2016, Battery Box, Electronics, How To:, Kayak Fishing, Portable Power

SLA or LFP Accessory Battery for your Kayak

April 28, 2016by Matt TrucksNo Comments

SLA or LFP Accessory Battery for your Kayak

IMG_6064In a short period of time Fishing kayaks in most cases a single user vessel have begun using many of the electronics that power boats use. Portable power has become a necessity. Running Fish Finders on a battery pack of AA batteries is a thing of the past. In the present we have Fish Finder/Chart Plotter combos, kayak lighting, and  the ability to charge battery powered devices while away from home is important.

Previously we built a waterproof battery box for a fish-finder/chart plotter. Since then there have been many advancements in batteries. This article explains the difference between the traditional Sealed Lead Acid Battery (SLA) and the latest Lithium-iron-phosphate battery (LFP). Here I list the pros and cons of both. You make the decision!

 

 

 

 

A SLA battery

SLA Battery Pros:

  • Inexpensive (Economically Friendly)
  • Fully Sealed Package
  • Rechargeable
  • Recyclable

SLA Battery Cons:

  • Poor weight-to-energy (8 lbs 12aH)
  • Cannot be stored in a discharged condition
  • Inconstant discharge voltage
  • Limited number of full discharge cycles
  • Lifespan (300 charge cycles)
  • Sulfation
  • Memory
  • Not Environmentally Friendly
  • Contains Lead

IMG_6141There are many cons to the SLA battery for use on a kayak the first being weight. The 12aH SLA will weigh in at 8 lbs. That’s a lot of weight to travel with on any kayak. Battery life is another issue you may get a season or two total out of the lifespan.

New and improved Lithium-iron-phosphate batteries (LiFePO4 or LFP) are slowly replacing Traditional SLA batteries. Although still pricey LFP batteries have many advantages over the previous generation technology of SLA’s.

LFP Battery Pros:

  • Excellent Weight-to-energy (3.5 lbs 12aH)
  • Very constant discharge voltage
  • Low Discharge Rate compared to SLA
  • Rechargeable
  • No Memory (Can Be fully Discharged without cell damage)
  • Lifespan (2000+ charge cycles 5-10+ years)
  • Recyclable
  • Thermal and chemical stable aka Safer (as opposed to Lithium Ion cells)
  • No Environmental Thermal concerns (provides maximum output at hot or cold temps)

LiFePO4 Battery Cons:

  • Cost (Expensive)
  • Contains Phosphates

Looking forward to this conversion. Will report on the experience in the near future.

 

Written by Matt Trucks