“I was out for six hours, and my LiveScope unit showed a low voltage alert around hour five. On a relatively new boat, Mitch suggested he experienced some issues with the traditional batteries that came installed. “The biggest reason for the switch was hoping for longer run times and reliability.” “I just pulled the trigger on a Amped Outdoors 48ah Lithium battery to run 1222, blackbox, and Humminbird,” said Mitch Fese, ACC’s Chief Marketing Officer. So why buy lithium when traditional types work fine for many users?Ĭost and reduced weight aside, overall efficiency appears to be a main reason for considering lithium, which delivers a consistent voltage level regardless of the amount of discharge. Fred said he has thought about making the change, adding that the reduced weight would be a positive factor when guiding a boatload of clients. The initial cost is one reason that Darin said he has never considered changing to lithiums. (Also, typical of most electronics, the cost of lithiums appears to have dropped considerably in the last six months to a year.) A quick online search reveals costs as high as $3,999 although lithium models designed to power electronics don’t cost nearly that much. ![]() The cost for high-end lithiums can run into the thousands. While budget models exist, lithium buyers can expect to pay more than for top-end lead types. Most of the others are out of my price range.”Ĭost is indeed a consideration when going the lithium route. Said Jeff Barnes, of Tuscumbia, AL, “I’m running two Interstate 31s on the trolling motor and one Interstate 29 for cranking and four Lowrance HDS units. “The Optima has lasted forever, and I’ve never run out of juice for my units and sometimes will do 10-plus hour days.” “Group 20 Interstate batteries on trolling motor, group 27 Interstate on cranking and pumps, and Blue Top Optima gel cell for three head units and black box plus 360,” Fred responded. Optima, Odyssey, and VMax are the brands regularly found in online reviews of the best traditional batteries. ![]() He powers with traditional Interstate and Optima batteries. Pro staffer Fred Mooney ( Full Moon Fishing Service, 618.731.1601) follows much the same path. There are times I may forget to charge and go two or three days, maybe not full eight-hour days each time, but I still have plenty of charge left.” “I can go out and fish all day, and it usually shows the battery still has 85 to 87 percent charge left in it. “I was concerned about the different systems being co-mingled in any way, shape, or form. ![]() “I was worried more about interference than anything else, so I added another Duracell 31,” he said. I’ve not had any trouble with the batteries, not starting, the images, low voltage or anything like that.”ĭarin did add another battery when he upgraded his technology to include LiveScope. A 27 might have been enough, but I went ahead and put in a 31 for 179 bucks. I’ve had really good luck with these Duracell AGMs. I have a Gen 3 Helix 12 on the console, Gen 3 Helix 10 on the bow, and a Mega 360 up there. “The boat came with a 27 series (that powered) the livewell pump, bilge pump, cranking a 115 Evinrude, and electronics. He said he anticipates paying about $179 each for replacement batteries at Sam’s. Missouri fisherman Darin Keim fits into that category along with many other members of the ACC pro staff.ĭarin powers his boat with four AGMs, one of the latest in the continued evolution of lead batteries. They have successfully used traditional types of batteries and achieved fishing success regardless of their choice in powering boats. Many boat owners follow the if-it-ain’t-broke-don’t-fix-it approach. Keep buying and using traditional lead batteries or take the financial plunge and buy modern lithium batteries? We asked that question of pro staff members here at ACC Crappie Stix and got the typical mixed reaction about battery usage. While that basic comparison is something of an oversimplification – many differences exist among different types of traditional lead batteries (including the AGMs) and the same is true among modern lithium models – for purposes of this discussion, we’ll keep it simple. Like many things associated with fishing, power options vary but ultimately come down to this consideration: lead vs. We all recognize the loss of power of a poorly charged trolling motor battery, and we are often perplexed by the fading or inconsistent images on a fish finder that only moments before functioned perfectly. ![]() We’ve all experienced the click of a near-dead or improperly connected cranking battery. Whether cranking, trolling, or LiveScoping, batteries are an important but often overlooked element in the overall success of any fishing trip. As technology advances, powering motors and electronic units at optimum efficiency remains a need for all fishermen.
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