How Deep Are Your Pockets?

That's probably the most limiting factor in a new breed of marine lithium batteries I just learned about yesterday. I thought the blue topper gel batteries like I have in my Skeeter were expensive, but this new breed far eclipses what I paid--or, more importantly, ever plan to pay.

For the purpose of this blog article, I've chosen to talk about two different models of only one brand: the Dakota lithium 24-volt deep-cycle marine trolling-motor batteries. Their 54-amp-hour model retails for a "modest" $949 apiece, while their 100-amp-hour model sells for $1,699 apiece. If you're still gasping for air, take a moment to catch your breath, then read on.

Both of these models are built Dakota tough and designed to give you the power to fish from morning 'til night. Engineered with Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePo4) technology, they have twice the power, half the weight, and lasts four times longer than a sealed lead-acid (SLA) battery--providing exceptional lifetime value. Both come with a best-in-class 11-year manufacturer-defect warranty.

Where the 54-amp-hour model is optimal for trolling motors with less than 80 pounds of thrust, the 100-amp-hour model is designed to handle larger trolling motors. You can add a 24-volt trolling-motor connection kit to either for an additional $69 or a 24-volt trolling-motor connection kit (with onboard charging) for an extra $79.

Each 54-amp-hour battery measures 9.01 inches long by 5.43 inches wide by 8.38 inches high and weighs 17.6 pounds. Each 100-amp-hour battery measures 12.99 inches long by 6.77 inches wide by 8.66 inches high and weighs 31.9 pounds.

Other distinguishing features of these batteries include the following:

Lifecycles (Battery Lifespan). Up to 80 percent capacity for 2,000 cycles in recommended conditions. For comparison, the typical SLA has 400 cycles. Dakota Lithium batteries last so long that the price per use is a fraction of traditional batteries.

Operating Temperature. Ideal for rugged and harsh environments. Much better than SLA or other lithiums. Minus 20'F minimum, plus 120'F maximum optimal environmental operating temps.

Active BMS Protection. Contains a circuit that handles cell balancing, low-voltage cutoff, high-voltage cutoff, short-circuit protection, and temperature protection for increased performance and longer life.

So, the bottom line here is this: Just how deep are your pockets?