At Thor Lithium, we’re not just here to sell you a box of energy; we’re here to make sure you have the exact setup you need so you can stop worrying about your battery gauge and start focusing on the next cast. This guide will walk you through everything from voltage basics to wiring your electronics like a pro. It’s the difference between a frustrating afternoon fighting the wind and a seamless, all-day adventure on the water.
Lithium vs. Traditional Batteries: Why the Pros Switched
If you’re still lugging around heavy lead-acid or AGM batteries, you’re essentially carrying a passenger who does nothing but weigh you down. Here is how Thor Lithium changes the game:
Weight Savings: A single Thor Lithium 36v battery can replace three 12v lead-acid batteries. You’re looking at a weight reduction of up to 150 lbs or more. That’s better hole shots, higher top speeds, and a shallower draft.
Constant Power: Lead-acid batteries lose voltage as they drain—meaning your motor gets weaker as the day goes on. Lithium maintains a steady voltage until the very end. Your “Speed 5” at 7:00 AM feels exactly like “Speed 5” at 4:00 PM.
Life Expectancy: While a traditional battery might last 2–3 seasons, Thor Lithium batteries are rated for 4,000+ cycles and backed by a 10-year warranty. It’s the last battery you’ll buy for your boat.
Understanding the Voltage: 12v, 24v, or 36v?
Your trolling motor dictates your voltage. Mixing these up can either underpower your motor or fry its internals.
| System | Best For… | Thor Recommendation |
| 12v | Kayaks, small jon boats, and vessels under 1,000 lbs. | Single 12v 100Ah for all-day peace of mind. |
| 24v | Mid-sized aluminum boats and bass boats (14–18 ft). | A single 24v 60Ah or 100Ah unit to save space and simplify wiring. |
| 36v | Large multi-species boats, offshore rigs, and professional bass boats. | Our 36v 63Ah powerhouse is the gold standard for pro-level performance. |
The Modern Rig: Wiring, Starters, and Electronics
One of the most frequent questions we get is: “Can I run my electronics and my trolling motor off the same battery?” While lithium is powerful, we generally recommend a split system to ensure you never get stranded:
The Trolling Bank: Use a dedicated Thor Lithium battery (or series of batteries) purely for your trolling motor.
The Starting/House Battery: Use a Thor Lithium 12v 100Ah or 125Ah Dual Purpose battery. These are designed to provide the “cranking amps” needed to turn over your outboard engine while simultaneously powering your graphs, LiveScope, and pumps.
Pro Tip: If you are running multiple high-draw electronics (like three 12-inch screens and Forward Facing Sonar), consider a dedicated 12v “House” battery. This keeps your “clean power” separate from the “noisy power” of the trolling motor, reducing screen interference.
Matching Batteries to Popular Trolling Motors
Different motors have different “appetites” for power. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll need for the industry leaders:
Minn Kota (Quest, Ultrex, Terrova)
The new Quest series is optimized specifically for lithium.
24v Systems: A single Thor 24v 100Ah provides massive runtime.
36v Systems: Use the Thor 36v 63Ah. Note: If using older “brushed” motors with lithium, we recommend not running at 100% max speed for hours on end to prevent heat buildup.
Garmin (Force & Force Kraken)
The Garmin Force is a beast that can run on either 24v or 36v.
For Max Thrust: Go with a 36v 63Ah. It allows the motor to reach its full 100 lbs of thrust.
For Efficiency: If you’re on a lighter boat, a 24v 100Ah will still provide incredible power and even longer runtimes.
Lowrance (Ghost)
Like the Garmin, the Ghost is a dual-voltage motor (24v/36v).
Recommendation: Most Ghost users prefer the 36v setup to take advantage of the brushless motor’s efficiency. A single Thor 36v 63Ah fits perfectly in the battery compartment where three lead-acids used to live.
Power-Pole (Move PV / Move ZR)
The Move is designed to be whisper-quiet and extremely light.
Recommendation: To keep the “lightweight” theme of this motor, pair it with a 24v 60Ah for technical poling skiffs or a 36v 63Ah for tournament bass rigs.
Still Not Sure? We’re Here to Help.
At the end of the day, every boat and every angler is different. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time guide, we want to make sure you’re rigged for success.
What kind of boat are you currently rigging, and how many hours do you usually spend on the “juice” during a typical day?
