As an engineer and entrepreneur with a passion for green technology, I’ve done extensive research to determine the best lithium marine batteries available in 2023. In this guide, I will help you fellow boaters to choose the right lithium battery.
Best lithium marine batteries
Here are my top picks when it comes to lithium marine batteries:
1. Battle Born LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Batteries
BEST OVERALL
Looking for the best lithium marine battery? Look no further than the Battle Born LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery!
With this sleek lithium-ion battery, you’ll have the ultimate power solution designed specifically for challenging marine applications. Here’s why it’s the top choice for all your boating needs:
- Built-in Battery Management System provides superior protection against issues common in marine environments
- Outstanding charge and discharge capabilities – outpaces other marine batteries
- Lightweight at just 29 lbs – easily mounted anywhere on your boat
- Completely sealed and vibration-resistant
- Operates in a wide temperature range
- Exceptional longevity
- Exceptional build quality
When it comes to lithium marine batteries, the Battle Born Deep Cycle Batteries are simply the best choice for boats!
Don’t just take my word for it. Sailors and boaters praise their outstanding quality and long-lasting performance compared to old and heavy lead-acid batteries.
Customers love the ability to repeatedly charge and discharge this battery, as well as the reliable BMS that ensures safety even in rough seas. And the best part? All this power and peace of mind comes at a fair price for a product of the best quality and made in the USA.
Renowned by experienced mariners, these batteries are the preferred choice due to their exceptional quality.
Why put up with the hassles of lead-acid batteries or other lower-quality lithium options? Upgrade now to the Battle Born Deep Cycle Lithium Battery and enjoy reliable power on every voyage, allowing you to fully focus on your boating adventures. Thanks to the best lithium marine battery available on the market!
Pros:
- 100 Ah, 29 lbs
- Efficient power
- Fast charging
- Lightweight
- Built-in management system
- Rapid recharge
- Reliable & Long-lasting
- Made in USA
- 10 Year Warranty
- Between 3000 and 5000 cycles
Cons:
- High upfront cost
2. LiTime LiFePO4 Battery
Best Value
Looking for reliable lithium power on a budget? The LiTime LiFePO4 deep cycle battery delivers quality off-grid power for marine applications at a fraction of the cost of premium brands.
Built with lithium iron phosphate cells, this battery provides 100Ah in a compact 25 lb package. It has an integrated BMS for protection and charges faster than lead acid.
While priced lower, the LiTime still offers up to 15,000 cycles and 10+ year lifespan with great longevity compared to lead-acid. It’s an affordable lithium upgrade for your boat.
Boaters on a budget praise this battery’s solid performance for trolling motors, electronics, lighting, and more. It’s the value choice over heavy and maintenance-intensive lead-acid batteries.
If premium lithium marine batteries are out of reach, then LiTime gives you reliable lithium power on a budget. Invest in worry-free power for your boating adventures at a fair price.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Lightweight (24lbs)
- 100 Ah Lithium (LFP)
- Built-in management system
- Suitable for outdoor activities
- 10 Year Warranty
Cons:
- High upfront cost (but more affordable than others)
3. Eco-Worthy LiFePO4 Battery
Budget Option
The Eco-Worthy LiFePO4 battery brings lithium power to boaters on a tight budget. This battery provides 100AH capacity and integrated BMS protection at one of the most affordable price points.
Built with durable lithium iron phosphate cells, the Eco-Worthy battery offers up to 3000 cycles for exceptional longevity compared to lead acid. It charges faster, weighs just 22 lbs, and mounts in any direction.
While more affordable than premium options, the Eco-Worthy still outlasts lead-acid batteries many times over. This is the value-focused lithium battery trusted by cost-conscious boaters.
Boaters praise this battery’s solid performance at a very accessible price. It eliminates the weight, maintenance, and short life of lead acid without breaking the bank.
On the other hand, being so cheap, don’t expect a top-notch product and customer service. Despite this, Eco-Worthy is still a reasonably good battery option to consider.
