Lithium Plunge - LifePo4 Swap In process

[LaurencetheAdventurer]

The Benny was in for its annual re-fresh/checkup when the dealer reminded me the batteries were no longer performing (holding enough reliable charge). I had forgotten about that over the long winter break and the disadvantage of being 300 miles away from my hibernating Benny. They were the Intimidator brand new in June 2021. I believe our numerous long float days (10 hours) drained them below the recommended charge depth of 60/70% - and even though I have a Noco charger, they were not being "reconditioned" enough to be reliable, which became apparent my last two outings in 2024. I was aware of Mercury Bulletin 2022-19 that approved LifePo4 batteries, but I have yet to actually find that bulletin, so I wrote Mercury. They confirmed my engine was lithium approved, specifying in the reply that I only needed a minimum cranking amp of 800A. References to the Bulletin indicated Mercury approved the Relion RB100-HP, but I could not justify over $2K for the set of batteries. Regular dual purpose Interstate Group 31 were running $450. I have had GREAT success & support with/from the LiTime brand (highly recommended by the LifePo/Solar guru Will Prowse) on my RV, and it turns out they upgraded their 140A dual purpose Group 31 to meet all the requirements for Outboard Marine use at $550 each! I don't mind paying a premium for American-made, but a 100% premium was a tad steep, at least for my budget. I will not get installed until Mid-May - but will report back! If interested: www.litime.com/products/12v-140ah-dual-purpose-marine-starting-battery - I attached my research on the topic. These batteries will double to triple my available power and should last 10+ years (vs 4). Hmmm, now maybe I can get an amp to boost the tunes and bump my float time to a full 12 hours .... B.O.A.T.

 

[PartyBarge]

No doubt you've seen the large number of fires/explosions with the more common type of Li batteries in EV's, EV cycles, home power storage and toys. That said, you have selected the safer chemistry of the LiFePo. Be sure that installation is done by knowledgeable pros and ALL charging systems are certified for what you have. Non-the-less, be sure your safety equipment and exit plan are understood.

Sounds like you are using off-site storage...good idea. Or, at least park the boat closer to the neighbor's house than your own....

Until there is a switch to even safer chemistry than what you are getting, no precautions are to be ignored. There are many videos like the one in the link below...check out some of the others at that source.

 

[LaurencetheAdventurer]

Thank you Party Barge! You are correct, it is always best to understand risk profiles and take proper precautions! I wish I could store the boat at home, but alas I don't have the room and local options are in the 4 digit range! Alas, so many B.O.A.T. projects that just don't get done! I had done a bit of research, and it appears Lithium Fires related to combustion engines using Lithium as a starter source (vs an electric or hybrid car for power source) is minimal, and this even extends into the RV world where LiFePO4 are often used to run high-demand systems. It further seems that most of the fires are related to consumer products, Electric Cars, and charging these related types of batteries (I have a "better?" Noco charger). Further, a high ratio of total fires are related to waste management facilities (where batteries are improperly disposed of or stored). While I suspect the number is much higher, the data I could find indicated that fewer than 40 fires per year in the United States are caused by Lithium Batteries in gas combustion vehicles. I could not locate a subset of these figures that broke these down by type of vehicle or if related to use or charging. The video is about a DIY system using old Tesla batteries, and has no reference to available statistics - seemed fear based to me - but hey - none of us want our homes to burn! However, your comment CERTANELY reminded me I need to put all my lithium chargers on a timer!!! Much appreciated! - Larry

 

[PartyBarge]

Good to read that you are doing the homework. Make no mistake the video link I included is only one depicting MANY issues with Lithium in any consumer or commercial product (don't over look the problems Boeing had with B787 battery fires/overheats). Have another look at the source for more info. You are right to be concerned about the way you intend to use your battery storage. High drain followed by recharge without regard to battery temperature is what can and has pushed any one of the many individual cells into thermal runaway.

The best news is that the chemistry in the batteries you have selected is less prone to mishap. The most common types use lithium with a highly flammable electrolyte. Expect that eventually a new, less dangerous, combination will replace what has been marketed to first movers in all types.

It's critical that not only you avoid the hazards, but that anyone working on or near your boat are enlightened too. People need to be aware that a much more powerful storage system has been retrofitted to your boat. Example: recently there was an all-electric motor/sailing yacht lost primarily because a ferry crew didn't understand what they were doing.

Anyway, best of luck and happy boating.

 

[LaurencetheAdventurer]

Good to read that you are doing the homework. Make no mistake the video link I included is only one depicting MANY issues with Lithium in any consumer or commercial product (don't over look the problems Boeing had with B787 battery fires/overheats). Have another look at the source for more info. You are right to be concerned about the way you intend to use your battery storage. High drain followed by recharge without regard to battery temperature is what can and has pushed any one of the many individual cells into thermal runaway.

The best news is that the chemistry in the batteries you have selected is less prone to mishap. The most common types use lithium with a highly flammable electrolyte. Expect that eventually a new, less dangerous, combination will replace what has been marketed to first movers in all types.

It's critical that not only you avoid the hazards, but that anyone working on or near your boat are enlightened too. People need to be aware that a much more powerful storage system has been retrofitted to your boat. Example: recently there was an all-electric motor/sailing yacht lost primarily because a ferry crew didn't understand what they were doing.

Anyway, best of luck and happy boating.

Very much appreciated!!!!!