Marine batteries come in three main types that include deep cycle, starting, and dual-purpose. If you’re a new fisherman, boat owner, or interested in upgrading your boat to lithium batteries, you may be curious what the difference is between them. Further, you may wonder why lithium batteries are a better choice compared to lead-acid when it comes to your boat. Some of the significant benefits of lithium batteries include longer shelf life, constant power, temperature resistance, faster charging, no maintenance, lightweight and they’re safe and non-hazardous. Now, let’s jump into the differences between each type of marine battery.
Dual Purpose Batteries
You may be wondering, what is a dual-purpose battery? A dual-purpose marine battery provides enough power to start the engine and turn it over, while also providing enough energy to keep your trolling motor running consistently. As the name implies, dual-purpose batteries can be used for both purposes.
Deep Cycle Batteries
Deep cycle batteries are designed to provide stable energy and continuous power to your trolling motor over a longer timeframe. These batteries are used to powerhouse loads that commonly include navigation aids, fish finders, running lights, radios, and trolling motors. Depending on what you are looking for; you can get the best of both worlds with the dual-purpose motor, but if you are looking for a battery that will last longer in your trolling motor, then be sure to check out the deep cycle batteries.
Starting Batteries
Boat starting batteries are used for starting the ignition. With marine batteries, it is necessary to start the engine and then provide enough power to sustain the motor and devices connected to the boat.
Trolling Motor Batteries
Trolling motor batteries are specially designed batteries for a boat trolling motor. The purpose behind them is to provide electricity over a more extended period of time when slow trolling through fishing areas. The number of lithium batteries you need depends on your trolling motor voltage.
How To Charge Marine Batteries
When comparing lithium marine batteries to lead-acid, lithium batteries can charge at a much higher current and they charge more efficiently. This means they can be charged faster. Lithium batteries have other advantages and do not need to be charged if they are partially discharged. Unlike lead-acid batteries, which when left in a partial state of charge will sulfate, drastically reducing performance and life.
We recommend using a multi-bank charger so that each 12V battery can be charged separately to ensure they stay balanced and get fully charged. Ideally, use a charger with a lithium charge profile, however, most AGM charge profiles will work just fine.
LiFeP04 marine batteries can also be charged with most alternators. Depending on the quality of the alternator, it should work with LiFePO4 batteries. Low-quality alternators with poor voltage regulation can cause the BMS to disconnect LiFePO4 batteries. If the BMS disconnects the batteries, the alternator could be damaged. To protect your LiFePO4 battery and alternator please be sure to use a compatible high-quality alternator or install a voltage regulator. Please contact LITHTEC technical support if you need assistance.
