Anyone try lithium batteries yet?

[Snowwolfe]

Just had to replace all three of my trolling batteries then someone pointed me towards a lithium 36 volt battery. Half the weight of one 12 volt, 2,000 charge cycles, and yea, pricey at 1300-1500. Most have a warranty for 10 or 11 years so cost works out. Huge weight savings, fast recharge time, and only need a one bank charger.
Thinking when the warranty expires on the three I just bought will try a lithium.

 

[Deer Assassin]

my question will the place you buy them from be around to warranty them

price is high to me

 

[Spurhunter]

I've had Dakota lithium in my boat since February and couldn't be happier. Small, lightweight, powerful, and you can't run them down. I trolled for crappie one day from daylight to dark and they never came off green.

 

[TNCharlie]

Just had to replace all three of my trolling batteries then someone pointed me towards a lithium 36 volt battery. Half the weight of one 12 volt, 2,000 charge cycles, and yea, pricey at 1300-1500. Most have a warranty for 10 or 11 years so cost works out. Huge weight savings, fast recharge time, and only need a one bank charger.
Thinking when the warranty expires on the three I just bought will try a lithium.

I recently purchased a 12-V lithium. I haven't had a chance to put it to a real stress test, but I have tried it. Love the light weight. I ran it for a couple of hours on my remote controlled GPS trolling motor, part of the time using navigation mode which takes continuous power. When I quit the battery test showed all 4 lights still bright. Put it on a charge when I got home and that verified that it was still fully (or almost) charged.

Expensive? Well, if it lasts as advertised, it won't be any more expensive over its life than buying several regular batteries.

Note that you will need a charger made for lithium batteries.

 

[Spurhunter]

Note that you will need a charger made for lithium batteries.

Mine came with their own chargers so I took my 3 bank onboard charger out and replaced it with a 1 bank for my cranking battery. Also note that some outboard manufacturers (Yamaha for certain) do NOT want lithium batteries used as cranking batteries.

 

[Snowwolfe]

Thanks for the info. My second boat, 18 foot Jon with a 12 volt trolling motor would be a good candidate for a single 12 volt lithium. I’ll look for one this winter to give them a try. Might be able to catch a good sale then pick up a charger as well.

 

[Safari Hunt]

Interesting. $1300 buys a lot of batteries. Had my old bass boat for about 20 years and only had two batteries that did double duty for starting and trolling.

 

[TheLBLman]

$1300 buys a lot of batteries.

Agree.
The relatively high price has held me back, but am intrigued.
If I start fishing more (that is the plan), I'm getting at least one 12-volt lithium.

A single 12-volt is not as unreasonable on the cost.
Over time, the cost isn't as bad as just up front.

Do like the huge weight reduction of these lithium batteries.
That will result in a small fuel savings & increased boat efficiency,
including while just using the trolling motor.

 

[RUGER]

Also note that some outboard manufacturers (Yamaha for certain) do NOT want lithium batteries used as cranking batteries.

Wonder why?
Too "hot" ? Damage the starter?

 

[RUGER]

Wonder why?
Too "hot" ? Damage the starter?

@Headhunter

I bet you know a guy that can answer. LOL

 

[TNCharlie]

Wonder why?
Too "hot" ? Damage the starter?

IDK. I made a weak effort at researching and didn't find anything that clearly stated the problem. I think it may have to do with the outboard charging system. Lithium batteries require a special charger.

 

[Headhunter]

@Headhunter

I bet you know a guy that can answer. LOL

I will ask him when I talk to him next. He is working a tournament at the moment.

This may be his personal opinion, but I do know he DOES not recommend lithiums for anything, even trolling motors. He is a service tech to Bassmaster elite, has been for about 17 years.

 

[Headhunter]

He says NO to lithium for Yamahas as cranking batteries for sure. He is busy, so that was all the answer I got.

 

[Spurhunter]

Wonder why?
Too "hot" ? Damage the starter?

Not sure the reason, but I know an Xpress dealer that was recently at some training provided by Yamaha and they were told do NOT rig boats with lithium batteries to start our motors. I also know an MLF pro sponsored by Mercury and they told him the same thing.

 

[Deer Assassin]

i run 2 deka group 27 for my trolling motor I have ran it non stop for 12 hours (trolling) not an issue plenty charge left

 

[RobDooley]

Seriously considering the Ionic Lithium batteries. For the life of my Triton I have used Optima Blue Tops, Group 31m batteries exclusively. two 12 volts for trolling motor and one 12 volt for cranking big engine and all accessories which includes two Humminbird Helix 10's. They are five years old and have served me well. However, I believe it is time to replace. Presently the Optima's sell for $374.99 each, totally $1,124.97. I can buy two Ionic 12 volts with 50ah each for trolling motor for $350.00 each. One 12 volt 125ah for big engine and all electronics and accessories for $800.00. For a total of $1,500.00. I have been doing a lot of research with regards to safely cranking my Mercury 225 Opti Max and concluded they are safe. A lot of guys are doing it. Plan on discussing in depth with a guy here in Chattanooga that sells and installs them.

 

[TRIGGER]

I’m going to give the lithium world a couple more years. I just replaced my TM batteries a couple months ago. A buddy has had the lithium’s for a few years now and has has several problems over the years with equipment and the batteries themselves.

 

[Spurhunter]

A buddy has had the lithium’s for a few years now and has has several problems over the years with equipment and the batteries themselves.

Brand?

 

[TheLBLman]

If these lithium batteries were to be submerged in water, would that ruin the battery?

 

[Spurhunter]

If these lithium batteries were to be submerged in water, would that ruin the battery?

I would have to double check but IIRC, no. They are completely sealed and can be used in any position. Laid on the side, upside down, doesn't matter.