Frequently Asked Questions About Trolling Motor Batteries | BSLBATT

Curious about trolling motor batteries and want to learn more? We’ve put together the most frequently asked questions around lithium batteries for trolling motors.

1. How many BSLBATT lithium trolling motor batteries do I need?

It depends on your trolling motor voltage. BSLBATT offers 12-Volt and 24-Volt Lithium batteries. If you have a 12-Volt trolling motor then you can choose from several 12-Volt options, if you have a 24-Volt motor, you can use 2, 12-Volt batteries in series or a single 24-Volt battery and if you have a 36-Volt motor you can use 3, 12-Volt batteries in series.

2. Which BSLBATT 12-Volt battery should I use for my trolling motor?

BSLBATT offers several 12-Volt battery options to choose from. The most common models are; B-LFP12-50, B-LFP12-60, B-LFP12-75, B-LFP12-80, and B-LFP12-100, which are 50Ah, 60AH, 75Ah, 80Ah, and 100Ah respectively. To get the same runtime as a wet or AGM lead-acid battery, use a lithium battery that is 60% the capacity of that lead-acid battery. If you want more time on the water, size up from there. Ex. 60Ah BSLBATT lithium battery = 100Ah lead-acid battery

3. Are BSLBATT lithium batteries a drop-in replacement to my lead-acid battery?

BSLBATT offers the standard size batteries; Group 24, Group 27, and Group 31.

4. Can I install my BSLBATT lithium batteries on their side?

Although they will operate on their side, we recommend installing them upright in marine applications.

5. What size cables should I use to connect my BSLBATT lithium batteries?

For most applications, we recommend either 4-AWG or 6-AWG cables.

6. Are my BSLBATT Lithium batteries waterproof?

BSLBATT lithium batteries are enclosed in an IP66 case, which means water projected from any direction will not be harmful. They will get damaged if they are submerged in water. We recommend you do your best to keep your batteries dry.

7. Do I need to use a lithium starter battery if my trolling motor batteries are lithium?

No, you can use a lead-acid starter battery with your lithium trolling motor batteries.

8. Do my BSLBATT lithium batteries have peak current limitations?

Yes, please refer to the datasheet to get the peak current limit for your particular model.

9. Does BSLBATT offer a lithium starter battery?

BSLBATT has a B-LFP12-100 LT, which is a Group 31 dual-purpose battery that can be used for starting.

10. How much can I discharge my B-LFP12-100 LT dual-purpose battery and still start my engine?

The B-LFP12-100 LT can be discharged up to 70% (30% state of charge) and still start most engines.

11. Is it OK to connect my starting battery in parallel with one of my BSLBATT lithium trolling motor batteries to assist with starting if needed?

Yes, however, if you do so, it is required that you use a switch to isolate each battery so that they can be charged separately with a multi-bank charger.

12. How long will my BSLBATT lithium batteries live?

BSLBATT’s Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are designed to provide over 6000 cycles at 80% depth of discharge.

13. Will my existing battery gauge provides an accurate state of charge for my lithium batteries?

Not if it is a typical lead-acid, voltage-based battery gauge. You will need to use a lithium battery gauge for an accurate state of charge.

14. What does it mean if the voltage of my BSLBATT lithium battery is ≤4-Volts?

Lithium batteries come with Battery Management System (BMS)to protect the battery from various abusive conditions such as low voltage, high voltage, high current, and high temperature. If the BMS goes into protection mode, it will disconnect the battery from the terminals and the voltage will read between 0 to 4-Volts. If this happens, simply disconnect the battery cables and reconnect and the voltage should return.

15. How do I store my BSLBATT lithium batteries?

For long term storage, from 3-12 months, lithium batteries should be stored in a dry environment between 23°F to 95°F (-5°C to 35°C), ideally at 50% state of charge.

16. What type of charger should I use for my BSLBATT lithium batteries?

We recommend you use a multi-bank charger so that each 12-Volt battery can be charged separately to ensure they stay balanced and get fully charged. Ideally use a charger with a lithium charge profile, however, most AGM charge profiles will work just fine.

17. How long will it take my BSLBATT lithium batteries to charge?

That will depend on several factors; how much your batteries were used and the output current of the charger. Lithium batteries can be charged faster than wet or AGM lead-acid batteries, however, the charger needs to provide a higher current to do so.

18. What is the maximum current I can use to charge my BSLBATT lithium batteries?

BSLBATT Lithium batteries can be charged at a maximum current of 1C (C = the capacity of the battery). Ex. 80Ah BSLBATT lithium battery can be charged with a maximum current of 80A Refer to the datasheet for your battery for charge current specifications.

19. Do I need to charge my batteries each time I use them?

Unlike lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries do not get damaged if they sit partially discharged for extended periods of time. However, we do recommend you charge them after each use to ensure you have the maximum runtime available, every time you use your boat.

20. Will it harm my batteries if I leave the charger connected for extended periods of time?

No, you can leave the charger connected to your batteries indefinitely and it will not harm your BSLBATT Lithium batteries. The Battery Management System (BMS) in each battery will protect it from being over-charged.

21. At what charge level should I store or ship my lithium (LiFePO4) battery?

Always check with your battery manufacture to verify the best way to charge and store your batteries.

22. Can I charge two batteries on one charger bank?

If your batteries are connected in parallel, yes. However, it will take longer to charge multiple batteries. The battery chargers are equipped with built-in safety timers to prevent overcharging of a single battery. If the time to charge multiple batteries connected in parallel exceeds specific time limits, the charger will shut off. To fully charge multiple batteries connected in parallel, you may have to unplug and re-plug in the charger to reset the safety timers and finish the charging process. When connecting batteries in parallel, the batteries should be the same make, model, age, and condition. Always check the battery manufacturer’s specifications.

Have other questions about BSLBATT’s trolling motor batteries? Check out more of our common FAQs here or contact us.