The Marine Technology Hub
The end of last year, I posted my first entry comparing the lifespan of a LiFePO4 battery to the claims made by the manufacturer. That entry relied on data from 525 cycles on the battery. Since then, I have continued my testing and added a second battery and testing rig to the mix. Let’s check in on the testing of both batteries and an interesting trend developing with the first battery as it crosses 1,000 cycles.
Each of the last few years, the Palm Beach International Boat Show has gained momentum and prominence. This year that momentum continues with several new product announcements. The CayCube from Cay Electronics is making its Florida debut after an appearance at the Newport show and caught my eye. This self contained AC and DC power system offers numerous integration options and helps solve numerous problems for boaters, boat yards, and service providers.
After a successful pre-launch marked by the prestigious Newport Boat Show Innovation Award last fall, Cay Electronics will be showcasing the cutting-edge CayCube technology at Palm Beach International Boat Show from March 25 to 29. CayCube is the culmination of 40 years of maritime experience resulting in a revolutionary alternative to standard generators on board…
Blue Heron is a relatively small battery brand. So, you may not have heard of them as they have less marketing power than the bigger battery brands I’ve reviewed. But, that doesn’t stop them from offering a premium battery with impressive features and customer service. Perhaps in part because of their smaller size, Blue Heron provides services not typical of similar batteries, like testing and balancing the batteries prior to shipping. Let’s take a look at the battery, the service, and the value that Blue Heron offers.
One of the biggest advantages of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP) batteries is their cycle life. A LiFePO4 battery is likely to last thousands of cycles compared to hundreds of cycles for most lead-acid chemistries. While shopping for batteries, you are likely to see cycle ratings ranging from 2,000 to more than 6,000 cycles. Traditional wisdom also holds that LiFePO4 batteries last ten years or longer. Based on the way batteries are cycled on boats, it is relatively unlikely batteries will ever see 2,000 cycles in ten years, let alone 6,000. So, you may not make a purchasing decision based on cycle ratings, but, they indicate the quality of the cells in the battery and how the battery will perform over its lifespan. So, armed with an understanding of what cycle ratings mean, I set out to measure the life and capacity of a battery over many cycles.
HikoTerra, innovator in mobile integrated power solutions, officially ushers in the next generation of marine power with the introduction of the H4 Hybrid Power System. HikoTerra has been quietly working on the project for some time and is now set for a phase of rapid expansion, introducing its innovative, world-class technology to the market with the support of experienced founders, investors and leaders with a history of success. Offering an unparalleled level of efficiency, scalability, integration and ease of installation for marine and mobile power requirements, the H4 product line is designed as a battery-first system flexible enough to deliver a home-like user experience. Fully integrated, more compact and easier to maintain than traditional onboard power systems centered around a generator, the H4 sets the new standard for onboard energy storage and supply.
In recent years LiFePO4 (LFP) batteries in boats have morphed from a slightly mysterious luxury to commonplace. The perception has gone from an expensive and risky modification to a widely accepted, game-changing, and comfort enhancing upgrade. As such there is great excitement when it’s “your turn” to upgrade your boat. Marinas and boating forums are full of stories from the recently converted about their newly installed LFP system and the resulting improved and simplified boating. Those still using legacy lead for house power may be feeling left behind. At the same time the prices of converting to LFP have dropped significantly.
ABYC published updates to their E-11 and E-13 standards. E-11 covers the basic requirements for AC and DC systems on a boat. E-11 is a mature standard and the revisions reflect that maturity. This is the first revision of ABYC’s E-13 lithium ion battery standards. The first publication of E-13 incorporated most of ABYC’s technical note TE-13 that previously provided recommendations for the installation of lithium batteries on a boat. Hence, the updates to E-13 are more extensive.
If you made a list of all the features you require and prefer in your boat’s batteries, I would bet that Victron’s NG Smart batteries would check just about every item on your list. In a field where it sometimes feels like we are all field testing products, Victron’s batteries, BMSes, and software evidence maturity and integration most other manufacturers can only dream of achieving. About the harshest thing I can say about Smart NG batteries is that they’re more expensive than some of the other batteries out there. But, stick with me and we’ll take a careful look at what you get for that extra expense.
The past several years at IBEX, Metstrade and other trade shows, we’ve seen the introduction of electric devices — grills, bow thrusters, trolling motors, air conditioners and such — powered at 48 volts DC. In 2018, Integrel Solutions won a DAME Design Award for its 48-volt alternator. In 2022, Mercury Marine won a Consumer Electronics Show innovation award for its Verado V-12 outboards incorporating a 48-volt alternator. At the 2024 Annapolis Sailboat Show, six of the 16 new boats entered in Cruising World’s Boat of the Year contest had 48-volt house systems.
New AIT6000 AIS Transponder from Digital Yacht brings AIS to the space age
Savvy Navvy launches waves feature empowering boaters to plan safer and more comfortable journeys
Metro Marine Lighting debuts F-Series full spectrum lights setting a new standard in long-lasting underwater lighting
GOST announces the release of ARGUS
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