Looking to upgrade your kayak with a Feelfree Overdrive Pedal System with the Motordrive motor insert unit or other trolling motor? Or, simply looking to power up some electronics such as a fish finder along with some kayak lights? You'll want to read our Feelfree Kayaks Battery Guide.
Before we offer recommendations, there are a few things you need to know when it comes to the different types of batteries starting with what the differences are between Lithium and Lead Acid Based Deep Cycle batteries.
Without getting too technical or long winded, lithium batteries are generally safer, more efficient, last longer, charge quicker, require less maintenance and weigh less than traditional lead acid deep cycle batteries. The issue is, they simply are more expensive. Lead-acid based batteries tend to have a shorter lifespan, weigh more, may require additional maintenance and generally take longer to charge but they are significantly more affordable. Either way, both will do the same job in the end - power up your motors and electronics.
Next, what size battery? Simply put, you will want a 12V battery. If using the battery for both your motor, we recommend at least a battery that has a capacity of 50AH which stands for amp-hours. Basically, how long your battery will last on a charge, the higher the AH, the better but they do take longer to charge. So if you plan to be out on the water for longer periods of time and are planning to power your motor and accessories, more is better period. And, there is also actual battery size - it is always best to measure the space in your box, pod, bag or hatch before you purchase a battery to make sure it fits properly adding a few inches for cables and such.
And finally, some batteries require extra accessories starting with a charger which we will feature below.
Feelfree Kayaks Battery Guide
Energized Outdoors : Life PO4 Battery (Learn More)
If budget is not a concern, our first recommendation is the LiFePO4 by Energized Outdoors. It is a lithium battery weighing less than half as much as our comparable Lead-acid based batteries but still packs a punch. This battery can power the Motordrive which draws 10 Amps at half speed and 18 Amps at full speed or a trolling motor. It can also power some small electronic accessories.
Key Features:
- Technology: Lithium Technology
- Voltage: 12V
- Capacity: 55AH
- Weight: 12lbs
- Dimensions: LWH: 8 3/4" x 4 1/8" x 6 5/8"
- Warranty: 2Yrs.
Recommended Charger: 10A Fast Lithium Charger
Vmaxx : XTR34-75 Xtreme Deep Cycle Battery (Learn More)
This battery will provide you all the power you need to not only power your Motordrive which, draws 10 Amps at half speed and 18 Amps at full speed or trolling motor but all your accessories as well - including a large screen fish finders. While quite a bit heavier than our lithium offering(s) and requires Charging Posts, this battery will provide more battery life and is more affordable than comparable lithium batteries.
Key Features:
- Technology: Lead-acid Deep Cycle
- Voltage: 12V
- Capacity: 75AH
- Weight: 45lbs
- Dimensions: LWH: 10.2" x 6.6" x 7"
- Warranty: 1Yr.
Recommended Charger: Smart Battery Charger
Vmaxx : V20-600 Deep Cycle Battery (Learn More)
This battery is recommended for accessories only, such as fish finders, lights and more. It's perfect for those applications where space is limited such as your Feelfree Sonar Pod. We do not recommend you use this for the Motordrive or trolling motors.
Key Features:
- Technology: Lead-acid Deep Cycle
- Voltage: 12V
- Capacity: 20AH
- Weight: 13lbs
- Dimensions: LWH: 7" x 3" x 6.6"
- Warranty: 1Yr.
Recommended Charger: Smart Battery Charger
This list focuses on batteries we offer here at Feelfreeus.com but as always we recommend you shop local and work with your regional dealer to find a battery that is best suited for your custom setup.