How To Install Batteries in Canoe With a Motor？

If you have already installed an electric motor for your canoe, then you must be trying to install a battery. This article will show you how to install batteries in your canoe. Also as an expansion of knowledge, I will tell you what batteries are best for the canoe.

7 steps to install batteries for canoes

It is not uncommon for your marine batteries to last 5, 6 or even 7 years if they are properly installed and maintained. In the case of lithium-ion batteries, the use time can even reach 10 years. Nonetheless, at some point you will need to replace them. You need only 7 steps.

• Open the battery compartment. Check the condition of the battery terminals and for acid leaks. Gently clean the leaks and pile up around the terminals. Remove any oxidation or corrosion from the cables.
• Remove the negative (black) cable terminal from the battery. This may require a wrench or pliers, remove carefully.
• Remove the positive (red) cable terminal from the battery. Be careful not to allow the negative and positive cable terminals to come into contact with each other. Don't forget: If you have a screwdriver or metal in the terminals, do not touch the terminals with your hands! If you accidentally touch both red and black, you have completed the circuit, which will certainly not end happily.
• Carefully remove the old battery and set it aside.
• Place the new battery in the battery compartment. Make sure it is properly seated.
• Connect the positive (red) cable terminal to the positive terminal of the battery. Carefully tighten the nut.
• Replace the negative (black) cable terminal with the negative terminal of the battery. Carefully tighten the nut.

Canoes move through the water in very complex ways, which can cause your batteries to bounce. Make sure they are properly secured so they don't move after you cross choppy waters and check them regularly.

No matter what type of battery is used, it should not be discarded in the trash. Recycling used batteries reduces waste and the need to use new raw materials.

3 battery types for canoe

There are three types of batteries that are suitable for use in your canoe with a motor. There are other types, but they are not the best choice due to environmental concerns and the inability to handle harsh environments and movement in the water.

1.FLA Batteries

One of the oldest marine batteries is the lead-acid battery. Its main components are lead plates and acid. Liquid-rich lead-acid (FLA) batteries are the kind of batteries you use on a boat and contain a mixture of distilled water and sulfuric acid. You must refill them with water frequently.

Lead acid batteries are large and bulky - two characteristics you don't want in a marine battery. We're talking about about 80 pounds per battery, and you may need 2 or 3, depending on how much power you need. They are also the slowest charging batteries.

2.AGM Batteries

The AGM and gel types of lead-acid batteries offer some improvements. They have a low self-discharge rate and do not leak. These batteries are often used as deep cycle batteries or marine batteries because they work regardless of orientation. These are sealed batteries and can be leak proof. One drawback is that they are heavy, but their cheap cost and wide operating temperature range make up for this. You also need to make sure that the discharge does not exceed 80% or you will damage the battery life. These are also called AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries. These are different from standard submerged lead-acid automotive batteries, which should never be used in a kayak or boat. However, they still have a very low capacity to size ratio.

3.Lithium-ion batteries

How Much Do You Know About Lithium Batteries？Lithium-ion batteries are the best type of battery available. It's a completely different chemical: lithium iron phosphate. This combination eliminates the problems that plague lead-acid batteries. Lithium batteries are smaller, lighter, last longer and recharge faster. With lithium marine batteries alone, you can reduce the weight of your marine batteries by up to 70%.

With lithium, you also get a safer, non-leaking marine battery. They don't require any maintenance, giving you more time to boating and fishing. Boaters will love the fact that they provide the same output on a 100% charge as they do on a 50% charge. So your canoe motor and gadgets will work just as well at the end of the day as they did at the beginning.

Choose best Li-ion battery for you

We think the best type of battery for canoes is ion lithium. But what about battery capacity? You want to get the smallest battery possible, but still be able to power all your gadgets.

What you choose depends on the power you want. If you only want to use a small screen fishfinder, you can choose 12v 9Ah or 12v 12Ah. If you have multiple fishing accessories, you may need our 12v 20 Ah battery.

What if you want to power a trolling engine? In this case, you will need more capacity. If you need 30 to 55 pounds of thrust, try using a 12v 33Ah or 12v 100Ah kayak trolling motor battery. You can also connect the batteries in parallel to increase capacity and run time.

What you really want to know is, "How long can I run my trolling boat motor on this battery?" You want to see if you can get your canoe 5 miles offshore and back in a safe manner. If you want to determine how long your battery will last, it can come down to some simple math involving current draw and amp hours.

Battery Amp Hours

—————————————–        =    hours of run time

Trolling Motor Amp Draw

For example: If you have a 100 amp hour rated battery and a 20 amp trolling boat motor. You will have about 5 hours of run time.

Above, is all about batteries in canoe with a motor. You can click here to learn more about how to maintain lithium iron phosphate batteries.