In the past, boat owners used lead-acid batteries to operate. Also, this battery ran other electrical devices on the boat. But, lithium marine batteries offer better performance, longer life, and quick charging.
As a result, LiFePO4 (lithium, iron, phosphate) batteries are becoming popular on boats. Lithium batteries are newer than lead-acid batteries. So, these batteries use more advanced technology.
Lithium marine batteries are the best energy solution for your boat. Whether you are fishing or cruising, lithium marine batteries will meet your needs. Also, their compact size makes them great for all boat sizes.
This post covers all you must know about lithium marine batteries. We will also see how they can improve your boating experience.
The Advantages of Lithium Marine Batteries for Boating
There are several great reasons to use lithium marine batteries for your boat. For example, these batteries offer these 8 benefits:
- More usable amp-hours
- Longer life expectancy
- Lightweight nature for better fuel efficiency
- Stable voltage output
- Fast charging capabilities
- Able to hold charge for longer
- Less wasted energy
- No maintenance
Let's now see what these benefits mean for you.
More Usable Amp-Hours
Amp-hours (Ah) measure the battery's capacity. This value decides how long the battery will power your devices before draining. A 100Ah lithium battery will provide a full day of trolling for small to mid-sized boats. A 300Ah will operate on the exact vehicle for several days.
You can discharge your lithium batteries 100%. But you can extend the battery life if you only discharge 80% of the capacity. Still, a 300Ah battery bank will provide you with 240 usable amp-hours. This value is higher than other battery types.
Longer Life Expectancy
Lithium batteries have a long life expectancy. For example, the cells can last over 2,000 charge and discharge cycles. You can extend your battery's life by discharging just 80% of its capacity.
A high-quality lithium marine battery can be expensive. But the 5-10 years lifespan means they cost less over time. In contrast, lead acid batteries need a replacement every 2-3 years. Thus, lithium batteries are convenient to use.
Lightweight Nature for Better Fuel Efficiency
Boat owners know the importance of reducing the weight of a boat. A heavy boat uses more energy. Also, at a certain weight, the boat becomes unsafe.
So, lithium marine batteries are a great choice due to their lightweight. These batteries weigh half as much as lead-acid batteries and 30% less than AGM batteries. Thus, lithium batteries are smaller and lighter and perform better than other battery types.
Stable Voltage Output
The voltage on some boats can be unstable. Your equipment can operate just fine until you power an extra device. This change can cause the lights to dim a little, indicating a voltage drop. This is a sign that the battery is adjusting to the new load. This is because lead-acid batteries have a resting voltage of just 12.6V.
This voltage drops further as the battery discharges. Also, there is a sudden drop in voltage with each new load. This decrease in voltage causes the battery to struggle a bit.
However, lithium batteries have a higher resting voltage (about 13.2V). Also, this resting voltage doesn't change much despite the load or discharge levels. As a result, your appliances will run efficiently.
Finally, you won't need extra "starting" batteries. The LiFePO4 battery will withstand any heavy draw of a new load.
Fast Charging Capabilities
Some battery models quickly charge up to 90%. Then, it takes hours to fill the remaining 10%. This delay is due to the internal resistance of the battery. For example, lead-acid batteries follow a 3-phase cycle.
The first phase goes up to 80-90% in an instant. But, due to high internal resistance, the cells need a long absorption phase. The inner lead plates struggle to absorb the energy fast enough.
The third phase involves a slow trickle charge. This stage can take hours till it's full. Also, this process is vital for preserving your battery's lifespan.
In contrast, lithium batteries have little internal resistance. So you'd miss the slow absorb phase. Instead, your battery zips to 100%. Also, you don't have to charge them fully charge. You can stop at a reasonable percentage if time doesn't allow. So, this fast charging feature is super convenient.
Able to Hold Charge for Longer
Besides quick charging, lithium batteries self-discharge slowly. This feature is an advantage over lead-acid batteries that tend to discharge more rapidly. Thus, lithium batteries maintain their charge for longer. As a result, you can avoid the disappointment of an empty battery when you need power.
Less Wasted Energy
Lithium batteries are energy-efficient. These cells can use up to 99% of their energy. So, they only lose a little energy. However, lead-acid batteries lose 15% of their energy. This loss is due to resistance and other factors. This wastage worsens as the battery ages.
No Maintenance
You need to add water to lead-acid batteries now and again. This practice can be tedious. Lithium batteries don't need maintenance. As a result, these batteries are a more convenient option.
Why GoldenMate Lithium Marine Batteries?
Comparing Lithium vs. Lead-Acid Batteries
The best marine battery is long-lasting and charges quickly. Also, these batteries need zero maintenance and can endure very hot or cold temperatures. These benefits allow you to stay off-grid. The lithium marine battery has all these benefits. As a result, they are the best long-term investment for boaters.
But how do lithium batteries compare to lead-acid ones? Let's take a look:
|
Aspect |
Lithium Battery (LiFePO4) |
Lead-Acid Battery |
|
Depth of Discharge (DoD) |
Can handle deeper discharge cycles without reducing lifespan. The Depth of Discharge (DoD) can range from 80% to 100%. |
Should be maintained above 50% Discharge to maximize lifespan. Frequent deep discharges can reduce service life. |
|
Service Life |
Has a longer lifespan. Can endure up to 2000-5000 charge/discharge cycles. |
Has a shorter lifespan compared to lithium batteries. Has around 300-700 charge/discharge cycles. The DoD and maintenance impact this number. |
|
Charge Rate |
Lithium batteries allow fast charging rates due to low resistance. High-current charging reduces charge time. |
Lead-acid batteries have a slower charging rate. Also, they can be damaged from overcharging. |
|
Discharge Rate |
Lithium batteries can discharge at steady rates. Thus, they can meet varying power needs. |
Lead-acid batteries have a low discharge rate. Thus, you may experience voltage sag under heavy loads. This sag impacts performance. |
|
Efficiency |
Has a high energy efficiency. Lithium batteries have a charge/discharge efficiency of 90-95%. |
Has a moderate energy efficiency, with a charge/discharge efficiency of 80-85%. This efficiency tends to decrease with age and usage. |
Why Choose GoldenMate Marine Lithium Battery?
