If you own a trolling motor, then it should come with a set of batteries. Since they are rechargeable, it would help if you charged them once in a while.
But some people do not know how to charge their trolling motor batteries. If you are one of them, you can use this article to learn more about charging the cells.
How to Charge a Trolling Motor Battery
You can charge your trolling motor battery with solar chargers and portable chargers. Moreover, your battery can be topped up with onboard chargers.
Before a trolling motor can work, it requires a set of batteries. If you own such a battery, you can use the following ideas to recharge it properly.
How to Charge a Trolling Motor with a Solar Charger
Solar chargers can restore a drained battery to full strength. To charge quickly with a solar charger, ensure you have enough sunlight. Then use the following steps.
- Set the solar panel and make sure it faces the sun directly.
- Separate the battery from the trolling motor.
- Take the cables from your solar charger and connect them to the battery.
- Look for the power switch on the charger and flip it on. Allow the battery to charge fully.
How to Charge Your Battery with an Onboard Charger
Onboard battery chargers are permanently fitted on boats. As expected, they can also power up your battery without any hassles.
- Disconnect your battery from the trolling motor. Then, check for any dust or moisture on the battery.
- Attach the leads of the charger to the matching terminals — negative lead to the negative terminal and positive lead to the positive terminal.
- Turn on the power and wait for the battery to charge. If your battery charger is automatic, it will go off as soon as the battery becomes full.
How to Charge a Battery with a Portable Charger
When it comes to convenience, these tools are some of the best chargers for trolling motors. Asides from offering enough energy to the battery, you can easily move around with such chargers.
Now here are the steps for using a portable charger.
- Make sure that the battery is close to the charger. Also, ensure that the trolling motor is disconnected from the battery.
- Connect the charger to the battery. Try to match the terminals with the right cables.
- Plugin the charger to a power source. You can use a power outlet or extension box.
- Turn on the charger and adjust the required settings. But since most models work automatically, you can turn on the switch and allow the device to juice up your battery.
How Can I Choose a Charger for My Trolling Battery?
Before choosing a charger for your trolling motor battery, you should consider the type of vehicle. Let’s say you own a kayak or any small craft, travel with a portable charger. But if you have a bigger boat, it would be ideal if you stuck with the onboard charger.
Extra Tips for Charging a Trolling Motor Battery
1. Do Not Charge Different Batteries at The Same Time
If you want to charge multiple batteries at the same time, ensure that they are of the same age, chemical composition, and health. They should even come from the same brand.
2. Inspect the Battery
Before charging the battery, look for signs of rust and damage. If you find any, prepare a washing soda and water paste to remove any corrosion.
3. Get the Best Batteries and Chargers
Resist the urge to buy cheap batteries and chargers. Instead, go for high-quality chargers from the best brands. You can get these items from offline and online stores.
4. Stay Close to the Battery or Charger
If you want to avoid overcharging, do not abandon a charging battery. From time to time, you can perform random checks and see if the battery has become full.
5. Charge Your Trolling Motor Battery Properly
Before traveling, charge your battery until it is full. There is nothing worse than getting stuck in open water with a dead battery.
6. Allow the Battery to Cool
After charging a battery, allow it to rest for some minutes. If you ignore this tip and work with a freshly charged battery, the battery might burn out.
Wrapping Up
There are many ways to charge a trolling motor battery. However, your preferred method depends on the size of your vessel.
Before charging the battery, remember to disconnect it from the trolling machine. It would also help if you checked for rust and dirt on every part of the battery.
