You might have relied on lead-acid batteries for your boat for the longest time, but if they’ve become more trouble than they’re worth, it’s time to switch to a more reliable power source. Lithium marine batteries are fast becoming the standard for trolling motors, propulsion, bow thruster, and other hybrid or electric needs. Here are some factors to consider if you want to upgrade from lead-acid to lithium batteries safely.
Charging profile or charge controller
Do you charge your lead-acid batteries with solar power, shore power, and an alternator? You can keep the existing inverter/charger or charge controller. The low voltage cutoff and charging profiles of lithium marine batteries differ from lead-acid, so get an appropriate charger.
Starter battery or cranking amps
Lithium batteries don’t have a CCA (cold crank amps) rating, unlike lead-acid batteries. You need to ensure they are rated to handle enough current, especially if you’re still using lead-acid as your starter battery and intend to use lithium for other applications in your boat. They can serve as a backup if your lead-acid starter stops working.
A DC/DC converter
Lithium batteries have low internal resistance and can’t handle too much charging current from an alternator as necessary. Alternators can’t run at full speed for extended periods, so they work too hard and make themselves prone to overheating and damage. Using a DC-to-DC converter between the lithium marine batteries and alternator can limit the current they can draw from your alternator. Ideally, you should draw from the alternator only at half its rating.
Battery bank monitoring
Choose lithium marine batteries that let you monitor the entire battery bank and individual units.
Ensure a battery management system is built into the battery to prevent
overcharging, over-discharging, short-circuiting, and other problems.
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