How do you choose a kayak trolling engine battery ? lithium vs. Lead acid
, From Sally Zhuang, 11 min reading time
Choosing the right battery for your kayak trolling motor is crucial for optimal performance on the water. Two main options on the market are lithium batteries and lead-acid batteries. In this article, we'll discuss the features and considerations of each battery type to help you make an informed decision.
What is a kayak trolling motor?
A kayak trolling motor is an electric motor specifically designed to power kayaks. It's an alternative to traditional paddle propulsion, allowing for easier and more efficient movement on the water. The trolling motor is mounted on the stern or bow of the kayak and is used to propel the kayak forward or backward. It consists of a motor unit, a propeller, a controller, and a power source, usually a battery.
The motor unit is typically compact and lightweight, ensuring it can be easily mounted on a kayak without adding excessive weight or disrupting the kayak's balance. The propeller is responsible for generating thrust and propelling the kayak through the water. The controls allow the kayaker to adjust the speed and direction of the motor. Many trolling motors offer variable speed settings and even integrated GPS navigation systems for added convenience.
The motor unit is typically compact and lightweight, ensuring it can be easily mounted on a kayak without adding excessive weight or disrupting the kayak's balance. The propeller is responsible for generating thrust and propelling the kayak through the water. The controls allow the kayaker to adjust the speed and direction of the motor. Many trolling motors offer variable speed settings and even integrated GPS navigation systems for added convenience.
Trolling motors for kayaks are especially useful for anglers who want to explore larger bodies of water, cover greater distances efficiently, or navigate against currents or wind. They offer a hands-free propulsion option, allowing kayakers to focus on fishing or enjoying the scenery while the motor takes over the paddling.
Factors to consider when choosing a kayak trolling motor battery
When searching for the ideal kayak trolling motor battery, it's important to consider certain key factors that have a major impact on its quality. Let's take a look at these essential components:
Weight:
Battery weight plays a significant role when you're out on the water. A heavier battery creates more drag on your kayak, forcing your motor to work harder to maintain speed and efficiency.
Ampere-hour value:
The ampere-hour rating (Ah) indicates how long a battery can supply power. A battery with 100 ampere hours For example, a battery can deliver 100 amps of power for one hour. However, the actual runtime depends on the power consumption of your motor. Higher speeds and difficult conditions can result in higher power consumption, reducing the battery's effective runtime.
In most cases, a 100 Ah battery is sufficient for standard trolling motor systems. However, if you plan on longer trips, have a heavier kayak, or need to travel long distances against strong currents, a higher amp-hour battery may be necessary to meet the increased power demands.
Size and portability:
In addition to weight, the size and portability of the battery are also important. You should choose a battery that can be easily moved for charging or transport between kayaks. If the battery is too large and bulky, it can cause balance problems and difficulty on the water.
Maintenance requirements:
Battery maintenance can significantly impact battery life and your comfort. Some batteries, especially lead-acid batteries, require regular maintenance, such as electrolyte refills, corrosion cleaning, rust protection, and charge monitoring. Other batteries, however, require minimal or no maintenance, making them more user-friendly.
Life expectancy:
Purchasing a kayak trolling motor battery is a long-term investment, so it's important to consider its lifespan. Battery longevity depends on the type of battery used. While some batteries last only a year, others can last up to 10 years or more. It's important to research and select a battery known for its durability and lifespan to ensure you get the most for your money.
Our power Queen Batteries For example, they offer a remarkable lifespan, typically spanning 4,000 full discharge cycles. They also come with a 5-year warranty, ensuring reliable performance over an extended period, often equal to the lifespan of the vehicle they power.
By considering these important factors, you can make an informed decision and select the best kayak trolling motor battery that meets your specific needs to ensure reliable performance and maximize your enjoyment on the water.
Types of Kayak Trolling Motor Batteries: Lithium vs. Lead-Acid
Lead-acid and lithium batteries are the most popular trolling motor batteries available on the market. Let's take a look at these two types of batteries and see why lithium batteries are a better choice.
Sealed lead-acid batteries:
Sealed lead-acid batteries have long been the traditional choice for various applications, including vehicles. They are often used as starting batteries in cars and can be jump-started when needed. While they offer some advantages, their importance is declining in many applications. Here's a closer look at their advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
Lead-acid batteries have been around for decades and remain an affordable option. Replacing a lead-acid battery for trolling boats typically costs less than $200. Although they need to be replaced every few years, the low initial cost is attractive. Additionally, sealed lead-acid batteries don't pose the risk of leakage and environmental pollution that unsealed versions do.
Disadvantages:
The disadvantage of lead-acid batteries is their relatively high weight. While it's still possible to use a heavy battery to power a trolling motor, the added weight will cause the kayak to sit lower in the water. Furthermore, lead-acid batteries should not be discharged beyond 50% to maintain efficiency and avoid damage. Discharging below this level will shorten the battery life and cause it to drain more quickly.
