Stepping LiFePO4 voltage to ~FLA levels

[OfficeMonkey]

I'm looking to replace a FLA battery for dinghy/trolling motor use with a lighter LiFePO4 battery.

The warning from Newport was to not use the LiFePO4 battery due to voltage levels being higher; it seems to me this is a solvable problem: buck converter from 13.xV to ~12.6V -- but the only ones I've seen are lower amperage than for a trolling motor.

Has this already been solved? This seems a reasonably straightforward solution, so I feel it must already have been thought of/tested and either abandoned/successful.

Any ideas?

[wholybee]

It isn't as straightforward as you think. Sure, it could be done, but a converter that handles the amperage is probably more expensive, larger, heavier than you want.

You are probably just fine with LFP voltages. Just don't run it wide open for very long. You aren't the first person with this issue, and I think that is the usual answer.

[Pete7]

Simple solution to drop the voltage is a longer thinner cable from LFP to electric outboard. However, having replaced the corroded plugs on my Minn Kota with Anderson connectors, I was somewhat surprised how thin the original cable was.

I don't plan on changing much, LFP in a battery box with fuse, to the 40lb Minn Kota.

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by OfficeMonkey

I'm looking to replace a FLA battery for dinghy/trolling motor use with a lighter LiFePO4 battery.

The warning from Newport was to not use the LiFePO4 battery due to voltage levels being higher; it seems to me this is a solvable problem: buck converter from 13.xV to ~12.6V -- but the only ones I've seen are lower amperage than for a trolling motor.

Has this already been solved? This seems a reasonably straightforward solution, so I feel it must already have been thought of/tested and either abandoned/successful.

Any ideas?

Don't do anything hook up the lifepo4 battery and run it no different than a FLA except better power density and a lot lighter.

https://minnkota-help.johnsonoutdoor...um%20batteries.

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by wholybee

It isn't as straightforward as you think. Sure, it could be done, but a converter that handles the amperage is probably more expensive, larger, heavier than you want.

You are probably just fine with LFP voltages. Just don't run it wide open for very long. You aren't the first person with this issue, and I think that is the usual answer.

What's the issue running on full power ? The motor is sealed and water cooled so no heat buildup to damage it .