Perhaps you want to improve your fishing game by buying a portable fish finder. Before you decide on a purchase, do your research regarding those types of devices. In this article, you can find more information about batteries in a fish finder.
What Is a Fish Finder?
A fish finder is a device that uses sonar to show you what is under the water. After ‘translating’ sound waves into an image, fish finders display fish and other objects that are in your surroundings. You can use it to increase chances of catching a fish.
You can use this type of device on various sizes of vessels, from bigger boats to kayaks.
Power from the Boat
An onboard electrical supply can be used for your fish finders. In this case, they take power from the marine battery, so they don’t need their own. However, if you want to use a portable fish finder or fish on a vessel that doesn’t have an energy supply, for example a kayak, your device needs its own batteries.
Most fish finders need 12V lithium or lead-acid batteries. The latter were very popular in the past, but now modern fish finders usually come with lithium batteries. You can also use a portable battery to power some devices.
More About Fish Finder’s Batteries
Lead-Acid Batteries
This type of batteries include a water solution, lead, sulfuric acid, lead dioxide, and lead sulfate. These batteries are considered standard for most boats and vehicles. Although you might buy them for cheaper than lithium batteries, they don’t last that long. Usually they can be used to power your device for three to five years, considering you maintain them well. Another disadvantage of this type of batteries is the fact they are heavy. These batteries last 10 times shorter than lithium ones, and you can only discharge them down to 50%. After that, you can damage the battery.
Lithium Batteries
You might have heard about lithium batteries as they are very common in the commercial and personal spaces of our lives. They are used in aerospace and military. You can also find them in your laptop and cell phone.
In this type of batteries, the main ‘ingredient’ is lithium-ion phosphate. They can be easily recharged and there is no acid or liquid involved, so they can be considered a safer option. Because of the light weight of lithium batteries, you can mount them in any place.
Lithium batteries that are used in modern fish finders are long-lasting. The average lifespan is 10-15 years.
What Other Features Are Important While Choosing a Battery?
You know the benefits and disadvantages of lithium and lead-acid batteries, but what else should you pay attention to when choosing them? You must be sure that your battery is water resistant, otherwise it can get damaged and leak into the water. Be sure that the battery that you choose is long-lasting, especially if you fish for a long time. You also want a battery that will be low-maintenance, and won’t take time out of your fishing trip. Some lithium batteries come with a battery management system that automatically protects the battery from overcharging or discharging.