It is important to know which battery is best for a fish finder. If you choose the right battery, you can be sure that it will last for the entire fishing trip and the device will not run out of charge. Additionally, you also need to know how long you can expect your fish finder battery to last before you need to recharge it.
In this article, we will look at the best fish finder batteries and discuss their strengths and weaknesses. While there is a wide range of different fish finder batteries available, it is best to choose one that is lightweight, easy to transport, and provides enough power from start to finish of your entire fishing trip.
TOP 5 batteries for echo sounder among those widely used in Russia
Russian fishermen are increasingly using echo location devices for fishing. With their help, fishing efficiency is significantly increased. For the device to work all day, it needs a reliable source of energy. Below we will consider the TOP 5 batteries for echo sounder, popular among fishermen.
1 Delta HR 12-12 – the most powerful
The charge of this battery can be enough for two full fishing trips. The battery is completely sealed and protected from moisture. Among the disadvantages are:
- An impressive mass. Weight is about four kilograms.
- Not suitable for winter fishing. At a temperature of -20 it loses its functionality.
- Quite bulky.
Returning to the advantages, it is important to note the low level of self-discharge. During long-term storage it does not exceed three percent. This allows you to charge the fish finder battery several days in advance.
Fiamm FG20121A – the most popular
One of the most common models that provides power to the echo sounder for 5-7 hours. This is enough for average fishing. The power source can be installed in any position. This does not affect performance.
With proper use, the battery life reaches five years. The main thing is not to leave it discharged for several months.
3 CSB GP1272 F2 12V/7.2Ah – the most balanced in terms of price-quality ratio
Widely distributed in the Russian market due to numerous advantages:
- Operating time up to 30 hours.
- Service life up to five years.
- Waterproof plastic housing.
- Affordable price and availability in many stores.
This model is produced in China and Vietnam. The second option is more durable and of better quality.
Ventura GP 12-7 – the least demanding battery for an echo sounder
This model does not require any maintenance other than timely charging. The case is durable and the charge lasts all day. The number of cycles is about 250. Can be used on ice, but in frost no worse than -20. Judging by user reviews, there are no problems with this battery; it copes with its function 100 percent.
5 Leoch DJW12-5.4 – the most compact battery for an echo sounder
Its main advantage is its modest size. The weight of the energy source is only one and a half kilograms. Despite its compact size, the battery provides a stable charge throughout the day. With powerful echo sounders that use backlighting and GPS, autonomy is significantly less.
Types of batteries for echo sounders
When choosing a device to recharge the echo sounder, you can use the following types of batteries:
- Lead-acid batteries are the most common and high-quality batteries used for recharging. However, such products are large in size, which in some cases can cause discomfort during transportation. Despite the large dimensions of the batteries, they have a low level of self-discharge and quickly charge echo sounders.
- Lead-acid gel batteries are used for devices that are fully discharged. Batteries charge echo sounders efficiently and quickly, but they have some disadvantages, such as poor tolerance to low temperatures and a high level of battery self-discharge.
- Alkaline batteries - used for portable products that are often carried while fishing. The advantage of such a battery is that the batteries are light in weight and can always be with the fisherman. However, such batteries have a short lifespan and typically require constant recharging.
Note! When choosing a battery, you must first take into account the power of the product, as well as the duration of fishing.
Review of the best batteries for echo sounders among foreign models TOP rating
Good options can also be found among foreign models. You can’t buy them in every store, but the level of quality often justifies the difficulty of purchasing. Below we consider several popular models.
ExpertPower 12V 10Ah LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Lithium Battery
The Expert Power Lithium 12V 10AH is currently one of the best, if not the best lithium fish detector battery on the market.
This battery is based on lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) technology, and its biggest advantage is that its operating time is more than twice that of a standard SLA battery. This means you don't have to worry about running out of juice while fishing, even if you're on the water all day. In fact, it will last 2-3 fishing trips before needing to be recharged, although most anglers prefer to charge it after each fishing trip.
Additionally, the ExpertPower lithium battery is nearly 70% lighter than similarly sized SLA batteries and is rated to last 2,500-7,000 recharge cycles, while SLA batteries only last 400 recharge cycles on average, meaning it lasts 6- 17 times more.