If premium lithium marine batteries are too expensive, the Eco-Worthy 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 makes lithium power achievable on a budget. Get reliable, lightweight, long-lasting energy at an affordable price.
Pros:
- Very affordable price
- Lightweight at 22 lbs
- 3000+ cycles lifespan
- Faster charging
- Integrated BMS protection
- Mount any direction
- Maintenance-free
Cons:
- It may last less than 3000 cycles
- Only 70% of the label capacity
- No low-temperature cutoff
- Poor customer service
4. WEIZE LiFePO4 Lithium Battery
Looking for an affordable lithium upgrade to power your boat? The WEIZE 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery packs a punch! With a 10-year warranty and up to 8000 cycles, this battery lasts over 5 times longer than old lead-acid batteries.
It’s got a smart built-in BMS to protect against power surges and temperature extremes. At only 26 lbs, this lightweight battery makes upgrading from heavy lead-acid a breeze!
The WEIZE battery is safe, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly – no hazardous acid here! It performs great even in cold weather from -4°F to 150°F.
Some customers have had issues with build quality and customer service. But for the price, the WEIZE LiFePO4 battery offers an affordable lithium solution to keep you powered on the water for less.
Ditch the lead-acid and upgrade to lithium for consistent, maintenance-free power for your trolling motor, fishfinder, lighting, and more!
Pros:
- Long lifespan
- Lightweight
- Maintenance-free
- Built-in BMS
- Cold weather protection
- Eco-friendly
- 10 Year Warranty
Cons:
- High upfront cost (but more affordable than others)
- Build quality may vary
- Some customers experienced a poor customer service
5. DJLBERMPW LiFePO4 Battery
The DJLBERMPW 12V Lithium Battery is designed for marine and boat applications. It has a built-in 100A BMS to protect against overcharging, over-discharging, over-current, overheating, and short circuits. The lithium iron phosphate battery can be recharged 4000-15000 times, with a lifespan of up to 10 years.
This lithium marine battery weighs only 24.2 lbs, which is much lighter than traditional lead acid batteries. The light weight makes it easy to move and carry. You can connect up to 4 of these 12V 100Ah batteries in series to get 48V 100Ah, or in parallel for 12V 400Ah capacity.
The operating temperature range is from -4°F to 140°F discharge and 32°F to 113°C charge. It’s best to store the battery between 0°C and 45°C. The IP66 rating means it’s dust tight and protected against heavy seas or water jets.
This lithium iron phosphate battery can handle trolling motors, kayaks, boats, RVs, golf carts, solar panels, and other off-grid applications. Reviewers praise the long runtime, power delivery, and overall performance. What are you waiting for? Upgrade now!
Pros:
- Built-in BMS protection
- Only 24.2 lbs lightweight
- 10 year lifespan
- Connect up to 4 batteries
- Great for boats, RVs
- IP66 marine rating
Cons:
- Charge fully before connecting
- Store 32°F to 113°F
Lithium Marine Battery Brand Comparison
Now that you know what to look for in a lithium battery, let’s compare some top models and brands on the market:
| Battery Brand | Price | Capacity | Voltage | Cycles | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battle Born | $925 | 100Ah | 12V | 3000-5000 | 31 lbs |
| LiTime | $330 | 100Ah | 12V | 4000+ | 24.3 lbs |
| ECO-WORTHY | $275 | 100Ah | 12V | 3000+ | 21.2 lbs |
| WEIZE | $270 | 100Ah | 12V | 8000 (claimed) | 26.4 lbs |
| DJLBERMPW | $219 | 100Ah | 12V | 15000 (claimed) | 24.2 lbs |
When comparing top lithium marine battery brands, Battle Born is the premium option with the highest price but also the longest lifespan of 3000-5000 cycles. LiTime, ECO-WORTHY, WEIZE, and DJLBERMPW offer more affordable lithium batteries in the $200-$300 range. They offer decent lifespans for the price (some of them even claim up to 15000 cycles).
