Lightweight battery for trolling motor - li-ion motorcycle battery?

[josetann]

Ok, I have an Intex Seahawk 400. Realized that it'd be nice for it to go a few miles out in the sea (calm waters).

Looked into motor options. Gas would be great, but not too practical. Taking this on a plane or cruise ship would require a bit of a fuss (make sure it's completely empty of all fuel and oil, then find a place to buy more oil and fuel, dump out when done, etc.). So, battery powered looks to be the way to go. But...a proper battery will weigh quite a bit.

Then I remembered about lithium-ion polymer motorcycle batteries (almost bought one earlier this year for a scooter). Just an example, for $130 I can get one with these specs:

BATTERY TYPE: High Performance Lithium
VOLTAGE 12 Volts
CCAcold cranking amps) 130
WET WEIGHT 0.8 KG (1.8lbs)
REGULAR CHARGE CURRENT 4.0 Amps

Normally, I'd stay far away from a cranking battery for such an application, but being lithium-ion I think I'd be ok. What I don't know, is how to translate the CCA to a "normal" amps; basically, how long/far could such a battery take me in calm water? I've heard that motorcycle batteries would last anywhere from 10 minutes to hours...but generally one shouldn't use one (because they're not deep-cycle, obviously). Oh, as far as the load in the boat, two adults two small kids, plus some minor provisions (lunch, change of clothes, oars). If I could get away with a battery of this size (or even two)...that'd be great.

Thanks!

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Lightweight battery for trolling motor - li-ion motorcycle battery?

A battery that size would not take you very far, even with a smaller trolling motor. I also think you would run a very high risk of overheating a Li-ion battery possibly to explosion or fire. Yes, they are designed for high current draw but not for extended periods of time and certainly not to below 50% max. It's a poor choice for that application. Buy a quality AGM battery, biggest you can get away with.

 

[likalar]

Re: Lightweight battery for trolling motor - li-ion motorcycle battery?

Going a few miles out into the ocean with your family and supplies on a battery powered $80.00 boat? No disrespect, but PLEASE reconsider that idea. That boat is intended for light duty recreation very close to shore on a perfect day. Wear a good PFD, and take yourself onto a pond for a bit of fishing, but DO NOT endanger your family with this vessel and level of experience. My apologies for the harsh response.

Larry

 

[Loop_Dad]

Re: Lightweight battery for trolling motor - li-ion motorcycle battery?

+1 on both replies above, especially Larry's.

Regarding your question, Cold Cranking Power, measured in amps, and the capacity of the battery, measured in amp hours, are two totally different things.