So even though the cost of this battery is a little higher than SLA batteries, the value you get is clearly much greater with the ExpertPower 12V 10AH Lithium.
Our verdict: Best battery overall.
If you buy ExpertPower 12V 10AH lithium battery, please remember to use a lithium battery charger to charge it. We recommend the BikeMaster Lithium Battery Charger.
Dakota 12V 10AH lithium battery
The Dakota 12V 10AH Lithium Battery is another excellent lithium fish finder battery on the market and like the ExpertPower battery, it is based on Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) technology.
Dakota lithium batteries are on average 50% lighter than SLA batteries and last a minimum of 2,000 recharge cycles, while SLA batteries last on average only 400 recharge cycles, meaning they last 4.5 times longer than SLA batteries.
Our verdict: Runner-up lithium battery.
Dakota 12V 7AH lithium battery
The Dakota 12V 7AH lithium battery is very similar to the Dakota 12V 10AH in every way, but with the 7AH it has 30% less amp-hour capacity and also costs 30% less.
If your fishing trip averages 2-5 hours, this option provides enough capacity for your purposes.
Our verdict: best budget lithium battery.
Lead-acid battery SLA ExpertPower EXP1270 12 V, 7 Ah
ExpertPower EXP1270 is a high quality 12V SLA battery. Traditionally used in home security systems. It has been successfully adapted for use as a sonar battery and to power other marine electronics.
The EXP1270 cover is made of hardened ABS plastic to resist damage and leakage. In addition, ABS plastic covers contain glass mat separators and lead plates that further enhance durability. Overall, this design makes it resistant to damage that may occur during boat fishing, including exposure to salt water.
Plus, it also has a very fast charging time of 4 hours, which means you can still charge it on the day of your fishing trip if you forgot to do so the day before.
Our verdict: Best SLA battery.
5. Duracell Original DR7-12 lead acid battery
This is a very popular lead-acid battery that is used in a variety of applications, from residential alarm systems to mobility scooters, and is also great for powering fish finders.
Duracell Original DR7-12 is a premium SLA battery made from lead calcium alloy that includes both T1 terminals and AGM technology. The result is a completely maintenance-free battery that is easy to use and performs at a high level.
The battery case is made using a welding technology that protects the lead-acid battery from heat, shock and other common impacts. Fiberglass spacers further increase service life. Together, these features protect the battery from a long list of hazards, making it one of the most reliable SLA batteries on the market.
Finally, the Duracell Original DR7-12 battery is also maintenance-free, meaning you won't have to worry about topping up water.
Our verdict: The most durable SLA battery.
Sports battery Mighty Max YTX20-BS 12V 18AH 270 CCA SLA Power
The Mighty Max YTX20-BS battery uses an ultra-durable and state-of-the-art calcium alloy grid for unrivaled life and performance. High-strength AGM technology further helps protect the battery from shock or leakage. The battery is portable, maintenance-free and easy to use.
This is another popular SLA battery that can be used for a wide variety of devices. It is designed for installation on an echo sounder. The high amp-hour rating of 18 Ah should keep your fish finder running throughout your fishing expedition. Does not require refueling or maintenance.
However, be aware that some users have reported that the performance of this battery tends to deteriorate quickly with use, and it requires regular cleaning of the connection cables. In addition, after use, it is necessary to recharge to avoid poor performance on the next trip.
Our verdict: the least reliable SLA battery among those presented in the rating.
Battery for portable echo sounder Power Sonic 12V 7AH 570
The Power Sonic PS-1270 F1 battery is equipped with AGM technology to improve its functionality. The 12V 7Ah battery can be used safely in all applications and is widely used for kayak fish finders. It has optimal compatibility and portability thanks to its adjustable valve. The battery is well protected from spills.
This is a durable battery and because it requires no maintenance, it is a popular fish finder battery for many anglers. The Power-Sonic battery comes with a one-year warranty.
Our verdict: Durable and reliable SLA battery
Sealed lead-acid battery Universal Power Group UPG 85980 / D5722 – 12 V, 35 Ah
The UPG 85980 / D5722 35 Ah battery provides enough power to run the boat's motor, which is what it is typically used for. Additionally, many anglers also use it to power their fish finder at the same time as their boat.
