My brother is getting a custom skiff built and the manufacturer is unable to get the two Lithium batteries for the build that he had ordered. So far, we have not found anyone online that has them in stock so I thought I might ask here is anyone has any suggestions. He is looking for a total of TWO of either of these two batteries listed below:
Dakota Lithium 12V54AH
or
Relion RB52 12V52AH. Cannot use the RB52LT that is available on Delcity.net link.
West Marine is also out of them online and the local Batteries+ store and the warehouse that services my area in Tallahassee, also do not have them in-stock. These are the only two options that the builder will use and support under warranty. No, I am not going to name the builder of the skiff.
This is the case for a lot of batteries. Back in the day of wet cell lead acid batteries there were just 3-4 manufacturers who made them and they were just rebranded. I believe Johnson Controls was one of them.
I’ve used LiTimes with no issues, customer service has never been an issue nor have returns been an issue (got wrong size first time, lol). My new skiff arrives end of month and it’ll get 24V and 12V LiTimes for the TM and MFD.
Thank you guys. Good to know if he has to go to plan B and get the skiff built and delivered without batteries since he does not want the builder to add lead-acid batteries and then have to replace them immediately.
Why are you sticking with advertised brands… I’ve seen no evidence that they provide anything other than lots more advertising and a much publicized warranty in a field where there haven’t been any battery failures that I’m aware of… Yes, there have been spectacular troubles with lithiums meant for cars - but the ones being offered now (as long as they have an internal BMS..) are mostly trouble free - and should have a ten year lifespan - whether an advertised brand or one that lacks all the hype (but was probably built the same factory that actually made the advertised brand…).
When I chose to make the switch to lithiums for my trolling batts - my tech, a very savvy electrician, advised me to go to Amazon and choose from the ones offered that had the specs I was looking for. Almost a year’s hard commercial service and not the slightest problem… Haven’t checked recently but Amazon had five choices for the 100AH Lithium batts I needed - and much, much less cost, delivered…. For the charger I wanted, a brand name had all the specs I needed (could be set to charge every different kind of battery you could buy…) and a good reputation for being trouble free, etc. A NOCO Genius, 2-10 (two channel, 10 amp).
check in South Florida…they will ship no charge to any other WM in the USA.
Also, bought mine last year in December when WM was running a 20% off gift cards…I bought $1000 worth of gift cards for $800 on my WM account - got the points and bought my Relion.
What engine are you putting on your skiff…I see your looking at a 52AH…
At this time, and I can be way off, but, only Mercury indicates they can use Lithium as a starter…
See if you can find someone who has a commercial WM account…usually worth another 20% offf…I bought my batteries for almost 40% off when I used my buddy’s commercial account.
Just some food for thought…good luck in your quest.
I’m in the same boat, pun intended. I was able to get 2 relion lithiums from west marine. I also heard that Dakota and relion will have more batteries available around thanksgiving for the retail market. Unsure if that will be wholesale/boatbuilders too. Maybe just go without until then worst case. Hope you find some.
interstate wet cell is one of the recommended…most likely a group 24 dual purpose should give you enough CCA 's for a cold start.
Make sure they put it on a 1/2/ALL to jump in case of a problem…normally Yamaha does not play nice with Lithium house batteries…but, I would imagine it would be “OK” for a jump start.
I was able to get 2 relion lithiums from west marine. I also heard that Dakota and relion will have more batteries available around thanksgiving for the retail market. Unsure if that will be wholesale/boatbuilders too. Maybe just go without until then worst case. Hope you find some.