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

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

After helping anglers rig bass boats, bay boats, and offshore center consoles with both 24V and 36V trolling motor systems, we created this guide to help boaters choose the right battery setup for their fishing style, boat size, and runtime needs.

Choosing the right trolling motor battery voltage is one of the most consequential decisions you'll make for your fishing setup. Get it right and you'll have all-day power, precise boat control, and the confidence to fish harder. Get it wrong and you're either leaving performance on the table or running a system your motor wasn't designed for.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about 24V vs. 36V trolling motor batteries — how they work, which motors require each, how to size your amp-hours, and exactly which ABYSS lithium battery belongs on your boat.

The Basics: What Does Voltage Actually Mean for a Trolling Motor?

Voltage is the measure of electrical pressure in your system. In simple terms, higher voltage means your motor can draw more power at lower current (amperage), which translates to:

  • More thrust — Higher voltage motors produce significantly more pounds of thrust
  • More efficiency — Less heat loss in the wiring and motor windings
  • Better performance on larger, heavier boats — More hull to push requires more power

Most modern trolling motors are designed around one of three voltage systems: 12V, 24V, or 36V. For serious anglers on mid-to-large boats, the choice almost always comes down to 24V or 36V.

24V Trolling Motor Systems: Who They're Built For

How a 24V System Works

A 24V trolling motor system is powered by two 12V batteries wired in series, or — increasingly — a single dedicated 24V lithium battery like the ABYSS 24V 60Ah, ABYSS 24V 75Ah, or ABYSS 24V 100Ah. Wiring two batteries in series doubles the voltage while keeping the amp-hour capacity the same as a single battery.

A dedicated 24V lithium battery simplifies this dramatically — one battery, one connection, no series wiring to manage.

Typical Thrust Range

24V motors typically produce between 55 and 112 lbs of thrust, making them ideal for:

  • Bass boats (16–20 ft)
  • Aluminum fishing boats
  • Jon boats and smaller fiberglass hulls
  • Kayak and canoe trolling motor setups (with appropriate motor sizing)
  • Pontoon boats up to approximately 22 ft

Compatible Motors

Many of today's most popular trolling motors run on 24V or dual 24V/36V systems. The Power-Pole MOVE PV lineup, for example, is designed to operate on both 24V and 36V, giving you flexibility as your setup evolves.

The ABYSS 24V Battery Lineup

We offer three 24V lithium options to match your boat size and runtime needs:

  • ABYSS 24V 60Ah — Best for smaller boats, lighter motors, and anglers who prioritize weight savings. Ideal for a full day of moderate trolling on a bass boat or aluminum hull.
  • ABYSS 24V 75Ah — The sweet spot for most 24V setups. 25% more capacity than the 60Ah with minimal added weight. Handles full-day runs on mid-size boats with ease.
  • ABYSS 24V 100Ah — Maximum endurance for big-water fishing, tournament days, and anglers who run their motor hard from launch to takeout. The go-to for 24V users who never want to worry about battery life.

36V Trolling Motor Systems: Who They're Built For

How a 36V System Works

A 36V system is traditionally powered by three 12V batteries wired in series — or a single dedicated 36V lithium battery. The ABYSS 36V lineup eliminates the complexity of three-battery series wiring entirely, replacing it with one compact, lightweight lithium unit.

Typical Thrust Range

36V motors typically produce between 80 and 160+ lbs of thrust, making them the right choice for:

  • Large bass boats (20 ft and up)
  • Walleye and muskie boats
  • Large fiberglass hulls and deep-V boats
  • Pontoon boats 22 ft and larger
  • Offshore and nearshore fishing platforms
  • Any boat over approximately 2,500 lbs

Compatible Motors

High-thrust motors like the Minn Kota Ulterra Quest, Garmin Force Kraken, and Rhodan Gen5 are designed for 36V operation. The Power-Pole MOVE PV Offshore series also supports 36V for maximum thrust in demanding conditions.