In terms of capacity, all the batteries listed offer 100Ah. Voltage is 12V for all models. The Battle Born is the heaviest at 31 lbs, while the others range from 21-26 lbs for easier mounting.
Overall, Battle Born is the premium quality choice, made in the USA. While the others provide a more affordable lithium upgrade over lead-acid.
How to Choose the Best Lithium Marine Battery
With so many lithium battery options out there, it can be overwhelming trying to choose the right one. Here are the most important factors to consider:
Battery Capacity
The battery’s capacity, measured in amp-hours (Ah), determines how long it will power your trolling motor or electronics before needing a recharge. For most small to mid-sized boats, a 100Ah lithium battery will provide a full day of trolling. Larger capacity batteries around 300Ah will extend run times for multiple days.
Voltage
Most trolling motors and marine electronics run on 12V. However, 24V and 36V lithium batteries are available for larger motors. Using a single 24V or 36V battery eliminates the need to wire multiple 12V batteries together.
C-Rating
The C-rating indicates the maximum current, in amps, that a battery can sustain. Most quality 100Ah lithium batteries have a 100A (1C) continuous rating. Higher C-ratings around 3C-5C allow powering high-draw devices like large motors or inverters.
Low Temperature Charging
Lithium batteries can be damaged if charged below 32°F (0°C). Quality batteries have a low temperature cut-off to stop charging in cold conditions. This feature is essential for cold weather use.
Built-in Bluetooth
Some lithium batteries have Bluetooth connectivity allowing monitoring of voltage and state of charge from a phone app. This convenient feature lets you check battery levels at a glance.
Battery Management System
A good BMS protects the lithium cells from damage due to overcharging, short circuits, high temperatures, and other issues. The BMS is essential to battery safety and longevity.
Warranty
Lengthy warranties of 5-10 years provide peace of mind. However, read the fine print carefully as some warranties have pro-rated periods or may not cover certain types of damage.
Weight
Lithium batteries are 50-75% lighter than comparable lead acid batteries. Reduced weight improves performance and handling.
Price
There is quite a range when it comes to lithium battery pricing. Typically $300 to $900 for a 100Ah battery. Focus on quality and performance rather than just the lowest cost.
Lithium vs Lead Acid Batteries
Here is a comparison of how lithium batteries stack up against traditional lead acid batteries:
Types of Marine Batteries
There are 3 main types of marine batteries:
- Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries: The most affordable option but require routine maintenance to check water levels. Can spill acid if tipped over.
- Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Batteries: More expensive but sealed and spill-proof. Don’t require water refills. Heavier than lithium.
- Lithium Batteries: Most expensive upfront but lightest weight, longest lifespan, highest performance. No maintenance is required.
Lithium vs AGM Batteries
The best marine battery provides long-lasting power, charges quickly, withstands temperature extremes, requires low maintenance, and gives you the freedom to stay off-grid. Lithium marine batteries check all these boxes and are the best long-term investment for most boaters and sailors.
Lithium batteries pros and cons VS lead acid batteries:
| Aspect | Lithium-Ion | Lead-Acid |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | High energy density | Low energy density: storing less energy in the same space |
| Lifespan | Longer lasting: 10 years | Shorter lifespan: 2-4 years |
| Weight | Lighter: up to 70% less weight | Heavier |
| Charging Time | Faster charging | Slow charging |
| Maintenance | Less maintenance | Requires more maintenance if FLA |
| Cost for 100Ah | 300-1100$ | 200-350$ |
| Performance | High DOD (Depth Of Discharge): up to 95% | Low DOD (Depth Of Discharge): you can use only about 50% of the stored energy |
Overall, lithium-ion batteries have a higher energy density, longer lifespan, faster charging time, lighter weight, lower maintenance requirements, and are better under heavy loads. However, they are more expensive.
Lead-acid batteries have a lower capacity, shorter lifespan, heavier weight, and lower performance but are less expensive and might require periodic maintenance.
