V operation, including dual-voltage motors that support both 24V and 36V. Verify the voltage requirement and thrust output at each voltage for your specific motor SKU before ordering. Examples of motors in our catalog that support 24V operation include the Power-Pole MOVE PV lineup (24V/36V dual voltage) and the Minn Kota Ulterra QUEST (24V/36V dual voltage). Verify current specifications with the manufacturer before ordering.

ABYSS 24V lithium battery options

  • ABYSS 24V 60Ah — Lower capacity option for shorter runtime requirements or weight-sensitive applications. Verify discharge capability and compatibility with your motor before ordering.
  • ABYSS 24V 75Ah — Mid-range capacity for moderate runtime needs. Verify discharge capability and compatibility with your motor before ordering.
  • ABYSS 24V 100Ah — Higher capacity for extended runtime requirements or maximum reserve. Verify discharge capability, physical fit, and compatibility with your motor before ordering.

36V Battery Systems

Configuration

A 36V system uses three 12V batteries wired in series, or a single dedicated 36V lithium battery. A single 36V lithium pack reduces the number of connections and simplifies the installation. Verify that a single 36V lithium pack is compatible with your motor, discharge requirements, and charging system before ordering.

Compatible motors

Motors that require or support 36V operation include fixed-voltage 36V motors and dual-voltage motors that support both 24V and 36V. Examples in our catalog include the Rhodan Gen5 (fixed 36V), the Garmin Force Kraken (24V/36V dual voltage), and the Power-Pole MOVE PV Offshore (24V/36V dual voltage). Verify current voltage specifications with the manufacturer before ordering.

ABYSS 36V lithium battery options

  • ABYSS 36V 60Ah — Bluetooth Edition — Lower capacity option with built-in Bluetooth monitoring. Verify discharge capability and compatibility with your motor before ordering.
  • ABYSS 36V 75Ah — Bluetooth Edition — Mid-range capacity with Bluetooth monitoring. Verify discharge capability and compatibility with your motor before ordering.
  • ABYSS 36V 105Ah — Bluetooth Edition — Higher capacity for extended runtime or maximum reserve. Verify discharge capability, physical fit, and compatibility with your motor before ordering.
  • ABYSS 36V 60Ah Kit with 10A Onboard Charger — Battery and compatible onboard charger in one package. Verify that the included charger and battery meet your motor’s discharge requirements and installation needs before ordering.

Selecting Battery Capacity (Ah)

Once you have confirmed your motor’s voltage requirement and battery architecture, select capacity based on your actual runtime needs. Capacity is measured in amp-hours (Ah). More Ah provides longer runtime at a given current draw.

Voltage Is Not Runtime

Runtime is determined by the energy stored in the battery system — measured in watt-hours (Wh = V × Ah) — not voltage alone. When comparing batteries across different voltages, compare watt-hours, not amp-hours. A 36V 60Ah battery stores 2,160 Wh. A 24V 100Ah battery stores 2,400 Wh. The higher-voltage battery does not automatically provide longer runtime.

Within the same voltage system, higher Ah provides longer runtime at a given current draw. Size capacity to your actual use: how long you typically fish, how hard the motor works in your typical conditions, and how frequently you can recharge.

Simple runtime estimate

If a battery provides roughly 2,000 Wh of usable energy and the motor averages 500W during actual use, a simple estimate is:

2,000 Wh ÷ 500 W ≈ 4 hours

Real-world runtime varies because trolling motor load changes constantly with speed, wind, current, hull resistance, and GPS-hold activity. Use this as a starting-point estimate, not a guarantee. Your motor manufacturer may publish current draw data at various speed settings — if available, use that data to estimate runtime more accurately for your specific configuration.

Capacity sizing guidance

These are starting-point guidelines — actual runtime depends on your motor’s current draw, operating speed, conditions, and load:

  • Lower capacity (60Ah): Appropriate for shorter fishing days, lighter motor use, or weight-sensitive applications. Verify that 60Ah provides adequate runtime for your specific motor and typical conditions before ordering.
  • Mid-range capacity (75Ah): Appropriate for moderate to full-day use in typical conditions for many motor and hull combinations. Verify against your specific motor draw and runtime needs.
  • Higher capacity (100Ah / 105Ah): Appropriate for extended runtime requirements, heavy motor use at high speeds, or applications where maximum reserve is a priority. Verify that your storage space and weight budget accommodate this configuration.

Lithium vs. Lead-Acid

Both 24V and 36V systems can use lead-acid (AGM or flooded) or lithium batteries. The differences between chemistries affect weight, usable capacity, maintenance requirements, charging speed, and upfront cost.

