The voltage of a trolling motor sets how many 12-volt batteries it needs and how much thrust it can make. Lighter 55 lb motors typically run on 12 volts (one battery), 70 and 80 lb motors on 24 volts (two batteries in series) and 112 lb motors on 36 volts (three batteries). A higher-voltage system delivers the same power with less current, so it runs cooler, loses less in the wiring and usually gives longer run time, at the cost of more batteries, weight and charging.
12V vs 24V vs 36V trolling motors
| 12 volt | 24 volt | 36 volt | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Batteries | One 12V | Two 12V in series | Three 12V in series |
| Typical thrust | Up to about 55 lb | 70 to 80 lb | 112 lb |
| Typical boats | Jon boats, small aluminum boats, kayaks with mounts | 16 to 18 ft fishing boats | Larger bass and bay boats |
| Weight and space | Least | More | Most |
See 12-volt, 24-volt and 36-volt trolling motors, and trolling motor size guide for thrust by boat weight.
12V vs 24V run time
Run time depends on usable battery capacity and how much current the motor draws at your speed. A 24-volt system draws about half the current of a 12-volt system for the same power, spread across two batteries, so it generally runs longer at the same speed. See trolling motor battery life for how to estimate it.
Batteries and wiring
A 24-volt motor needs two matched deep cycle batteries wired in series; a 36-volt motor needs three. Use a multi-bank charger so each battery charges evenly; see how to wire a 24 volt trolling motor, 24V and 36V trolling motor batteries and how to charge trolling motor batteries. Never connect a 12-volt motor to 24 volts.
Can you upgrade from 12V to 24V?
Only by changing the motor: a trolling motor is built for one voltage, and running it on a higher voltage damages it. Upgrading means a new 24-volt motor, a second battery, heavier wiring sized for the run, a 24-volt plug and receptacle, and a two-bank charger. Plan battery placement so the boat stays balanced.
Lithium changes the weight equation
Higher-voltage systems carry more battery weight. Lithium batteries cut that weight sharply; see lithium vs lead-acid.
Which voltage should you choose?
- Small, light boat and short trips: 12 volt.
- Most 16 to 18 ft fishing boats, wind and current: 24 volt.
- Large boats, all-day GPS anchoring: 36 volt.
Examples: the Riptide Maxxum 55 ($899.99) is a 55 lb motor, and the Terrova 80 ($1,899.99) an 80 lb motor; check each listing for its voltage.
More guides: trolling motor wiring · Terrova 55 vs 80 · 24V vs 36V trolling motors · how many amp hours you need for a trolling motor.
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