Despite its power, this SLA battery is versatile and portable, and ensures continuous and optimal performance thanks to its sealed, valve-regulated design. While this is not a full-size deep cycle battery, it is very reliable at powering all the electronics on a small boat, and the charge can last for several fishing trips.
Absorbent Glass Material (AGM) design helps it withstand various impacts and physical damage without leaking. This sealed battery requires no maintenance or refilling. It is capable of running all of the boat's electrical systems on a single charge without any problems. You will be able to maintain nutrition throughout your trip.
Our verdict: Best SLA battery for boat motor and fish finder
Types of batteries for outboard motors, which are better
There are three types of 12-volt traction batteries for outboard motors:
- lead-acid;
- gel (the electrolyte is present in them in the form of jelly);
- lithium-ion (can work for a very long time).
Acidic
This is the most famous type of rechargeable battery, which has been produced for a very long time. Inside its “cans” the electrolyte is in a liquid state. In principle, it is possible to use a boat motor with such batteries, but they have one significant drawback. Such batteries do not retain their capacity in the event of a deep discharge.
In addition, the flammable liquid inside may leak out of the battery case if it is depressurized. This can happen due to high humidity, vibration or any incident on the water. Due to their liquid composition, the weight of these batteries is quite large, so you should not load a rubber boat with them. It is better to purchase another type of battery, which will be more expensive, but will also bring great pleasure when fishing, without bringing unpleasant surprises.
Gel
Their mass production is already very well done. Their main advantage is that the sulfuric acid, which is used in the manufacture of lead batteries, is placed inside the case in the form of a gel, due to the presence of silicon oxide in the chemical composition of the electrolyte. Such a traction battery for an electric boat motor is optimal, despite the fact that it costs much more than a regular acid battery.
Advantages:
- the gel structure is safer, there is no release of gases during operation;
- they are not afraid of deep discharge;
- Capacity is quickly restored when charging;
- always give a high starting current.
The only disadvantage of gel batteries is that they react poorly if they are recharged for a long time.
Lithium-ion
Lithium traction batteries for outboard motors have recently appeared on the market, and their production continues to improve.
These are the most powerful batteries with great prospects in the future, which have many advantages even compared to gel batteries:
- they are equipped with a special board that protects them from overcharging;
- the capacity of any lithium-ion battery is always an order of magnitude higher;
- all lithium batteries do not require additional maintenance;
- their self-discharge in the absence of use is small, maximum 10% per year;
- during the charging process, capacity gain within 80% occurs very quickly;
- They are light in weight and compact in size.
Their only drawback is still their high cost, but there are also Russian manufacturers of traction batteries. You can purchase lithium batteries from them at a more reasonable price. For example, in St. Petersburg, it recently put very good quality lithium batteries for outboard motors into mass production.
The main advantage of lithium batteries for outboard motors from this manufacturer is their light weight: a battery with a capacity of 75 Ah weighs 7 kg, and a battery with a capacity of 100 Ah weighs only 9 kg. The package includes a standard charger that can charge the battery in just an hour. Russian manufacturers, no worse than their foreign counterparts, have provided their batteries with an electrolyte composition that is safe for the environment.
Their only “disadvantage” is still their high cost.
What battery should I use for my fish finder?
Because fish finders use electricity to generate sonar pulses, they are 100% reliant on having an active battery to charge them (for more details, check out our article on How does a fish finder work?).
For this reason, you need to ensure that your fish finder's battery does not drain while you travel. There's nothing more annoying than running out of battery in the middle of a weekend trip or while fishing. Choose reliable and proven models from our list that will not let you down at the most unexpected moment.
How to choose
For uninterrupted operation of the echo sounder, batteries with an operating voltage of 12 V and a capacity of 1 to 15 Ah are used.
Strange as it may sound, the main parameters influencing the choice of a maintenance-free battery are its overall dimensions. After all, the location for the battery is determined by the design of the echo sounder or floating craft, and the selected battery should fit there without any problems.
