For anglers and boaters, an efficient power supply for their vessel is crucial. Lithium batteries have proven groundbreaking, offering lightness, longevity, and superior performance. In this LiTime user story, passionate bass angler Gary shares how LiTime lithium batteries They have revolutionized their electric boat setup – with less weight, cost and problems.
Contents
Considerations regarding energy supply on water
Several factors must be considered when powering your boat – whether for the trolling motor, electronics, 12-volt sources, gasoline engine, or electric drive. These include the boat size, the type of trolling motor, the electronics used, or the electric motor. The size of the gasoline engine also determines the required starter battery.
Trolling motors are available in various designs, models, and power levels (thrust) as well as with different voltages (e.g., 12 V, 24 V, 36 V). For electric boats, there is a wide selection of motors and manufacturers to choose from.
Equally important are the electronics and 12-volt power supply for boat management. Depending on the motor type and size, main motors may require 12V, 24V, 36V, 48V, 60V, or 72V. Well-known brands include Elco (48V), Ray Electric Motors (48/60/72V), Torqeedo (48V), and E-Propulsion (30–60V). Boat size and intended use influence the choice of motor. Some bodies of water have restrictions—some lakes only permit electric motors.
I've always been a bass angler, starting out in local reservoirs. Back then, most people used 14-16 foot aluminum flat-bottom boats with simple stick motors and 12-volt lead-acid batteries (weighing 60-70 lbs). Over time, anglers got inventive: they used two (or more) motors and batteries for more speed and range—but also more weight. Lithium batteries were scarce at the time and only commonly used in flashlights.
The popularity of electric boats
Anglers developed their own electric outboard motors using golf cart motors (mostly 36V) combined with underwater units (7–10 hp). These were often powered by eight 6-volt lead-acid batteries (connected in series). Thinner lead plates in 12-volt batteries made them less suitable. Speed was controlled via solenoids and a rotary switch (24V/36V/48V) because electronic controllers were too expensive. I built five such motors. Later, brands like Elco, Torqeedo, and E-Propulsion came onto the market, but lead-acid batteries remained the standard—lithium was too expensive and unfamiliar.
Personal experience: Lead-acid vs. Lithium
Three years ago, I used a 60V Ray electric motor with ten 6V lead-acid batteries (plus three 12V batteries for the trolling motor/electronics) – a total battery weight of approximately 1,000 lbs. I looked for a lithium solution but couldn't find any affordable 60V options.
LiTime lithium batteries for electric outboard motors
I switched to a 48V Torqeedo 10.0 motor and began searching for a reliable, affordable lithium battery. After some research, I contacted LiTime and three competitors.LiTime responded within 24 hours – impressive! They offered me the opportunity to promote their batteries, and I've been working with them ever since.
My 19-foot skeeter boat with a 48V Torqeedo motor is powered by four LiTime 48V 100Ah batteries connected in parallel (400Ah, 320 lbs total weight). For the 24V Minn Kota trolling motor (with Spot-Lock), I use a LiTime 24V 100Ah battery – it lasts for three days, even in windy conditions. Two LiTime 12V 100Ah batteries easily power fish finders, pumps, and electronics all day. Switching to LiTime saved me approximately 700 lbs in weight – a huge performance advantage. Many electric boat anglers rely on multiple lithium batteries.
LiTime promotion: My findings
A year ago I proposed LiTime 60/72V systems – and learned that they were already in development! The new OBM batteries (for electric outboards) debuted at the ICAST trade fair in 2024.
60V system: Five 12V 100Ah OBM batteries in series (5S) → 60V, 100Ah.
Parallel connection (5S5P) allows 60 V, 200 Ah (only 220 lbs vs. 700 lbs lead).
72V system: Two 36V 100Ah batteries in series (2S) → 72V, 100Ah.
Parallel (2S4P) yields 72 V, 200 Ah (252 lbs vs. 840 lbs lead).
The costs are unrivaled: ~$200 per 12V OBM (60V system: ~$2,000) vs. $175-$200 per 6V lead acid battery.
LiTimes' influence on boats, fishing & Motorhome
LiTime has established itself in the boating, fishing, RV, and solar industries. Their service, quality, and price make lithium batteries widely accessible for the first time. I have already converted approximately 20 boats to LiTime batteries (including wiring) and referred over 50 customers (over 200 batteries/accessories). The demand through word of mouth demonstrates the trust people place in LiTime. In 2024, I represented LiTime at ICAST in Orlando – an unforgettable experience with a first-class booth. I look forward to further collaborations and future events!
