Anyone experienced with cheap Lithium-ion Li-lon Battery?

[tmc3p]

I'm trying to pick a battery for Garmin Striker 4 fish finder. It only draws 0.23A, so I don't need a big capacity battery.
I found this cheap lithium-ion battery on ebay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/12V-6800mAh...IAAOSwn7JYEanZ

It's only 6800mAh. But I think it's enough to run my fish finder a day. Anyone experienced with this type of battery?

[Big Mike]

I don’t but in looking at the leads I’d be curious on how you’d split them to get a positive and negative for wiring the FF. It’s only another $10 to $20 to get a 7ah or 9ah battery, to me not a big cost difference.

[tmc3p]

I don't have an exact plan for wiring, but I was going to cut the power cable that comes with battery, and wiring nut to the FF or something. Didn't seem much complicated.
If this item doesn't seem to be a solid option, what would you recommend? I'm trying to pick something light and small as my FF doesn't require a big juicy one.

[Oldbayrunner]

You'd get more than a days use with a .23 amp draw. I don't care for Li-on batteries they can be prone to over heating and doesn't fair well if submerged (explosive). A much safer battery is the Lifepo4 lithium but also more expensive.

[tmc3p]

I was going to put it in an airtight container in case submerged, but if I do, I was afraid it would overheat the battery even more.

[silasvirus82]

You'd get more than a days use with a .23 amp draw. I don't care for Li-on batteries they can be prone to over heating and doesn't fair well if submerged (explosive). A much safer battery is the Lifepo4 lithium but also more expensive.

Agree with this statement. What you’re looking at is a potential fire hazard and that’s not something I’d ever want in the back of mind 2 miles from shore in the winter. Either spend the money for a LiFePO4 or get a lead-acid battery which will be more than suitable for the power you need.


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[tmc3p]

Never mind. I just got a 12V SLA AGM battery. Thanks for the advice.

[mchottie]

I was in a pinch and bought the SLA 9ah from BPS, I think it was around $35?

Also, passing along a tip from Ron Ault... Get two batteries. When you return from a trip, switch the empty battery with the battery on the charger (i.e. full charge) and you'll always have 100% full battery during your next outing. This has saved me a few times. You only drive 2.5 hours to a launch to realize your battery is dead ONE TIME and then you never make that mistake again!

[Oldbayrunner]

The main gains with using Lifepo4 are; Lighter weight, a 10ah lifepo4 weighs 1.4 lbs opposed to 7-9lbs on a compatible sla. No power drop off until close to depletion, it remains a constant 13.1v until almost depletion. recharge life cycles are considerably more. I used to carry two sla 9ah on board but at another 18lbs was more than what I wanted to additionally carry. Made the switch and haven't looked back but yes if price is a concern then an sla would do the job. With your units .23 draw you could easily use a 5 or 6 ah and last a long time with some weight savings.

[rugbyfish]

I run the Striker 4 off of a $14 sealed lead acid battery I got on Amazon. It lasts all day, never had it die on me.

[tmc3p]

Thanks. Good to know!

[mi327]

I don't have an exact plan for wiring, but I was going to cut the power cable that comes with battery, and wiring nut to the FF or something. Didn't seem much complicated.
If this item doesn't seem to be a solid option, what would you recommend? I'm trying to pick something light and small as my FF doesn't require a big juicy one.

I would not use wiring nuts to wire everything up, use good marine grade crimps, inline fuse holder (avoid the fuse holders sold at the auto parts store) and connectors for the battery. No matter how well sealed everything is things will get wet and you want the electrical connections to be as "moisture friendly" as possible . Since you are using a SLA, I would wire it this way. Power wire to inline fuse with a crimp connector on one side and the battery connector on the other, and the ground attached directly to the battery connector, if you need extended wiring use a crimp on that with good wire. Try to keep the number of connections to a minimum.

Don't skip the fuse either, last thing you want is an electrical fire on your yak.

[silasvirus82]

I would not use wiring nuts to wire everything up, use good marine grade crimps, inline fuse holder (avoid the fuse holders sold at the auto parts store) and connectors for the battery, no matter how well sealed everything is things will get wet and you want the connections as protected as possible. Since you are using a SLA, I would wire it this way. Power wire to inline fuse with a crimp connector on one side and the battery connector on the other, and the ground attached directly to the battery connector, if you need extended wiring use a crimp on that with good wire. Try to keep the number of connections to a minimum.

To add to that, I’d avoid mechanical connections all together and solder everything with heat shrink over that. Even better is solder, heat shrink, then coat in goop. You learn what works after owning a boat your entire life, and my dad taught me this one.


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[tmc3p]

Thanks guys! I'll try to upload a pic when it's done.