24 volts for trolling motor on nitro z-18

[Larry Williams]

Look at LiTime’s 12v140ah duel purpose battery. I think it’s 400 dollars. But they go on sale allot . You might get it cheaper! There’s a utube channel you Might want to watch Goodman fishing . He is an electrical engineer who almost uses LiTime exclusively. Also there are Lithium battery nerds that break the batteries down and check their quality, efficiency and safety! I have not tried a LiTime duel purpose yet myself . But I purchased a LiTime 12v140ah Trolling Motor Bluetooth battery for my smaller boat and I love it so far ! Lots of Anglers are using there products without issues . But like everything stuff breaks lol….. Even the 800 dollar lithium’s. Check it out and do your personal research.

I'll check that one- I have no issue with Li-Time and have seen the reviews and breakdowns. I bought two of the weize 12v 100ah batteries for my TM. both for under $400 total cost. Have been very happy with them. Thanks!

 

[Cyco]

Can I ask why you want lithium for starter? I really dont see the need since its charged by the alternator.

Most guys run electronics off a seperate lithuim battery if thats the case.

Just curious.

 

[Larry Williams]

Can I ask why you want lithium for starter? I really dont see the need since its charged by the alternator.

Most guys run electronics off a seperate lithuim battery if thats the case.

Just curious.

Number one would be reducing the excess weight. Number two is the higher capacity to run other electronics. From what I've seen- I'll wait- I'm not willing to pay $600 - $1000, to get either of my two results.. All of the Li-Time and other less costly batteries I've found have a disclaimer indicating not to use them as engine starting batteries..

 

[Ben]

Can I ask why you want lithium for starter? I really dont see the need since its charged by the alternator.

Most guys run electronics off a seperate lithuim battery if thats the case.

Just curious.

Iv toiled over batteries myself for a good bit here's what iv settled on after a good deal of research. If you're running an older boat( pre- lithium craze) your boat is engineered to have the weight at the location the manufacturer installed the batteries. From what I have been TOLD( I'm not an expert or a boat builder) you could potentially effect the ride and or performance, hole shot, top end handling ect. By going totally lithium. From what I understand if you're adding additional batteries lithium is the way to go so you don't "off balance " what the manufacturer intended. As far as a starting battery is concerned a quality AGM is more than efficient. As you said it's being charged by the alternator when the engine is running. Also Most alternators will not charge lithiums properly because it's constantly charging. Most alternators are designed to work with lead acid or AGM. GOOD LUCK AND GOOD FISHING!!

 

[Don Smith]

I bought a Li-time 12.8, 140MA, around there!, as a starting and electronics battery. I can run FF Trans and mega down and side all day. (6 to 8 hours). I can not get below 89%!! I use NOCO charger and it has a lithium setting on it. So far it has been like a hip replacement! Why in ------- did I wait so long???? That's all I got about it.

 

[Larry Williams]

I bought a Li-time 12.8, 140MA, around there!, as a starting and electronics battery. I can run FF Trans and mega down and side all day. (6 to 8 hours). I can not get below 89%!! I use NOCO charger and it has a lithium setting on it. So far it has been like a hip replacement! Why in ------- did I wait so long???? That's all I got about it.

Don,
I running a 2017, Nitro Z18 with the Merc, 150 four. I've been a bit scared to change to the lifePO4 due to the possible alternator issues. Only problem I've ever had with my engine is the alternator- replaced twice while under warranty.. I did look at the battery you are using but the company info says not to use it for a starting battery- I do question that as a real issue though- thanks for letting me know it works for you..

 

[Larry Williams]

Iv toiled over batteries myself for a good bit here's what iv settled on after a good deal of research. If you're running an older boat( pre- lithium craze) your boat is engineered to have the weight at the location the manufacturer installed the batteries. From what I have been TOLD( I'm not an expert or a boat builder) you could potentially effect the ride and or performance, hole shot, top end handling ect. By going totally lithium. From what I understand if you're adding additional batteries lithium is the way to go so you don't "off balance " what the manufacturer intended. As far as a starting battery is concerned a quality AGM is more than efficient. As you said it's being charged by the alternator when the engine is running. Also Most alternators will not charge lithiums properly because it's constantly charging. Most alternators are designed to work with lead acid or AGM. GOOD LUCK AND GOOD FISHING!!

My 2017, Z18 with the merc 150 four, out of the hole and running performance, improved quit a bit when I switched to the two, 22 pound, LifePO4'S. I don't think there will be an issue with this boat to give up another 45 pounds on the rear.