In addition, when choosing a battery that will work with an echo sounder, you need to remember that its weight is directly proportional to the capacity. The larger the battery capacity, the heavier it is.
It is also necessary to pay attention to its performance in the temperature range from -10 to +40 degrees Celsius and to:
- ability to work in any position;
- tightness;
- light weight;
Batteries connected in series with a voltage of 1.5 V x 8 = 12 V can also be used as a power source for the echo sounder. However, this option is less economical, since during fishing you need to have several spare sets of batteries on hand. In addition, you need to make your own special waterproof container to place them.
Lithium vs Sealed Lead Acid: Which Battery Type is Best for Fish Finders?
Traditionally, most anglers have used sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries to power their fish finders. But recently, lithium batteries are rapidly gaining popularity as a preferred alternative.
Although lithium batteries are more expensive, they offer significantly better performance across the board and therefore better value for money. On average, they last more than twice as long to charge as SLA batteries and have an expected lifespan of 5 to 15 times longer.
To avoid draining your battery, it is best to purchase the highest quality battery for your fish finder that you can afford. In most cases this will be a lithium battery. The main reason to choose an SLA battery over a lithium battery is on a budget as they are more affordable than lithium.
You can also get two batteries to run all your electrical equipment, especially for night fishing. This way, you won't have to cut your fishing trip short if one battery runs out.
Best Fish Finder Battery for Ice Fishing
If you plan to use your battery for ice fishing, be aware that freezing temperatures will drain your battery faster than warm weather.
For this reason, the best battery for ice fishing is a lithium battery, as its charge lasts much longer. This battery is ideal for conventional fish finders adapted for ice fishing. Our TOP presents a large number of suitable options.
Best Amp-Hour Capacity for Fish Finder Batteries
Let's look at the required voltage (v) and ampere (amps). Refrain from purchasing a fish finder battery that has too high a voltage, as this may damage the fish finder. Most fish finders use between 12 and 24 volts, and a 12 volt battery is sufficient for most fish finders.
Ampere capacity is indicated in ampere hours (Ah). You can calculate the amplifier power needed by checking how many amps your fish finder uses per hour. Then multiply your amps by your desired run time and use that to choose the number of amp hours you need for your fish finder battery. For example, if your fish finder uses 1 amp per hour, a 10 Ah battery should last 10 hours.
Keep in mind that smaller fish finder models use less power, while larger models with GPS capability may use more. Many boat fish finders are very compact, drawing less than 1 amp per hour, so they should drain the battery more slowly.
Fishing trips by boat typically last between 3 and 12 hours, which covers a fairly wide range of amp hours. So, to get the best battery for your specific needs, you'll need to decide how long you plan to be on the water on average.
If you will be on the water all day, choose a battery with a capacity of 10 to 16 Ah. If you only plan to fish for a few hours at a time, a 5 to 10 Ah battery will do.
Batteries for 12 volt echo sounder
Some types of products have high power and a large number of functions, so to recharge them it is necessary to use more powerful batteries that have 12 Volts.
Such batteries are used in winter and have a low discharge level when exposed to low temperatures. Such batteries must be stored constantly charged.
Good to know! This device is universal and can be used at different times of the year. However, despite its versatility, many models are large and difficult to transport regularly to fishing spots.
Suitable battery charger for fish finder
It is very important to charge your fish finder battery correctly. Make sure the charger you are using is compatible with your battery as using the wrong charger can damage the battery and render it unusable.
A lithium battery requires a different charger than an SLA battery. If you try to use an SLA charger on a lithium battery, it will not be able to fully charge the battery, plus you risk destroying the LiFePo4 electrolyte, which will shorten the life of the battery.
Make sure you use a lithium battery charger for the LiFePO4 battery and an SLA charger for the SLA battery. Many manufacturers make specific recommendations about which charger to use for their batteries.
Final points
If you want to get the most out of your fishing trip, it is important to choose the right battery for your fish finder. The last thing you want is to run out of charge mid-fishing.
To get the ideal fish finder battery, first choose the fish finder model you want to use, and then decide how long your average fishing trip will last. Based on this information, calculate the number of amp hours you need and purchase the battery that suits your specific needs.
