Lithium Trolling Motor Batteries: Advantages & Compatibility
If you’ve been in the market for new trolling motor batteries recently you may have noticed some changes to what’s available in the market. Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) marine batteries are becoming a more common option for powering trolling motors, fish finders and other accessories.
A wide array of brands have started to offer Lithium-based batteries for fishing boats, and—depending on your budget—the price point of a new lithium setup might scare away price-conscious anglers.
So what makes Lithium marine batteries different and are they worth the extra money?
Are Lithium Trolling Motor Batteries Worth it?
Let’s break down a few of the key advantages of using lithium marine batteries to power your trolling motor.
Weight Reduction
The first thing that will jump out at you when researching LiFePO4 batteries will be the notable reduction in weight. Anglers continue to add larger motors, more tackle and heavier accessories as a way to get a leg up on the competition and put more fish in the live well.
When the added ounces start to turn into pounds, however, it might be worthwhile to consider options to shed weight in other areas.
One option is to make the investment in a set of batteries that can reduce overall weight and help your boat jump out of the hole quicker and maximize top-end speed as well.
Some anglers have reported weight savings in excess of 100lbs over their old set-ups across three trolling motor batteries, which might be enough to make your boat feel more nimble.
Another benefit of the reduced weight is the ability to draft in shallower water, potentially into back-water areas with lower fishing pressure.
Longer Run Times and a Faster Charge
Another notable advantage of lithium trolling motor batteries includes longer run times without battery voltage drop and the potential for quicker charging cycles.
