Lithium Powered Batteries by Brad Wiegmann

You need power! A massive amount of power to turnover your outboard engine, multiple electronics fishfinders and trolling motor. In the past conventional batteries could supply a nominal source of power, however, with bigger and better outboard engines, multiple electronics and trolling motors anglers have now come to rely on premium lithium batteries as a source of power.


Let’s address the elephant in the room when it comes to lithium batteries compared to AGM or lead acid. Lithium batteries cost more and that could be up to four times the cost of other batteries, however, the longer lifespan; in addition to other benefits can make lithium batteries a good choice for anglers in the long run. The challenge maybe to find lithium batteries in your price range, but like everything you get what you pay for in batteries.


One company that is growing by leaps and bounds is Impulse Lithium (Impulselithium.com). Impulse Lithium’s owner Bill Weidler, an engineer and past BASSMaster OPEN and Elite angler, has years of experience with lithium batteries and not just his brand. “In 2018, I was using lithium batteries from a different battery company,” Weidler continued, “Than in 2019, I started Impulse Lithium. I wanted to design and build the best lithium battery an angler could buy.”





Although, Weidler’s background is in the bass fishing world one of his biggest fans for Impulse Lithium batteries is the owner of Crappie.com Ed Moes. “I love Impulse Lithium batteries, I love the bluetooth capabilities for the batteries and chargers,” Moes continued, “The apps allow you to see the battery’s status, voltage, temperature, cycle life and more.”


“I love the app because you can watch the voltage and see if it’s dropping. I have trolled for over 3 hours and the battery has never gone below 80%,” Moes went on, “I’m using the 24 volt 60amp battery. its crazy how lightweight.”


Weight is another consideration when purchasing a battery. In general lithium batteries will be around one third the weight of lead acid batteries. A group 31 AGM battery is around 70 pounds while most lithium battery group 31 size is around 29 pounds. Do the math and you can see just how much lighter your boat will be plus an increase in fuel economy.


Another positive attribute of lithium batteries is size. Lithium batteries can store more energy than lead acid batteries allowing battery companies to design smaller size batteries, but with the same power.


When it comes to maintenance lead acid batteries require constant monitoring and routine watering. AGM batteries also require storage in a well ventilated area to stop buildup of hydrogen gases capable of causing explosions or even fires. “Our Impulse Lithium batteries meet or even exceed any standards that are set for lithium batteries. Plus the 10 year warranty shows we stand behind our product,” said Weidler.


Full usable power is a common term Weidler uses when talking about the efficiency of power. AGM or lead acid batteries usually don’t have the available energy. “Our Impulse Lithium batteries you get 100% full usable power when fully charged,” Weidler continued, “Lithium Batteries will also charge up to 3 times faster.”





Trends in lithium batteries are using 24- or 36-volt batteries and integrated Bluetooth. A 24- or 36-volt one battery cell composition that’s smaller and more lightweight is growing in popularity with anglers. With a change to lithium batteries anglers may have to switch to approved charging systems. A non-approved charger will void a battery’s warranty in its entirety.