New 16V Batteries for Fishfinders!
As electronics companies keep innovating, the need for more and cleaner power is at an all time high. Making sure you clean, crisp images for forward facing sonar like Garmin Livescope, Lowrance Active Target, and Humminbird Mega Live is imperative when money and big fish are on the line.
Recently new to the fishing and marine world, 16V batteries are taking over as a way to provide cleaner images to fishfinders for side imaging and live sonar. Brands like PowerHouse Lithium and Lithium Pros have come out at the front of the 16V battery trend, having multiple batteries and chargers. So, is it worth it? Included is information taken from PowerHouse Lithium's website.
WHY CHOOSE 16V OVER 12V?
16 volt will give you a crisper, brighter image on your graphs. It does this all while giving you better returns from your transducer which results in clearer side, down and forward imaging allowing you to unlock the full potential of your graphs and make you a better offshore fisherman. Maybe you have already noticed your console units with engine running at 14.6 volts look slightly better then your bow units running at 12v this is because of the increase in voltage.
16 volt is also 20% more efficient than 12 volt, meaning you will get longer run times on the equivalent amp hour rated 12 volt. Example, 16V 80AH will get similar run time to a 12V 100AH.
WILL 16V DAMAGE MY GRAPHS OR VOID MY WARRANTY?
No, The short explanation for this is, 16V draws 20% less amperage. Amperage is what causes heat in your electronics, which is your electronics number one enemy. Lets face it you are already running 14.6 on units while engine is running on full charged battery. Plus the units are rated to run above the 16v limits.
IS 16V COMPATIBLE WITH MY GRAPHS?
Yes, Humminbird's working voltage is 20 volts, Garmin's is 18 volts and Lowrance's working voltage is 17volts. Working voltage on battery is 16.4 so Lowrance units cannot be turned on while charging unless you purchased the voltage regulator which maintains the steady voltage of 16.4 to equipment. The run and gun charger can only be run with a voltage regulator installed. This only applies to lowrance units, all other brands can handle the higher voltage when using charger.
Shop voltage regulators here
DO I NEED A SPECIFIC CHARGER?
Yes, 16V batteries require a special charger and are not compatible with 12, 24 or 36V, or any other chargers.
Shop 16V battery chargers here
WHAT SIZE 16V DO I NEED?
Refer to the table below under the "16V draw"column in accordance with each of your graphs and transducers. Add these numbers for each graph and multiply that total by how many hours you spend on the water before recharging. This will give you the maximum total amps you will require. Finally, choose the appropriate size that fits your requirements. If your system requires, you are able to wire in parallel to meet your required demand. Best when used with built in waterproof DC charger that will charge the battery when the outboard is running.
Shop 16V lithium batteries here
CAN I USE A 16V BATTERY IN PLACE OF MY CRANKING BATTERY?
No. This battery is designed to take the load off your cranking battery by running a separate clean power system to the devices.