  • Weight: Lithium batteries are lighter than equivalent lead-acid batteries. A single 36V lithium pack is lighter than three 12V lead-acid batteries of comparable energy capacity. Verify the specific weight for the batteries you are considering — weight savings vary by product.
  • Usable capacity: Repeated deep discharge can shorten lead-acid battery life, so usable capacity is often treated more conservatively than lithium. Follow the battery manufacturer’s depth-of-discharge guidance for the specific battery you are using. Lithium batteries can generally be discharged more deeply — verify the usable capacity and depth-of-discharge specifications for the specific battery you are ordering.
  • Discharge capability: Lithium batteries must have a BMS with sufficient continuous-discharge current for the motor. Verify the battery’s discharge rating and BMS current limits against your motor’s requirements before ordering.
  • Lifespan: Lithium batteries generally support more charge cycles than lead-acid. Verify the cycle life specification for the specific battery you are ordering.
  • Charging: Lithium batteries can support faster charging when paired with an appropriate charger. Follow the battery manufacturer’s charging requirements for your specific battery and configuration.
  • Maintenance: Lithium batteries require less routine maintenance than flooded lead-acid. AGM batteries are also low-maintenance. Verify maintenance requirements for the specific battery you are ordering.
  • Upfront cost: Lithium batteries have higher upfront cost than lead-acid. Total cost of ownership over the battery’s service life depends on cycle life, replacement frequency, and application.
  • BMS: ABYSS lithium batteries include a Battery Management System (BMS) that provides protection against overcharge, over-discharge, overcurrent, and short circuit. Verify the BMS continuous-discharge rating and specifications for the specific battery you are ordering.

For a full comparison of battery chemistries, see our Lithium vs. Lead-Acid Trolling Motor Batteries guide.

Charging System Compatibility

Your charger must be compatible with the complete battery bank — voltage, chemistry, and configuration. Follow the battery manufacturer’s charging requirements for your specific battery and bank configuration. Manufacturer guidance governs charger selection.

  • A charger appropriate for one battery bank may not be appropriate for a different bank, even at the same nominal voltage.
  • If you change battery chemistry (e.g., from AGM to lithium), verify charger compatibility with the new battery before using the existing charger.
  • If you change battery architecture (e.g., from a series bank to a single high-voltage pack), verify that the charger is appropriate for the new configuration.
  • The ABYSS 36V 60Ah Kit includes a compatible onboard charger. Verify that the included charger meets your installation and charging requirements before ordering.

Dealer Insight: How to Select the Right Battery

  1. Confirm your motor’s voltage requirement first. Check the voltage specification for your specific motor SKU. If the motor supports dual voltage (24V/36V), verify the thrust output at each voltage and decide which configuration you will run before ordering any battery.
  2. Choose your battery architecture. Decide between a single dedicated high-voltage pack and a series bank of 12V batteries. Verify architecture compatibility with your motor, charger, and existing wiring before ordering. If using a series bank, verify manufacturer-approved series compatibility and battery matching requirements.
  3. Size capacity to your actual runtime needs. Estimate your typical fishing day length and motor use intensity. Use your motor manufacturer’s current draw data if available. Compare watt-hours (V × Ah) when evaluating options across different voltages.
  4. Verify discharge capability. Confirm the battery’s continuous-discharge current rating and BMS current limits are appropriate for your motor’s requirements. Do not select a battery by voltage and Ah alone.
  5. Verify physical fit and weight. Confirm that the battery dimensions fit your storage compartment and that the weight is within your hull’s capacity for that location.
  6. Choose a compatible charger. Verify charger compatibility with the battery voltage, chemistry, and configuration. Follow the battery manufacturer’s charging requirements.
  7. Verify wiring and circuit protection. Follow the motor manufacturer’s installation documentation for conductor sizing, overcurrent protection, and connection requirements. If you are changing battery architecture or chemistry, verify that existing wiring and protection devices are appropriate for the new setup.

Common Buying Mistakes

  • Selecting voltage based on boat size rather than motor specification. Voltage is determined by the motor. Boat size and hull weight are factors in motor selection — not in battery voltage selection. Confirm the motor’s voltage requirement before ordering any battery.
  • Ignoring BMS and discharge-current limits. A battery with adequate voltage and Ah can still be wrong for the motor if its continuous-discharge current rating is insufficient. Verify discharge capability against your motor’s requirements before ordering.
  • Assuming any two or three 12V lithium batteries can be wired in series. Series compatibility must be verified with the battery manufacturer. Do not wire lithium batteries in series without confirming manufacturer-approved series compatibility and matching requirements.
  • Comparing Ah across different voltages. A 36V 60Ah battery and a 24V 60Ah battery do not store the same energy. Compare watt-hours (V × Ah) when evaluating batteries at different voltages.
  • Assuming 36V automatically means longer runtime. Runtime depends on battery energy capacity (Wh), motor draw, operating load, and conditions. A 36V system does not automatically provide longer runtime than a 24V system.
  • Using an incompatible charger after switching chemistry or architecture. A charger designed for lead-acid may not be appropriate for lithium. Changing from a series bank to a single high-voltage pack may also require a different charger. Follow the battery manufacturer’s charging requirements before using any charger with a new battery.
  • Not verifying physical fit before ordering. Battery dimensions and weight vary by product. Confirm that the battery fits your storage compartment and that the weight is appropriate for the installation location before ordering.
  • Assuming a dual-voltage motor can run at either voltage without reconfiguration. Dual-voltage motors require correct configuration for the operating voltage. Verify the configuration requirements with the motor manufacturer before changing operating voltage.