The ABYSS 36V Battery Lineup

Our 36V lithium batteries replace three lead-acid batteries with a single, lighter, longer-lasting unit:

  • ABYSS 36V 60Ah — Bluetooth Edition — Entry-level 36V lithium with built-in Bluetooth monitoring. Ideal for anglers upgrading from lead-acid who want to right-size their system without over-investing.
  • ABYSS 36V 75Ah — Bluetooth Edition — The most popular 36V option. Balances runtime, weight, and cost for the majority of large-boat anglers running high-thrust motors all day.
  • ABYSS 36V 105Ah — Bluetooth Edition — The ultimate 36V battery for tournament anglers, offshore fishermen, and anyone running a 36V motor at high speeds for extended periods. Maximum capacity, maximum confidence.
  • ABYSS 36V 60Ah Kit w/ 10A Onboard Charger — Everything you need to make the switch in one package. Includes the battery and a compatible onboard charger — ideal for anglers who want a complete, plug-and-play solution.

24V vs. 36V: Head-to-Head Comparison

Factor 24V System 36V System
Typical Thrust 55–112 lbs 80–160+ lbs
Best Boat Size Up to ~20 ft / 2,000 lbs 20 ft+ / 2,500+ lbs
Battery Weight (Lithium) Lower Slightly higher
System Complexity Simple (1 lithium battery) Simple (1 lithium battery)
Motor Compatibility Mid-range motors High-thrust motors
Cost Lower Higher
Efficiency at High Thrust Good Excellent

The Single Most Important Rule: Match Your Battery to Your Motor

This cannot be overstated. Your battery voltage must match your motor's voltage rating. Running a 24V battery on a 36V motor will result in severely reduced thrust and potential motor damage. Running a 36V battery on a 24V motor can damage or destroy the motor entirely.

Always check your motor's voltage specification before purchasing a battery. If your motor supports dual voltage (like the Power-Pole MOVE PV series), you have flexibility — but you still need to configure the motor correctly for the voltage you're running.

How to Choose the Right Amp-Hour (AH) Rating

Once you've confirmed your voltage, the next decision is amp-hours. AH is a measure of capacity — how much energy the battery can store and deliver over time. More AH = more runtime.

A rough rule of thumb for lithium batteries:

  • Light use (low speed, calm water, short days): 60Ah is typically sufficient
  • Moderate use (mixed speeds, 6–8 hour days): 75Ah is the sweet spot
  • Heavy use (high speed, big water, tournament days, 8+ hours): 100Ah or 105Ah is the right call

Unlike lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries deliver their full rated capacity — you don't need to derate for depth of discharge. A 100Ah ABYSS lithium battery gives you close to 100Ah of usable energy. A 100Ah lead-acid battery gives you roughly 50Ah before you risk damaging it.

Why Lithium Changes Everything

Whether you choose 24V or 36V, the single biggest upgrade you can make to your trolling motor system is switching from lead-acid or AGM to lithium. Here's why:

  • Weight: ABYSS lithium batteries are up to 60% lighter than equivalent lead-acid batteries. On a bass boat, that weight savings at the bow translates directly to better trim, better handling, and better fuel economy on your outboard.
  • Lifespan: 2,000+ charge cycles vs. 300–500 for lead-acid. One ABYSS battery outlasts 4–6 lead-acid replacements.
  • Consistent power: Lithium maintains a flat discharge curve. Your motor runs at full speed until the battery is nearly empty. Lead-acid voltage sags as it discharges, robbing you of thrust when you need it most.
  • Maintenance-free: No watering, no equalization charges, no acid spills. Charge it and fish.
  • Built-in BMS: Every ABYSS battery includes a Battery Management System that protects against overcharge, over-discharge, overcurrent, and short circuit.

The Bottom Line: Which Should You Choose?

Choose 24V if:

  • Your motor is rated for 24V
  • Your boat is under 20 ft or under approximately 2,000–2,500 lbs
  • You want the lightest, most cost-effective lithium solution
  • You fish moderate to full days and want reliable all-day power

→ Start with the ABYSS 24V 60Ah, step up to the 75Ah for more runtime, or go all-in with the 100Ah for maximum endurance.

Choose 36V if:

→ Start with the ABYSS 36V 60Ah Bluetooth, choose the 75Ah for all-day confidence, or go maximum with the 105Ah for tournament-level endurance. Want a complete kit? The ABYSS 36V 60Ah Kit with Onboard Charger has everything you need to get on the water fast.

Related Guides

Still not sure which battery is right for your setup? Browse our full ABYSS battery lineup or contact us directly — we're anglers too, and we're happy to help you find the perfect match for your boat and motor.

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