Sailboat Lithium Batteries- Introduction, Reasons and Installing

In the past years, you needed a heavy lead-acid battery for many applications. The battery technology has evolved for years and different options are available. Sailboats have crucial components that need high energy.  Sailboat lithium batteries have high energy to last for long. In addition to that, lithium batteries have numerous advantages for complex applications. Moreover, it has 3000 to 5000 cycles that make it to last for ten years. Even though they are expensive, what matters is the use and amount of energy you need. Let us see reasons to choose lithium cells for boats and the installation process.

Are lithium batteries safe on boats?

Safety is a major concern that every battery user has to prioritize. Generally, lithium batteries are ranked as the safest battery. Fire safety is considered when it comes to the sailboat. It is difficult to deal with fire hazards especially when you are in the middle of nowhere. A safe boat should not be heavy. The lithium battery is an advanced technology with a lighter weight than others. This makes sailboats to maintain their normal weight.

After you narrow down the benefits of the cell, you will find that it deserves the price. Most people are scared to buy this battery because of the expensive price. Buying a lithium technology needs you to save money and not waking up one day and decide you need one. You will need a battery to store energy even if you have a generator.  As a result, you will think of the most efficient and safest battery to buy.

Add the battery management system

A battery management system is an additional system that you should install. You should consider BMS as an important accessory for your cell. This system gives battery users confidence when it comes to maximum protection. On top of that, users should always follow precautions to ensure safety.

Why do you choose a lithium battery for a sailboat?

It is important to understand the benefits offered by lithium battery before you buy. This will help you to decide whether to invest in the battery or not. Regardless of the expensive price, lithium technology is a great investment. Moreover, you will be sure to spend years with the cell before replacement.  Here are the reasons for choosing lithium cells for a sailboat.

Lightweight

Sailboats need a lightweight battery to navigate fast on the water without additional weight. Before lithium technology, boat sailors had to struggle with heavy lead-acid cells. Lithium batteries are the most lightweight cells used on boats. This is an advantage, especially when moving in and out of the cell's compartment.

High amps

Sailboats can run heavy loads with lithium cells. This battery gives high amps without drawbacks. On the contrary, lead-acid cells cannot give high amps without damages. Furthermore, some cells get damaged due to heavy loads that are placed on them. When you have lithium, you will be confident to run heavy loads. As soon as you start the engine, the voltage will be higher making it start easily.  You can use an AC watermaker with high capacity when the lithium cell inverter and bank are big.

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High resting voltage

The resting voltage of the lithium battery is 13.2volts. The voltage will not change despite the amount of load placed on them. Refrigerators, watermakers, inverters, and microwaves will still run efficiently.  On the other hand, a completely charged lead-acid cell rests between 12.6volts to 12.8 volts. As a result of this, the load placed on the battery will be ineffective.

Fast charging

Lithium cells charge fast to 100%. Henceforth, you will not waste power when using wind power and solar. Complete amps for the lead-acid battery is 80%

Zero maintenance

The cells do not require any maintenance like other cells. This is a major advantage for a sailboat because you will not remember all time. %

Efficient energy

The batteries deliver 99% of energy without dropping. Other cells give 85% of energy and it drops per year. For this reason, 15% of the energy is taken from charging sources.

How do you install lithium batteries on a sailboat?

There is a systematic process that you have to follow when you want to install a lithium battery. This process is simple and does not need complex tools.  However, contact an electrician if you are not knowledgeable about wiring. Here are the steps to follow:

Follow the instructions of the sailboat’s manufacturer.

Check the battery’s voltage and follow charging instructions.

Link battery terminal to sailboat wire, black wire connects to the negative while red wire to the positive.

Connect voltage tester with the sailboat wire.

Disconnect the terminal of the cell and check the charging voltage on the tester.

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What to do after installation

Battery management system

You should always have a protection system after installing a lithium battery. The battery management system keeps the cell safe from harm. This includes voltages, current, and excess temperatures. It will increase the life cycle thus you will not worry about purchasing a new battery.

Add banks

Lithium cells have high energy and you may want to power other things. Add extra banks during the installation process. Therefore, divide the power in various accessories. Extra banks help the boat to continue running without lithium battery energy. This technology allows you to control the volume of power.

Monitor battery usage

Lithium technology offers a high amount of amp hours. This enables your boat to activate different items for long hours. Also, you should discharge the cell at low rates.  Follow the charge and discharge rates of lithium cells to improve durability.

Final thoughts

Adventures need the power to run for long hours. It is not easy to get a high powered battery that can sustain energy for hours.  Sailboat lithium batteries offer the best solution. They meet these demands to ensure your adventure is great. Additionally, marine applications need a versatile battery that can fit in the battery system. Lithium batteries come in various shapes to fit the boat. Besides that, they are lightweight thus will not add weight during navigation. It is a dependable battery that will not require maintenance like other cells. However, you should always maintain your cell to increase durability.