K. Lead Acid batteries Vs lithium batteries

Lead-Acid and Lithium both have a life expectancy of approx 10 years max

In these 10 years a Lead Acid battery will give up to 500 discharge cycles

on the other hand in these 10 years a Lithium battery will give up to 3000 discharge cycles

Lithium is 3 times more expensive than Lead Acid

If you use the boat a lot (more than 150 times per year) Lithium works out cheaper

As this is often not the case with recreational boats, the remaining benefits of Lithium are:

  • – higher energy density (smaller & lighter battery)
  • – very deep discharge with no harm to the battery
  • – quick recharging
  • – ideal for solar charging as Lithium batteries don’t mind sitting empty as much

CONCLUSIONS:

If you have a displacement boat which needs weight: use lead acid

If you have a racing yacht and a big budget: use lithium