Lithium battery durability

[Mick83]

I am in very slow process of obtaining and installing a Minn Kota Terrova and Lithium battery on my Carolina Skiff 2480.

 

My latest question for you folks is how rugged are these lithium ion batteries?

 

I can easily mount the (probably a Dakota 36v) battery under the front casting deck but am concerned about all the pounding and shaking it would endure there.  I could mount it in the center console with slightly more effort.

 

What do you think?
Anybody with long term experience with a lithium battery in the bow?

 Thank you

[Captain Ahab]

I am also thinking about upgrading to lithium 

 

Other than price any other issues?  What about brands?

[slicedcornbread]

I upgraded to two lithium batteries this year for my 24V trolling motor. I kept the starting battery an AGM. This is on my fresh water aluminum boat where I upgraded the trolling motor this year from a previous 12V motor. I didn't want to add all that weight, so I installed two V Max 12V 65 AH batteries that only weigh 15 lbs each. So two of those weigh much less than one conventional deep cycle. I also installed a NOCO 3 bank onboard battery charger with external plug in. So far, everything is working out quite nicely.

Edited May 19 by slicedcornbread

[Captain Ahab]

@slicedcornbread

 

What brand is the V Max?  Google search shows Amazon?

[slicedcornbread]

On 5/20/2023 at 7:02 AM, Captain Ahab said:

@slicedcornbread

 

What brand is the V Max?  Google search shows Amazon?

I didn't buy through Amazon. I bought direct from VMax Charge Tank. These are the ones I bought. A buddy of mine has had these for a couple years now with excellent results.

The size I bought and a decent price right now;

https://www.vmaxtanks.com/LFP24-1265-LiFePO4-Li-Iron-12V-65AH-Deep-Cycle-Battery_p_235.html

[Captain Ahab]

On 5/20/2023 at 7:37 AM, slicedcornbread said:

I didn't buy through Amazon. I bought direct from VMax Charge Tank. These are the ones I bought. A buddy of mine has had these for a couple years now with excellent results.

The size I bought and a decent price right now;

https://www.vmaxtanks.com/LFP24-1265-LiFePO4-Li-Iron-12V-65AH-Deep-Cycle-Battery_p_235.html

Thank you so very much

 

Gonna pull the trigger

 

Of course it is sold out smh

Edited May 20 by Captain Ahab

[slicedcornbread]

On 5/20/2023 at 9:43 AM, Captain Ahab said:

Thank you so very much

 

Gonna pull the trigger

 

Of course it is sold out smh

Of course. That's the way with everything these days.  

[slicedcornbread]

On 5/20/2023 at 9:43 AM, Captain Ahab said:

Thank you so very much

 

Gonna pull the trigger

 

Of course it is sold out smh

BTW; My boat is freshwater use only, but I depend heavily on my trolling motor for the way I fish around these parts. My trolling motor is a Minn Kota Maxxum 70 lb thrust at 24V. I can put in a good solid day of fishing (@ 7 hours give or take) and I don't think I've drained the batteries more than 40%. Even after my longest day on the water, The lithiums were still above 50%.

[Captain Ahab]

On 5/20/2023 at 10:47 AM, slicedcornbread said:

BTW; My boat is freshwater use only, but I depend heavily on my trolling motor for the way I fish around these parts. My trolling motor is a Minn Kota Maxxum 70 lb thrust at 24V. I can put in a good solid day of fishing (@ 7 hours give or take) and I don't think I've drained the batteries more than 40%. Even after my longest day on the water, The lithiums were still above 50%.

Awesome. I fish much the same in my boat.  I run a front tm and a rear thrust tm motor for longer runs so better battery life is awesome 

[757saltwater]

Lithium batteries usually carry a 10 year warranty.  I wouldn't be concerned about its ruggedness.  This is usually there selling point. My question is just about ever  lithium battery seller is a new business.  How many will stay in business  for ten years when the batteries  actually start to fail. Will anyone be around to swap them out . Typically when a new product fails it happens all at once. Will they have enough foundation under them to support the mass warranty swap out.? This is what I'm waiting for. I have installed tons of lithium batteries.  They sell gel pads to absorb the bouncing around.  The also sell heating pad to preheat your batteries when it's cold out to charge your batteries. Yes this is a thing. Also if it gets to hot you can't charge them either. Also will the warranty be prorated by how many years your have left and a credit just given ? Will they honor batteries  or do I need a 10 year old paper recipe.  I think we haven't seen it all.  Also most people don't keep boats for over 3 years . They usually upgrade. 

[Mick83]

You have installed tons of lithium batteries.  Do you have an opinion regarding which company's battery is the best quality?

I realize the longevity factor is yet to be determined.

Thank you

[Captain Ahab]

My battery arrives tomorrow 

 

Testing will commence .......

[slicedcornbread]

On 5/22/2023 at 8:07 AM, 757saltwater said:

Lithium batteries usually carry a 10 year warranty.  I wouldn't be concerned about its ruggedness.  This is usually there selling point. My question is just about ever  lithium battery seller is a new business.  How many will stay in business  for ten years when the batteries  actually start to fail. Will anyone be around to swap them out . Typically when a new product fails it happens all at once. Will they have enough foundation under them to support the mass warranty swap out.? This is what I'm waiting for. I have installed tons of lithium batteries.  They sell gel pads to absorb the bouncing around.  The also sell heating pad to preheat your batteries when it's cold out to charge your batteries. Yes this is a thing. Also if it gets to hot you can't charge them either. Also will the warranty be prorated by how many years your have left and a credit just given ? Will they honor batteries  or do I need a 10 year old paper recipe.  I think we haven't seen it all.  Also most people don't keep boats for over 3 years . They usually upgrade. 

All valid questions that will have to wait with time for the answers. I justified the lithium battery upgrade based on price being one of the leading factors. The cost of lithium batteries has come down substantially in the last year or two and the cost of conventional type batteries on the rise. If I do manage to get at least 6-7 years out of the lithiums, I'll be way ahead of the game IMO. The voltage doesn't fall off as the charge gets low like with conventional. So far, I'm very happy with the performance I'm seeing. 

[moocks]

Screw warranty's and durability. Would you use one to power your aircraft ? Well being out in the middle of the pond in your boat knowing no fire extinguisher can put out a lithium battery fire would give me pause...

 

Despite the many advantages of lithium-ion batteries, a significant safety drawback is the possibility that these batteries can overheat, catch fire, and cause explosions. Fires involving various lithium-ion battery products have increased at an alarming rate, resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities

[Mick83]

I have been told by a battery/ motor salesman- installer that the lithium batteries used on boats do not pose the fire risk that lithium batteries used in other applications pose.

I hope he is correct, but I have no way of knowing if he is a credible source.

Edited May 23 by Mick83