Before You Order

Confirm your motor’s voltage requirement. Check the specification for your specific motor SKU. If dual-voltage, decide which voltage you will run and verify thrust output at that voltage.

Choose your battery architecture. Decide between a single high-voltage pack and a series bank. Verify architecture compatibility with your motor, charger, and existing wiring.

Size capacity to your runtime needs. Estimate your typical fishing day and motor use. Use motor manufacturer current draw data if available. Compare watt-hours when evaluating across voltages.

Verify discharge capability. Confirm the battery’s continuous-discharge current rating and BMS current limits are appropriate for your motor’s requirements.

Verify physical fit. Confirm battery dimensions fit your storage compartment and weight is appropriate for the installation location.

Verify charger compatibility. Confirm your charger is compatible with the battery voltage, chemistry, and configuration. Follow the battery manufacturer’s charging requirements.

If using multiple batteries in series, verify series compatibility. Confirm manufacturer-approved series compatibility and battery matching requirements before wiring any series bank.

Plan wiring and circuit protection. Follow the motor manufacturer’s installation documentation for conductor sizing, overcurrent protection, and connection requirements. Verify that existing wiring is appropriate if changing battery architecture or chemistry.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need a 24V or 36V battery?

Check the voltage specification for your specific trolling motor SKU. The motor’s required voltage determines the battery system. If your motor supports dual voltage (24V/36V), verify the thrust output at each voltage and decide which configuration you will run before ordering the battery.

How do I know if a lithium battery can supply enough current for my trolling motor?

Check the battery’s continuous-discharge current rating and BMS current limits. Compare these against your motor’s current requirements — which the motor manufacturer may publish in the installation documentation or specifications. Verify that the battery manufacturer confirms compatibility with your specific motor or motor type before ordering. Do not select a trolling motor battery by voltage and Ah alone.

Can I use a 36V battery on a 24V motor?

No. Do not operate a trolling motor outside the manufacturer’s approved voltage range. Verify the required or supported voltage for the exact motor SKU before ordering the battery system.

Can I use a 24V battery on a 36V motor?

No. A 36V motor requires a 36V battery system. If your motor supports dual voltage (24V/36V), it can run on either — but verify the configuration requirements with the motor manufacturer before changing operating voltage.

Does 36V give longer runtime than 24V?

Not automatically. Runtime depends on battery energy capacity (watt-hours), motor draw, operating load, and conditions. When comparing batteries across different voltages, compare watt-hours (V × Ah) — not amp-hours alone. A 36V 60Ah battery and a 24V 60Ah battery do not store the same energy and will not provide the same runtime.

What is the difference between a 24V and 36V ABYSS battery?

The primary difference is voltage, which determines which motors each battery is compatible with. Within the same voltage, higher Ah provides longer runtime. Compare watt-hours (V × Ah) when evaluating batteries across different voltages. Verify discharge capability and compatibility with your specific motor and charger before ordering.

Can I use one 36V lithium battery instead of three 12V batteries?

Yes, if the battery is compatible with the motor, discharge requirements, and charging system. A single 36V lithium pack can replace three 12V batteries wired in series, provided the battery’s voltage, capacity, continuous-discharge rating, and BMS specifications are appropriate for the motor and installation. Verify compatibility with both the motor manufacturer and battery manufacturer before ordering.

Can I wire any two or three 12V lithium batteries in series?

No. Series compatibility must be verified with the battery manufacturer. Do not wire lithium batteries in series without confirming manufacturer-approved series compatibility and battery matching requirements. Verify the complete series bank configuration before ordering.

How do I choose between 60Ah, 75Ah, and 100Ah/105Ah?

Size capacity to your actual runtime needs. Estimate your typical fishing day length and motor use intensity. Use your motor manufacturer’s current draw data if available. Higher Ah provides longer runtime but adds weight and cost. Verify discharge capability and physical fit for the capacity you are considering.

Do I need a special charger for a lithium battery?

Follow the battery manufacturer’s charging requirements for your specific battery. A charger designed for lead-acid may not be appropriate for lithium. Verify charger compatibility with the battery manufacturer before using any charger with a new lithium battery. The ABYSS 36V 60Ah Kit includes a compatible onboard charger — verify that it meets your installation requirements before ordering.

What is a BMS and why does it matter?

A Battery Management System (BMS) monitors and protects the battery against overcharge, over-discharge, overcurrent, and short circuit. For trolling motor applications, the BMS also determines the battery’s continuous-discharge current limit — which must be sufficient for the motor’s current draw. ABYSS lithium batteries include a built-in BMS. Verify the BMS continuous-discharge rating for the specific battery you are ordering.

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