Trawlers, power yachts, cabin cruisers, and multi-hull power boats are all very distinct boats on the water. These boats have been designed specifically for long-distance cruising and comfortable living on-board for extended periods of time.  The trawler has its roots as a fishing boat, but many modern trawlers and yachts have all the comforts of home below deck. With all the comforts of home (like a galley, head, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC), prioritizing a reliable power system is a must.  Battle Born Batteries is here to make that a possibility for boat electrical systems! Our batteries are a fraction of the weight of lead-acid batteries, which improve the performance and cut the weight of your boat. They also supply two to three times more power.

A typical lead-acid battery cannot be drained below 50% of its capacity without significant damage being inflicted on it. But our deep cycle LiFePO4 batteries utilize a special chemistry that allows you to use 100% of your battery’s capacity without damaging them.

You can also charge your Battle Born Batteries up to five times faster than a standard lead-acid battery. So, you can spend less time waiting on your batteries to charge and spend more time doing what you love and enjoying your next adventure!

Contact us, browse our shop, or keep reading to learn how to upgrade your power boat’s batteries to Battle Born Lithium.

How to Use Lithium Batteries in Power Boats and Trawlers

When you think of getting out on the water in a powerboat or trawler, your boat’s batteries may not be the first thing you think of. But they play an essential role in keeping you comfortable and safe out on the water. Unfortunately, all batteries are not created equal. In many ways, lithium batteries are a superior choice to the more common lead-acid variety. Let’s take a closer look at why and how to get your own boat equipped with this helpful technology.

The Power Needs of Power Boats and Trawlers

As should be evident to anyone who’s driven, ridden in, or even seen a powerboat and a trawler, they’re quite different. Power boats focus on speed and fun, with a sleeker profile aimed at helping them slice quickly through the water. On the other hand, trawlers are slow-speed vessels designed for comfortable cruising. They often include more indoor cabin space for extended trips.

The differences between these types of vessels also extend to their power needs. Trawlers will generally need a more substantial “house battery,” the battery designed to power lights and other essential systems. This is separate from the starting battery that helps start the engine. Power boats generally won’t need as much capacity for this battery, as they’ll typically return to shore (and shore power) nightly.

The Benefits of Using Lithium Batteries in Trawlers and Power Boat Electrical Systems

So why should you consider swapping out your traditional battery for a lithium one? Here are some of the biggest advantages this valuable technology provides.

Increased Power Capacity

Lithium batteries offer better capacity than their lead-acid counterparts in two ways. First, they simply can store more energy overall. But they can also be discharged more deeply than lead-acid batteries. This means you’ll be able to use more of the battery’s energy per charge. This can result in significantly more usable energy for boaters.

Lightweight

Lithium batteries are significantly lighter than traditional batteries with comparable amounts of storage. This is another result of the different technology used in lithium batteries. This lighter weight allows boat owners to reduce the overall weight of their vessel, a valuable feature when every pound matters. Alternatively, you can add additional battery capacity while maintaining the same weight as before.

Can Run Heavy Loads

Due to the chemical makeup of lithium batteries, they have less electrical resistance than traditional, old-school batteries. This means they can supply a higher current at any given time. This crucial feature allows you to run multiple power-hungry appliances or other systems on your power boat simultaneously without overloading your electrical system.

Fast Charging

No one enjoys spending time at the marina charging up your batteries. That’s why lithium batteries can be extremely helpful to those looking to spend as little time charging as possible. Traditional batteries can take half a day or more to fully charge, while their lithium counterparts can often reach full charge in four hours or fewer. Think about all that extra time enjoying your boat instead of charging up its batteries!

Easy Maintenance

Traditional lead-acid batteries need regular maintenance. Every few weeks, you’ll need to carefully add distilled water to ensure the proper chemical balance. Not so with lithium batteries. A properly installed lithium battery system is essentially “set it and forget it.” As a result, power boat and trawler owners can mostly ignore these batteries until the end of their lifespan (other than charging, of course).

Long Lifespan

Speaking of battery lifespan, lithium batteries offer another advantage here. While most lead-acid batteries last in the two- to six-year range, many of their lithium competitors can last eight to 10 years or more! This means you’ll have to buy fewer batteries over the long term and spend less on labor. You’ll also spend less time out of service while a professional installs replacement parts.

How Long Does a Lithium Battery Last in a Power Boat?

Quite a while! This is one of lithium’s most significant advantages over old-school batteries. Often, a well-treated lithium power boat or trawler battery can last a decade. At two to five times longer life, you’ll deal with far fewer replacements than with other types of batteries.

Lithium batteries also last longer on each charge, primarily due to their higher capacity and ability to discharge more fully without risking damage.

How Expensive Are Lithium Batteries?

While prices will vary by capacity and producer, most lithium batteries used in power boats or trawlers will cost $600 to $800 per 100Ah battery. With bigger form-factor batteries, such as our 270Ah GC3 and 8D batteries you can get an even better cost/amp-hour ratio.

You will pay more upfront for lithium than traditional lead-acid batteries. However, lithium batteries will save users money over the long term due to their much longer lifespan. Essentially, if you can afford the upfront cost, they’ll be a much better value over time.

Deciding Which Lithium Batteries to Install in Your Power Boat or Trawler

If you’ve decided to make the upgrade to lithium in your boat electrical system, the process can feel a bit overwhelming, But first thing’s first, you’ll need to determine which batteries to install.

Consider how much power you have access to with your current batteries, as well as how much you use. Are you routinely running out of juice, or do you frequently find yourself returning to the marina with a significant amount of battery power left?

You’ll also need to ensure your lithium battery will fit your boat -— something that’s usually not a problem due to their smaller size, lower weight, and better flexibility in mounting. Some boaters may also need to remember their budget if they don’t have much to spend. With all these needs in mind, it should be relatively straightforward to find the perfect lithium battery for you.

How to Make the Switch to Lithium Batteries

Switching over to lithium batteries in your power boat or trawler isn’t quite as easy as just swapping out one battery for another. If the lithium batteries don’t have an internal battery management system (BMS) like ours do, you’ll need to install a battery management system, which regulates your batteries to ensure they don’t get overcharged or too deeply discharged. This additional system protects your valuable batteries from damage.

Depending on the type and nature of your inverter, alternator, and other electrical system components, you may need to make upgrades or changes here as well. These can prove somewhat complicated processes, especially if you’re not very familiar with electrical systems. In many cases, you might want to let a professional make the switch for you if for no reason other than ensuring correct installation.

If you’re feeling confident, our Nevada-based tech support team is standing by to help answer any questions!

Lithium Batteries For Boat Electrical Systems Are Changing Mobile Electricity

Lithium batteries are shaking up the world of mobile electricity — and power boats and trawlers are certainly no exceptions. This game-changing technology can help you reduce your boat’s weight, extend your power availability, and run heavier loads. You’ll also spend less time charging and maintaining your batteries and more time enjoying your boat.

Making the switch will cost a bit up front. However, this switch may prove worth it in the long run. Before you know it, your new lithium battery-powered vessel will be back out on the water, enjoying everything trawler and power boat life has to offer.