 

[ph411tx]

Iv toiled over batteries myself for a good bit here's what iv settled on after a good deal of research. If you're running an older boat( pre- lithium craze) your boat is engineered to have the weight at the location the manufacturer installed the batteries. From what I have been TOLD( I'm not an expert or a boat builder) you could potentially effect the ride and or performance, hole shot, top end handling ect. By going totally lithium. From what I understand if you're adding additional batteries lithium is the way to go so you don't "off balance " what the manufacturer intended. As far as a starting battery is concerned a quality AGM is more than efficient. As you said it's being charged by the alternator when the engine is running. Also Most alternators will not charge lithiums properly because it's constantly charging. Most alternators are designed to work with lead acid or AGM. GOOD LUCK AND GOOD FISHING!!

I have a 2018 Z19 and I've puzzled over exactly what you pointed out. In my case, I've added 2 powerpoles and the accompanying hydraulic pumps. I'm looking at LiFePO4 (trolling and electronics) to re-balance the stern. I think the weight trade-off will be pretty close. I agree with a lot of the comments on this post about starter batteries, I'm planning to keep the old standard.

 

[Cyco]

Number one would be reducing the excess weight. Number two is the higher capacity to run other electronics. From what I've seen- I'll wait- I'm not willing to pay $600 - $1000, to get either of my two results.. All of the Li-Time and other less costly batteries I've found have a disclaimer indicating not to use them as engine starting batteries..

I would not use as a starter, and pick up a inexpensive 120ah lithium off Amazon (about $170 w/ bluetooth) just to run electronics. I have 2 running my trolling motor on a 14' alum boat I own.

Running Dakota lithuims in my 2023 Z19, great batteries well over 6 years old kept from Z9 i traded in and still function like new, spendy tho.

 

[RippnLipz]

I see a lot of guys doing hybrid systems too. placing a agm in direct paralell with a lithium. This way the motor is still connected to an agm, but they get the AH and voltage stabilization of the lithium bank. You wont get the weight savings though......and on the other hand some may need the weight back there.

 

[Mark Soroko]

I'll check that one- I have no issue with Li-Time and have seen the reviews and breakdowns. I bought two of the weize 12v 100ah batteries for my TM. both for under $400 total cost. Have been very happy with them. Thanks!

 

[Mark Soroko]

Anyone just run 24 volts only on your trolling motor on a Nitro Z-18 ? If so , how does it preform ? Does it move it good with 3 people on board ? Or a loaded boat , tackle ext….. I have a ghost on my Nitro Z-18 and it was rigged with 2 12v 100ah lead acid batteries in series. It seems to work ok . But was wondering if 36 volts would be better at 120 thrust ! Lithium batteries at 36 v are super expensive! So I would like to stay at 24 v Just need opinions either way !

 

[Mark Soroko]

I see a lot of guys doing hybrid systems too. placing a agm in direct paralell with a lithium. This way the motor is still connected to an agm, but they get the AH and voltage stabilization of the lithium bank. You wont get the weight savings though......and on the other hand some may need the weight back there.

I just purchased a 13v litime lithium just for my 2 fish finders and active market no problem so far the battery lasts 2 full days Fishing without having to charge going to replace the trolling motor batteries with the li tome

 

[Don Smith]

I am not sure what some of the guys are talking about! It IS safe to use lithium as starting battery. If you read all the literature on the Li Time 12.8 140AH battery it tells you that it meets Mercury's specs for a starting battery!!! I am not having ANY problems with this battery. They have come a Long way in the last couple of years. Check All the data out.

 

[fishhook]

I am not sure what some of the guys are talking about! It IS safe to use lithium as starting battery. If you read all the literature on the Li Time 12.8 140AH battery it tells you that it meets Mercury's specs for a starting battery!!! I am not having ANY problems with this battery. They have come a Long way in the last couple of years. Check All the data out.

Make sure you say Duel purpose cranking because some people are buying the 12v 140ah trolling motor battery which is not recommended for the outboard motor .

 

[DodgeBoy]

Anyone just run 24 volts only on your trolling motor on a Nitro Z-18 ? If so , how does it preform ? Does it move it good with 3 people on board ? Or a loaded boat , tackle ext….. I have a ghost on my Nitro Z-18 and it was rigged with 2 12v 100ah lead acid batteries in series. It seems to work ok . But was wondering if 36 volts would be better at 120 thrust ! Lithium batteries at 36 v are super expensive! So I would like to stay at 24 v Just need opinions either way !

Batteries in Series vs. Parallel... or Series-Parallel?​

Ultimately, neither connection method is better than the other. Choosing to wire your batteries in series vs. parallel ultimately depends on what works best for your boat, your solar setup hooked up to your solar panels, RV, or other power and battery systems. But there is one more choice. Series-parallel. That's not wiring your batteries in both series and parallel. That would short your battery system!


A series-parallel connection is when you wire several batteries in series. Then, you create a parallel connection to another set of batteries in series. By doing this, you can increase both voltage and capacity.


Questions about connecting batteries in series vs parallel or series-parallel?
https://lithiumhub.com/series-vs-parallel/