Additionally, charging lead-acid batteries is a slower process, as they require multiple charging cycles, including a float charge phase that takes longer and consumes more power. It's important to note that only sealed lead-acid batteries should be used for kayak trolling motors to prevent acid leakage and environmental damage.
Lithium batteries:
Lithium batteries represent the latest technology in battery types and are gradually replacing lead-acid batteries in various applications. These batteries undergo a cycle from anode to cathode and back during charging. Their unique charging cycle allows for faster charging and consistent power delivery from full to empty.
Advantages
Lithium-ion batteries offer numerous advantages:
- Low weight: Lithium-ion batteries are ideal for kayaks due to their light weight. They offer a more balanced ride with less drag. The efficiency of lithium-ion batteries ensures their ampere-hour lifespan is longer than that of lead-acid batteries.
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Fast charging:Lithium-ion batteries can be fully charged in just a few hours, which is a significant advantage over lead-acid batteries, which require much longer charging times. They also don't require a trickle charge stage, ensuring a smoother and faster charging process.
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Deep discharge:Unlike lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries can be fully discharged without affecting their lifespan. They automatically shut off when they reach 100% discharge, preventing damage to the battery. While it's important to monitor battery levels to avoid running out of power, you don't have to worry about buying a new battery due to overdischarge.
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Constant performance: Lithium-ion batteries have a more consistent current draw because the voltage doesn't drop as drastically. This allows for a better estimate of battery life, as the current draw remains relatively constant. The motor's power output remains constant throughout the battery's charging process, from full to empty.
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Long service life: One of the biggest advantages of lithium-ion batteries is their long lifespan. They can last a decade or more and often come with a five-year warranty. With proper care, it's not uncommon for lithium-ion batteries to last more than 10 years.
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Cost savings: Although the initial cost of lithium-ion batteries is higher than that of lead-acid batteries, their long lifespan allows for significant cost savings over time. Instead of purchasing three or four lead-acid batteries over a similar period, a single lithium-ion battery can last for at least 10 years, saving money and time.
Disadvantages:
The biggest disadvantage of lithium-ion batteries is their higher initial cost. They typically cost several hundred dollars, while the traditional lead-acid option stays under $200. However, Power Queen offers affordable lithium batteries, making battery upgrades easy.
Given the longevity of lithium batteries and the savings that result from not having to replace the batteries as frequently, the higher initial cost is offset over the lifetime of the battery.
What is the best kayak trolling motor battery?
By choosing a lithium battery for your kayak trolling motor, you'll experience a more balanced ride with less drag. The consistent power delivery throughout the battery charge ensures reliable performance from full to empty, without significant power degradation. Additionally, lithium batteries offer the advantage of deep discharge, allowing you to utilize the battery's full capacity without compromising its lifespan. You no longer have to worry about closely monitoring battery levels or prematurely replacing the battery due to overdischarge.
Power Queen Low Temp LiFePO4 (12.8V 100Ah) Battery is an excellent option for a trolling motor. It is specifically designed to withstand the challenges of marine environments, making it a reliable choice for kayak enthusiasts.
With its moisture-, dust-, and salt spray-resistant construction, this battery offers exceptional protection from the elements. Whether you're cruising on freshwater lakes or braving the harsh conditions of saltwater environments, you can rely on this battery to deliver consistent and unwavering performance.
How long can a 100Ah lithium battery power a kayak trolling motor?
The duration of a 100 Uh The length of a lithium battery for a kayak trolling motor depends on several factors, including the motor's power consumption and the speed at which it's operating. To get an estimate of runtime, you'll need to calculate the amps your trolling motor draws and divide the battery capacity by that amps.
Let's assume your trolling motor draws 25 amps at maximum speed. In this scenario, we can divide the battery capacity by the current draw to get an estimate:
100Ah / 25A = 4 hours
So if you have a 100 Uh If you use a lithium battery with a trolling motor that draws 25 amps at maximum speed, you can expect approximately 4 hours of runtime. It's important to note that this is only an estimate, and actual runtime may vary depending on factors such as environmental conditions and motor usage patterns.
Frequently asked questions about trolling motor batteries
- Can I use a lead-acid starter battery with lithium trolling motor batteries?
Yes, you can use a lead-acid battery as a starter battery while using lithium batteries for your trolling motor. The two battery types can easily coexist in your system.
- Should I charge my batteries after each use?
Although lithium batteries are less susceptible to damage when left partially discharged for extended periods of time than lead-acid batteries, it is still recommended to recharge them after each use.
Regular Charging your lithium batteries helps optimize their capacity and ensures they're fully operational for maximum runtime whenever you hit the water. Regular charging can help maintain their performance and reliability for your next boating adventure.
conclusion
Choosing the right battery for your kayak trolling motor is crucial for optimal performance and a satisfying boating experience. Understanding the differences between lithium and lead-acid batteries and considering factors such as weight, capacity, voltage requirements, size, and maintenance needs will help you make an informed decision. Choosing the battery that meets your specific needs will ensure you have long-lasting power on the water and make the most of your kayaking adventures.
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