Lithium Batteries?

[TinyTucky]

I am currently in the market for a 12v 60aH lithium battery to power electronics on my boat. I have 0 experience with lithium batteries, so I’m hoping someone has an honest review on them. There are about 10 million brands of lithium batteries out there, and the price range is crazy to me. There are cheapy Amazon brands for $160 and also “name brand” (Dakota, Impulse, etc.) that go upwards of $600 or more. I’ve read what seemed to be honest reviews on amazon, YouTube and Reddit in regards to the cheaper batteries, and the positive reviews are probably 100:1 compared to the negatives. The batteries are dual purpose, so some people have been using them for their RVs, golf carts, etc., and thats why I’m hoping someone here can shed some light for me. I typically live by “you get what you pay for”, but i also like to save money when/ where i can. From what I’ve read and have been told, there’s only a couple lithium battery manufacturers and they just get rebranded, so this decision is a little tougher to make with no experience. I appreciate any insight.

 

[giles]

My brother builds batteries at a cost that seems legit. He's been doing it for a few years and everyone seems extremely satisfied. Local to you (point place)and always willing to talk on the phone and explain options for your needs.

Hi-Powerbatteries

hi-powerbatteries.com

Anyone feel free to give him a call and tell him Dave sent ya. That is his personal number on the website. Text or call him anytime. He has a regular job too but seems to ve doing extremely well with this. I have friends that converted golf carts and side by sides that love them.

 

[TinyTucky]

@giles no shit?? I’ll send him a text and see if he can do anything for me, thanks Dave!

 

[giles]

Yeah, he's kinda smart. Works evenings for Ford as an engineer. Not a single day in college. Dude understands electric like some kind of wizard. Best of all, wait till you meet him, we might as well be twins!

 

[TinyTucky]

I just texted him. Hopefully he can build me what i need for a reasonable price. From the few batteries on his site his prices seem to be better than the name brand, but not so cheap I’m afraid they’re gonna burn my garage down lol

 

[hickslawns]

Yeah, he's kinda smart. Works evenings for Ford as an engineer. Not a single day in college. Dude understands electric like some kind of wizard. Best of all, wait till you meet him, we might as well be twins!

Two of you? Oh no! Everyone run for the hills!

Might have to give him a shout. Does he do a lot of variations? As in, something for a car, or big truck, or loader, or deep cycle marine?

 

[giles]

I just texted him. Hopefully he can build me what i need for a reasonable price. From the few batteries on his site his prices seem to be better than the name brand, but not so cheap I’m afraid they’re gonna burn my garage down lol

I hope you didn't text him that.

 

[giles]

Two of you? Oh no! Everyone run for the hills!

Might have to give him a shout. Does he do a lot of variations? As in, something for a car, or big truck, or loader, or deep cycle marine?

6'-2" queit spoken straight Mexican looking guy. He took to the gym a couple of years ago and has become a real beast. Twins

He does about anything you want. Always bored kind of guy that enjoys a challenge.

 

[Clay Showalter]

Just checked out his website, those are great prices.

 

[giles]

Just checked out his website, those are great prices.

Not much overhead. He builds every one himself. He does have a good sized shop but no employees.

I was going to convert my 36 volt golf cart when my batteries went out, but I traded it off. Pretty amazing what his batteries do to those EV carts and Polaris ranger EVs. Takes a ton of weight off and the extended range is awesome. The weight alone is crazy how it changes the ride and braking.

 

[Clay Showalter]

I have 2 -100ah batteries in our camper, they were only a little less than his. When it is time to change them out, I will be talking to him. It is amazing how much lighter they are.

 

[giles]

I have 2 -100ah batteries in our camper, they were only a little less than his. When it is time to change them out, I will be talking to him. It is amazing how much lighter they are.

He ships out pretty quick and reasonable. I don't think he marks it up at all. At least he didn't for my buddies that have bought from him.

 

["J"]

@TinyTucky

Are these lithium batteries and charger going to fit the marine grade needed?
The newer smart chargers will do both lead acid, AGM and lithium batteries.
You may need to upgrade your onboard charger also.
The whole downside to me on lithium batteries is if one catches fire, that would get ugly in a hurry.

 

[TinyTucky]

@TinyTucky

Are these lithium batteries and charger going to fit the marine grade needed?
The newer smart chargers will do both lead acid, AGM and lithium batteries.
You may need to upgrade your onboard charger also.
The whole downside to me on lithium batteries is if one catches fire, that would get ugly in a hurry.

The cheapies I’ve looked at are marine grade so that isn’t a concern. I will need to upgrade my onboard charger for sure, the NOCO on there won’t work. After talking to Dave’s brother, I’ve considered just getting a 150aH and using it for my 12” Garmin, Panoptix as well as my starting battery. My only concern with going that route, is I had a friend a few years ago do the same thing, but some how had a power surge when starting the boat and it fried all of his electronics. The other issue with that route would be overcharging the battery with the onboard charger while the motor is running. I don’t know enough about batteries, charging, etc to avoid these problems but I’d assume there’s a way.

 

["J"]

The cheapies I’ve looked at are marine grade so that isn’t a concern. I will need to upgrade my onboard charger for sure, the NOCO on there won’t work. After talking to Dave’s brother, I’ve considered just getting a 150aH and using it for my 12” Garmin, Panoptix as well as my starting battery. My only concern with going that route, is I had a friend a few years ago do the same thing, but some how had a power surge when starting the boat and it fried all of his electronics. The other issue with that route would be overcharging the battery with the onboard charger while the motor is running. I don’t know enough about batteries, charging, etc to avoid these problems but I’d assume there’s a way.

I would separate the electronics from the cranking battery for now. Leave the cranking battery for the big motor and accessories.