Hmmm… that thread is moving fast!
The battery discussion in the original post (5 pages back? LOL) makes me wonder. I don't really need that large of a battery capacity, and likely never will. But if I did, and wanted the most power (“pound—per-pound”) out of my system, I would probably be thinking: lithium-ion anyone?
Those 6V batteries may be impressive, but I see at least two issues that would have me concerned:
1. Requirement for a periodic/semi-annual maintenance. Measuring electrolite density across six of those puppies stuck at the bottom of the storage compartment, each one w/multiple cells, twice a year? Not sure about it… Definitely not for an average Joe, it would backfire rather fast.
2. The added weight. We are talking some 500lbs of lead bricks in a stern compartment of a VERY light boat. That would affect the ride and draft in a major way, potentially listing the boat, too. If this is a party boat and you have a small crowd of (legally permitted) 12 people on board, you might be dragging the rub rail into the water under some seating arrangements which, as we know, leads to water intrusion. That is perfectly okay with me if you are rigging the boat for a wake surfing session but I would not want to cruise around like that all the time.
Not to mention trailering…, and potential issues there. The FRP hulls deform easily, too. And so on...
There are many reasons to look at Li-ion batteries. Those can cycle through their entire capacity without damage, can take a charge must faster than lead-acid batteries. Cycle life? - probably 20x advantage, not to mention the weight difference which is some 4-5 times less per Ah. Not talking about installing a Tesla PowerWall in an AR240 (because it is too tall, LOL), but no self-respecting electric vehicle manufacturer would still use lead acid based battery technologies today. Enough said. Time for the boating community to catch up?
Just saying.
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