Marine batteries are specially designed for boats, typically featuring sturdy construction to withstand the vibrations and impacts that can occur on any motorized boat. Additionally, different boats require different power levels, and the electronic equipment used on boats varies, necessitating batteries with different capacities. By choosing the right size marine battery to power devices like your GPS or fish finder, you won't damage your valuable equipment or run out of power.
Since the battery compartment space varies between different boats, the battery size usually needs to be designed according to the size of the boat’s battery compartment. CTECHi has been cultivating the field of customized battery services (battery ODM and OEM) for many years and can completely customize the battery size according to customer requirements.
What Are Lithium Batteries?
Lithium iron phosphate batteries (LiFePO4 batteries) are a relatively new and fast-growing battery technology that generates power through a different process than traditional lead-acid batteries. In traditional lead-acid batteries, electricity is generated by the reaction of lead plates in a sulfuric acid solution. Lithium batteries generate energy when lithium ions move through an electrolyte solution from the negatively charged anode to the positively charged cathode. While this might seem like a subtle distinction, it has significant implications for the huge advantages lithium batteries have over conventional battery technology.
Types of Marine Batteries
Marine batteries come in three types:
1. Marine Starter Batteries
Marine starter batteries provide a quick and powerful burst of energy for short periods. They are typically used to start the engine and quickly charge through the engine alternator. Starter batteries should not be used for trolling motors or to power equipment.
2. Marine Deep Cycle Batteries
Marine deep cycle batteries are designed to discharge slowly over long periods and withstand hundreds of charge and discharge cycles. Deep cycle batteries are the right choice for powering electric trolling motors and other battery-operated accessories such as audio systems, winches, depth sounders, fish locators, and apps. Deep cycle batteries and starter batteries should not be mixed.
3. Marine Dual-Purpose Batteries
Marine dual-purpose batteries combine the performance of a starter battery and a deep-cycle battery, making them a good choice for small batteries when there is no room for two. While they can perform the tasks of both a starter battery and a deep cycle battery, they are not as efficient as a single-purpose battery.
What Are The Best Lithium Boat Batteries?
High-quality lithium iron phosphate chemistry (also called LiFePO4 or LFP batteries) is the best choice for boat batteries. CTECHi always provides the safest, most reliable batteries for all boat applications. We manufacture stronger, safer batteries available in a variety of sizes and specifications. Whether you only take occasional weekend getaways or live aboard your boat full-time, CTECHi has batteries and battery kits tailored for sailing use.
Advantages of LiFePO4 Lithium Boat Batteries
1. Lightweight and Compact
The electrodes (lithium and carbon) commonly used in lithium-ion batteries are inherently light, making them smaller and lighter than older batteries such as lead-acid batteries. For comparison, a typical 100Ah lithium-ion battery weighs about the same as a 40Ah lead-acid battery (about 10-12kg) but has more than twice the capacity.
2. 100% Depth of Discharge (DOD)
Maximize your energy potential with 100% Depth of Discharge. This means that you can use 100% of the battery’s capacity to power your specific needs. Lead-acid/AGM batteries slowly decrease their power and performance as the charge depletes.
3. High Energy Density
Lithium has the ability to release and store large amounts of energy, enabling lithium-ion batteries to package high energy capacity in a small size. This means that a lithium-ion battery of the same weight will last much longer between charges than other rechargeable batteries while still maintaining a high level of performance.
4. Low Maintenance
Older rechargeable battery types, such as nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal hydride batteries, have what’s called the “memory effect” or “inert cell effect.” If repeatedly partially discharged before charging, the battery can only supply local energy before the voltage drops. To avoid this, we need to fully discharge NiCd and NiMH batteries and recharge them regularly for maintenance. Lithium-ion batteries don’t suffer from the memory effect, meaning they always use up the last bit of charge. Whether you’re using 100% or 25% capacity, you can charge them without tedious maintenance!
5. Long Lifespan
High-quality ternary lithium-ion batteries last for about 1000 full charge cycles, and lithium iron phosphate batteries last for about 4000 full charge cycles. A full charge cycle is when the battery is discharged to depletion and then charged to full. Therefore, using the battery until it reaches 75% capacity and then plugging it in to charge does not constitute a full charge cycle. When your battery is recharged, you can still use 75% of the charge remaining before charging; only then does your battery complete a full charge cycle.
6. Low Self-Discharge Rate
Lithium-ion batteries also have relatively low self-discharge rates. Self-discharge is a natural, irreversible phenomenon where chemical reactions inside the battery reduce its capacity, even when not in use. The self-discharge rate of lithium-ion batteries peaks at around 3% in the first 24 hours after charging and then gradually decreases to 1-2% per month. In comparison, nickel-based rechargeable batteries lose about 10-15% of their capacity after charging and another 10-15% per month.
How to Install Lithium Batteries in a Boat?
CTECHi designs batteries to suit your specific power needs, allowing you to link multiple batteries together in series or parallel (or both!).
When you connect batteries in series (negative to positive), the voltage will increase while the amp hours remain the same (4 x 12V 100Ah batteries = 48V 100Ah total).
When you connect batteries in parallel (negative to negative and positive to positive), the amp hours will increase while the voltage remains the same (4 x 12V 100Ah batteries = 12V 400Ah total).
In conclusion, choosing the best lithium boat batteries not only ensures the efficient operation of your boat equipment but also extends the battery’s lifespan, reduces maintenance costs, and makes your boating life more convenient and worry-free.