Tips for Getting the Most from Lithium Batteries
Follow these tips to maximize performance and lifespan when using lithium marine batteries:
Choose an Approved Lithium Charger
Use a charger designed for lithium batteries to get optimal charging speed without risking damage. Most quality lithium batteries include a compatible charger.
Avoid Low Voltage Cutoff
Repeatedly hitting low voltage cut-off shortens lithium battery life. Monitor your voltage and end fishing trips before reaching critical levels.
Limit Maximum Discharge
Only utilize the top 80% of battery capacity as regularly needed. Reserve the lower 20% for rare emergencies. This extends the battery’s lifespan.
Do Not Exceed Max Current Draw
Stay below the battery’s continuous current rating to prevent overheating or sudden shutdowns by the BMS. Monitor amp draw via your trolling motor.
Avoid Charging Below Freezing
Only charge lithium batteries above 32°F/0°C to prevent internal damage from lithium plating.
Conclusion
Upgrading your marine batteries to lithium delivers outstanding benefits like extra speed and power, rapid charging, and longevity measured in thousands of cycles instead of just a few hundred like lead acid. Plus you gain the advantages of shedding hundreds of pounds of weight and eliminating tedious battery maintenance tasks.
While the best lithium marine batteries have a higher upfront investment, the total cost over their 5-10 year lifespan is often less than constantly replacing lower-cost lead acid batteries every 2-3 years. Plus you gain the increased capabilities and convenience that lithium provides.
Focus your search on reputable lithium battery brands like Battle Born. And choose a battery with sufficient capacity, an adequate C-rating, low temperature charging capabilities, and a warranty to protect your investment. While Bluetooth monitoring and mobile apps are convenient, they aren’t essential to good performance.
By following the tips above and avoiding common lithium battery pitfalls, you can maximize the potential of these game-changing power sources. Your boat will gain capabilities akin to upgrading to a powerful new outboard or trolling motor, but at a fraction of the cost. Lithium marine batteries provide the power, performance, and convenience that can really take your boating, fishing, and on the water experiences to the next level.
FAQ
What are the benefits of lithium marine batteries?
Lithium marine batteries offer longer lifespan, lighter weight, faster charging, higher energy density, less maintenance, and better performance than lead-acid batteries. They allow boaters to stay out on the water longer between charges.
How long do lithium marine batteries last?
Depending on usage, quality lithium marine batteries can last 5-10 years or 3000-5000 cycles. This is 2-3 times longer than the average lead-acid battery lifespan of 2-4 years.
Are lithium batteries safe for boats?
Yes, lithium batteries are safe for marine use when proper precautions are taken. Quality batteries have built-in battery management systems (BMS) to protect against issues like overcharging, high temperatures, short circuits, etc. Proper charging and usage practices should also be followed.
What size lithium battery do I need for my boat?
Choose a lithium marine battery with sufficient capacity in Amp-hours (Ah) to power your trolling motor, electronics, and accessories for a full day on the water. For small to mid-sized boats, a 100Ah lithium battery is usually adequate. Larger 300Ah+ capacities can power boats for multiple days off-grid and liveaboards.
How to charge a lithium marine battery?
Use a lithium-compatible battery charger to provide optimal charging speed and safety. Follow the battery manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damage from incorrect charging. Only charge in temperatures above 32°F (0°C).
Can lithium batteries be mounted in any direction?
Yes, a benefit of lithium batteries is that they can be mounted upright, on the side, or upside down without issue. This provides flexibility when fitting them into tight battery compartments.
Are lithium batteries worth the cost?
While more expensive upfront, lithium batteries save money in the long run by lasting 5-10 years instead of just 2-3 years like lead-acid. The benefits in run time, power, speed, charging profile, and convenience offset the higher initial investment over years of use.
What is the best lithium marine battery brand?
Top brands for lithium marine batteries include Battle Born and LiTime, and Eco-Worthy. Battle Born is a premium USA-made option, while the others provide quality lithium batteries at a more affordable price point.
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