X2Power Lithium Marine is the Battery of the Future
- by Joe Weber - updated on 4/5/2023
Lithium is being chosen by more and more boaters and is quickly becoming the most sought-after battery for marine deep-cycle needs. Let's take a look at why lithium, especially our X2Power lithium batteries, is such a popular choice for boaters.
Why is Lithium a Better Choice for Marine?
There are a few factors that make lithium the best choice for marine applications. X2Power lithium marine batteries are lighter, more efficient and can last considerably longer than traditional lead-acid deep cycle batteries.
Size & Weight
If you've been involved in the boating world for a while you know that weight matters on your boat. If you aren't part of the boating world or are just getting into boating, guess what? Weight matters!
The heavier the boat, the more surface area of the hull is touching the water. This increases the friction between the boat and the water, reducing fuel efficiency and speed. It's important to pay attention to the amount of weight in your boat to keep from filling the gas tank too often and feeling like the boat just can't get up to speed. Not to mention the instability this can create which can make it easier for the boat to take on water in rougher waters.
Lithium batteries are less than half the weight of comparable flooded and absorbed glass mat (AGM) lead acid batteries. For example, an X2Power 100Ah Group 31 marine lithium battery weighs less than 30 pounds. On the flip side, lead-acid batteries can range anywhere from 60-80 pounds depending on the design of the battery.
Number of Charge Cycles
Typically, deep-cycle lead batteries have a lifespan of between 500 and 1,000 charge cycles before a replacement is needed.
From the Experts
A charge cycle is each time the battery is charged, used (discharged), and recharged to a full charge. Every time you charge the battery to 100%, use the battery to 20% (80% depth of discharge), then recharge back to 100% is considered a complete charge cycle.
X2Power lithium marine batteries have a substantially longer battery life with the ability to complete at least 2,000 charging cycles before a new battery may be needed.
Power Storage
The lead acid battery loses its power as more of its capacity is used, and continued use to depleted charge levels without a full recharge can be severely detrimental to the longevity of the battery's life.
Lithium batteries on the other hand can be used down to about 80% depth of discharge (percentage of their capacity) safely without damaging the battery. Our X2Power lithium marine batteries can be used down to 1% and still provide the same amount of power as if they were fully charged.
The increased energy storage is one of the best features of a lithium battery. You get double the usable power which could result in needing fewer batteries. Which in turn brings us back to weight. Fewer batteries = less weight.
Virtually maintenance-free
No more periodic filling with water to top off the electrolyte. Lithium batteries have considerably less maintenance than flooded or AGM batteries.
Long-term Cost Savings
Yes, all of those benefits come with a slightly higher upfront cost. However, lithium batteries are known for lasting as much as five times longer than lead acid when they are taken care of.
When you take into account, potentially, five batteries, downtime and installation headaches the upfront cost of a high-quality lithium battery makes a lot of sense. You will even more than likely come out ahead in the end. Spend less money long-term and more time on your boat in the water.
How Do I Maintain Lithium Boat Batteries?
So I just bought new lithium marine batteries. How do I take care of them so I get the longest life possible? I'm glad you asked. Lithium batteries are actually quite easy to maintain, quite a bit easier than their lead acid counterparts.
Charge them after each use
Boats are not like cars. They aren't equipped with an alternator to recharge your batteries when you are out on the lake. After a long day out on the lake using your deep-cycle batteries, plug them into a charger after each trip to ensure they are optimally charged for each use.
Use the right charger
Use a battery charger that is designed to be used with lithium batteries and preferably one that has an automatic shut-off or maintenance mode so you don't need to have your eyes glued to your battery while it's charging.
Install them securely
Use a battery box to enclose the battery to keep it out of the elements. Read more about the benefits of a battery box in "How Battery Boxes and Chargers Help Maintain Your Boat's Battery". Also, make sure that when you install the batteries you are securing them so they don't bang around. Lithium batteries are very vibration resistant but if the batteries are loose and banging around, their life will be shortened dramatically.
Store them properly in the off-season
When it's time to pack up the boat and tuck it away for the winter make sure that you are not ignoring your batteries during the off-season. The very first thing you should do before storing them for the winter is charge them up to 100%. Storing them under-charged will lead to a shortened life. In our Battery Storage and Winterization Guide we'll give you tips to ensure healthy batteries at the start of the next season.
An added bonus for those new to lithium marine batteries is that they have a much lower self-discharge rate. They will last longer on shelves and in storage before needing a recharge vs their lead counterparts.
Can Lithium Batteries Be Used to Crank My Boat Motor?
X2Power lithium marine batteries are designed and engineered to be used in deep-cycle applications only and should never be used as a starting battery for your boat. They should only be used to power onboard accessories like fish finders, trolling motors and other equipment. We recommend you use a high-quality X2Power AGM marine battery for starting purposes.
Learn why lithium batteries are not the ideal battery for starting applications in our recent article "Are Lithium Batteries Good for Starting?".
Are Lithium Batteries Worth it?
Despite the increased initial cost of lithium batteries, there are a tremendous amount of reasons to upgrade to using these batteries. Below is just a small sampling of the benefits and why it's worth it to upgrade your boat with lithium power. Once you connect a lithium marine battery to your boat, you'll wonder how you ever lived without them before.
- More usable power
- Longer runtime
- Longer warranties
- Exceptionally long life
- Lighter
- Virtually maintenance-free
Take your fishing trips to the next level and stay out on the water longer with constant, strong power for your depth finders, fish locators, trolling motors and all of your other fishing equipment with X2Power lithium marine deep-cycle batteries.
Where Can I Get X2Power Lithium Marine Batteries?
X2Power batteries are only sold at your locally owned Batteries Plus stores around the country. Don't settle for anything less than the best with the relentless power you get with X2Power batteries. Shop all of our X2Power batteries and chargers online or in-store at a Batteries Plus near you.