One 12 V deep cycle marine battery for each 12 volts the motor runs on, by MotorGuide’s manuals: two for a 24 V motor and three for a 36 V one.
How much thrust?
Trolling motor batteries
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Which voltage is yours
MotorGuide says to look at the decal on the head of the trolling motor, which gives its voltage.
12 V motorone battery24 Vtwo36 Vthree
One 12 V battery for each 12 volts: one for a 12 V motor, two for 24 V and three for 36 V.
Amp-hours and run time
MotorGuide gives no single battery size. As a general rule, it says, a deep cycle battery with a higher amp-hour or reserve capacity rating gives longer run times and better performance.
Keep the trolling motor on its own batteries: MotorGuide’s X3 manual says not to use the main engine battery to power it.
Common questions
Can I use lithium batteries in a MotorGuide trolling motor?
MotorGuide's Tour Pro manual notes that lithium batteries have their own battery management system, set by the battery's maker. Follow that maker's instructions as well as MotorGuide's.
From MotorGuide’s X3 and Tour Pro owner’s manuals, read on October 25, 2026. Checked against published data from MotorGuide.
See all 2 sources
MotorGuide, X3 Owner's Manual (2017, PDF)
MotorGuide, Tour Pro Owner's Manual (8M4006373, 2023, PDF)
Battery sizes come from battery makers' datasheets and device makers' own manuals and help pages. Check your device's manual or the old battery before you buy. If anyone may have swallowed a battery, call the National Battery Ingestion Hotline at 1-800-498-8666 or your poison center at 1-800-222-1222 straight away.
