Posts: 3518
Location: north central wisconsin | I run a considerably underpowered rig(Ranger 690T) with limited battery storage space.
To date, I'd run twin AGM's for the Terrova and a single AGM for starting. For the most part trolling batteries were fine for single day ops. Starting battery was also sufficient for single day op's, with my old Lowrance units(LCX 111 and HDS 7, stereo). I upgraded my locators this season, and the need for more battery became evident. Had I stuck with AGM's, I'd have needed a stand alone battery just for my electronics, which is a no option in my rig.
Knowing this prior to purchase, and after 3 years of extensive research into reviews, and discussions with company reps/owners/engineers, I made the switch to LiPo4 in 2022.
Based on advertising, I looked at certain brands, but after said research, realized both customer service and build quality were what I was happy with in the brands I chose. Initially i was going to replace starting battery only. However, knowing I'd need a charger built for Lithium Phosphate, I'd need a stand alone charger for that battery, or upgrade my 3 bank. The more research I did, I realized that with a 24 volt trolling motor, the best lithium batteries for run time, lifespan, and efficiency, are 24 Volt in parralel. Purchasing a 3 bank 12 volt was now not neccessary. I ended up going with twin Amped Outdoors(Wisconsin based company/importer) 50AH 24 Volt Cells, which came with a 10 amp charger. I then researched considerably(the bass guys down south really helped me alot), and went with an Ionic brand 125 AH starting battery, which has Bluetooth to view health and condition of the battery during use. I purchased a single bank NOCO charger for this one. After one season of use, I have not had the starting battery down below 69% after second day of a weekend, running aerator, both units and radio. Ultimately I was able to cut nearly 160 lbs of battery and charger. All 3 batteries have 11 year warranty.
You asked about potential downfalls. the main downfall of Lithium Phosphate batteries is cost up front. Nobody really knows truly how long these 2nd/3rd gen batteries will last, but we all hope to get near like for like that of AGM. The next issue is they cannot be charged below freezing conditions. There are work arounds for this in terms of heating pads, or plugging in directly after use when warm, but this can be an issue for those fishing winter or very early spring. I have a different boat for spring walleye fishing so it is a non issue. Also, unlike AGM batteries, Lithium need to be brought indoors in off season, and best kept at 75(ish)% charge for storage.
When choosing, remember that if running 24 or 36 volt volt system, Amp Hours will only be as much as the lowest single cell ie if you purchase 12 volt cells to run in series. For example: If you have a 24 volt trolling motor and purchase 2 80 AH 12 volt cells, and 2 50 AH 24 Volt cells, the 80 AH set will have 80 Amp Hours, while the 50 AH set will be 100 Amp Hours, and run much more efficiently. It's just something to bear in mind when shopping, as not all company reps will know or thusly be able to tell you.
With all of that said, I have a lightly used 3 bank Dual Pro 15 amp Pro Charger for sale or trade.
Edited by Reef Hawg 1/14/2023 8:17 PM
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