Lithium (LiFePO4) battery has a clear advantage over lead-acid alternatives. Lithium cells have larger capacities, longer cycle life, and fast charging. It’s no surprise most boaters rely on lithium batteries.
But what brand of lithium (LiFePO4) battery should you buy? You can trust GoldenMate Energy. LiFePO4 batteries are our specialty. We take pride in creating durable and eco-friendly lithium batteries. Our technicians know their craft. This is clear in our precision-perfect batteries. Don't take our word for it; join our long list of satisfied customers. Order any capacity of LiFePO4 batteries today.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Lithium Marine Battery
There are many lithium battery options out there. Also, your boat may have specific power needs. So, knowing the best lithium battery for you can be difficult. However, you should consider these factors when choosing a battery:
Battery Capacity: The battery’s capacity decides how long your boat is on before you recharge it. This is perhaps the most essential factor to consider. A 100Ah lithium battery will serve small to mid-sized boats for a full day. A 300Ah battery will power the exact vehicle for several days.
Battery Management System (BMS): A good Battery Management System protects the lithium cells from damage. The system prevents the batter from overcharging. Also, it warns you in case of short circuits or high temperatures. It's why we include a built-in BMS at GoldenMate Energy.
Warranty: Our batteries have a 5-year warranty. Of course, we trust our brand. So we can give you this guarantee.
Price: Many boat owners consider pricing when shopping for batteries. On our website, you can shop for high-quality batteries at low and high price ranges.
Eco-Friendly: A lithium marine battery is more eco-friendly than other battery types. These batteries lack toxic or harmful materials. As a result, they are biodegradable and recyclable.
Compatible with the Boat's Electrical System: The best battery will work with your boat's electrical setup. Some lithium batteries work with 2V and 24V systems. So, ensure you check the boat's voltage needs.
Size, Weight, and Installation Considerations: Your battery's size and weight matter in a small boat. So, you must check the available space on your boat and the weight limit when choosing a battery. Also, what's the ease of installation? An easy-to-install battery will save you time and effort.
GoldenMate Energy offers a range of battery products that will meet your needs. Whether you want enough power for your small boat or you’re a high power, there’s a battery for you.
Real-World Applications and Testimonials
One happy customer noted that the voltage level was 13.6 after a full charge. Also, he saw that there was little voltage loss over time. When comparing our batteries to lead-acid types, he noted: "These batteries are a big step forward from lead-acid batteries." The customer was satisfied and left a five-star review.
You can enjoy the same experience with GoldenMate Energy batteries. Our products are certified by UL/CE/UKCA/UN38.3/FCC ID/CE RED. Also, they meet all US & International air, ground, and train transport regulations. We enforce strict quality control so you get the best standard.
Care and Maintenance Tips for Lithium Marine Batteries
The following tips will help you get the best of your lithium marine batteries:
Use an Approved Lithium Charger: Use the correct charger for your battery. Such chargers provide optimal charging speed without risk of damage.
Avoid Low Voltage Cut-off: Constant low voltage cut-off reduces battery life. So you can end the trip before reaching low voltage levels.
Limit Maximum Discharge: Only use 80% of your battery's capacity before recharging. This action will extend the battery’s lifespan.
Don't Exceed Max Current Draw: Stay below the battery’s current rating. This will prevent overheating or shutdown by the BMS.
Avoid Low Temperature Charging: Recharge lithium batteries at 32°F/0°C or higher. Low-temperature charging can cause lithium plating and eventual damage.
You can read our blog for more maintenance tips. Also, we provide our customers with lifetime consultation support. So you don't stress when you order batteries with us.
FAQ
Are LiFePO4 Batteries Better Than Lithium-Ion Ones? Why Would Anyone Consider a Lithium-Ion Battery Over LiFePO4?
Yes, LiFePO4 batteries are generally better. Lithium-ion batteries can be cycled 300-500 times, depending on the discharge level. But LiFePO4 can be cycled 5,000-10,000 times. So, LiFePO4 batteries are 10-20 times more durable than lithium-ion ones. LiFePO4 batteries can better resist damage due to over-discharging. Also, the technology is safer than lithium-ion.
The only advantage of lithium-ion over LiFePO4 is its higher energy density. Hence, it is why they are popular for smartphone and smartwatch batteries.
Are Lithium Boat Batteries Worth the Money?
Yes. These batteries are the best buy you can find. Also, with newer lithium battery models arriving, the prices drop.
How Long Do Lithium Marine Batteries Last?
High-quality lithium marine batteries can last 5-10 years. That is around 5000 cycles. This value is 2-3 times more than a lead-acid battery.
Conclusion
Lithium marine batteries (LiFePO4) have several benefits over lead-acid ones. They offer a better performance and longer life. Also, they recharge quickly and do not need maintenance. As a result, many boaters now opt for these batteries.
Would you like to power your oat without stress? You can order grade-A LiFePO4 batteries from GoldenMate Energy. You can get your order in 2-5 business days in the US.
