Re-energize your boat

Fishing and boating enthusiasts have been relying on the power and reserve capacity of their battery(ies) for decades.

Our lead-acid batteries permitted us to have hours of pleasure as we sailed to the rhythm of our passions. All we had to do to start our adventures was to turn the ignition key or the electric motor handle. Depending on the quality of the energy accumulator you acquired and the care you provided to it, you could count on two to three years of loyal service. I have even seen enthusiasts keep them for four years, but others have trouble making it through a single season due to poor conditions and poor design.

Before it starts

You’ve probably heard the expression that says “don’t fix it until it’s broken”. This phrase makes perfect sense, and it applies equally to the world of batteries. In fact, we arrive at the following spring and the damned battery still looks very usable. What’s more, it was full of goodwill last autumn. And then the ordeal begins. You try to start the marine engine, and after only a few attempts and a few gnan-gnan-gnan, the marine battery dies a slow death. What little time you had to recharge and enjoy yourself has just gone down the drain. Your fishing partner is angry, your spouse and children disappointed.

Now imagine the poor fisherman who sets off with his electric motor after lugging his deep-discharge battery several hundred meters. Then, after letting his offering hang around for a few dozen minutes, his battery gives up completely and is no longer able to push the rowboat. You are then stuck rowing.

These two types of mishaps occur very frequently, and unfortunately they have highly variable costs. Apart from the purchase price and maintenance, there are the emotional costs in terms of frustration and anger, loss of time and enjoyment of the activity you were dreaming of, etc. 

Development

I’m deliberately omitting AMG’s absorbent fiberglass and gel electrolyte batteries. They enjoyed a certain success which has recently been superseded by the arrival of Lithium. This technology dates back to the 1960s. NASA even contributed to its development since 1965.

Several lithium versions have been tried and tested over the years and the one that wins out in every respect for anglers and sailors is the lithium-iron-phosphate version. The latest generation of lithium batteries whose cathode is made of lithiated iron phosphate is called LiFePO4.

10 years trouble-free

“When things are going well, we don’t really think about investing for tomorrow. But think about it, if I told you that you won’t have any nasty surprises in addition to a superior return and that’s for a decade at a minimum! Interesting, isn’t it, “ asks Fishntech installation specialist Gary Gaussiran, from Lachute near the Ontario border.

“ The fishing and boating market is huge. Some manufacturers and distributors try to line their pockets with profits by offering discounted products that offer much less notable performance and durability. I’ve built my business and my reputation on the quality of the service and products that I offer. My clientele consists mainly of tournament anglers, hardcore enthusiasts and people who don’t want any problems. They’re willing to pay a little more to avoid the hassle and to get the most out of our waters”  adds Mr. Gaussiran.

Energy to resell 

Gary Gaussiran of Fishntech mainly installs RELiON LiFePO4 batteries in his customers’ boats. Here are the essentials of what he has to say on the subject:

This American firm, founded in 2014, has developed incredible expertise in all fields; from camping, to golf carts and utility vehicles, to industrial and construction site equipment, to recreational and commercial vehicles, in renewable energies as well, of course, as in marine too. 

Compared with lead-acid batteries which have a life expectancy of just a few years which is based mainly on a number of charge/discharge cycles of around 300 to 500, RELiON LiFePO4 batteries can perform over 3,500 cycles. This means that a fisherman could use them every day for a period of 10 years.

The manufacturing principle is quite simple: the manufacturer inserts 3.2-volt cells into a sturdy casing and connects them in series. As many as necessary are added to achieve the desired voltage. For a 12-volt, you need four, while for a 24-volt you need eight, etc.  A board, known as a BMS (Battery Management System), protects the battery against damage caused by overvoltage, undervoltage, short-circuiting or excessive temperatures in excess of 65°C (149°F). It also monitors and regulates the state of charge and discharge while regulating them.

More

The performance curve of lead-acid batteries decreases throughout the discharge process. With a RELiON RB100, for example, voltage is constantly maintained at 12V. It doesn’t fluctuate and above all it doesn’t drop. With a charger adapted to this technology, it only takes between one and five hours to recover its full energy capacity compared with twice as long for traditional batteries. What’s more, even a quick 15-minute top-up charge will benefit the RELiON LiFePO4 restoring more than 90% of its energy capacity, unlike the old automotive technology.

No maintenance is required even during winter storage. We’re talking about a discharge rate of just 2 percent per month. Unless you go beyond six months, there’s absolutely nothing you need to do to keep it in shape. 

Weighing 50-60 percent less than lead-acid models, the RB100 weighs just 26 lbs. So you can carry it anywhere with one hand. If you opt for permanent mounting in your boat, the lighter weight means it can move faster, and you’ll inevitably save fuel, especially if you have three, four or five on board.

Surprising as it may seem, RELiON can be installed either upright or sideways, depending on the space available.

Being sealed, these high-performance batteries emit no gases, fumes or pollutants. 

Marine battery

If you want to avoid problems for a decade and have more than enough of the required power to start your outboard or inboard under all conditions, you should opt for the RB100-HP RELiON. Add to this the fact that once the engine is switched off, you’ll be able to enjoy the radio, livewell, electronic instruments, etc. for a much longer period of time.

For more information, visit www.relionbattery.com or www.fishntech.com at 514 990-8144. 

Patrick Campeau is a professional fisherman that is a three-time provincial champion member inducted into the Canadian Pantheon of Fishing.

Find out more about Patrick Campeau at www.pcampeau.com or www.facebook.com/lapassiondepatrickcampeau