Best Fish Finder Battery for Kayaks and Small Boats
Fish finder battery for kayaks and small boats must be compact, lightweight, and be able to power onboard fish finder for the duration of fishing or even fishing trip.
Such fish finder battery also must accept charge quickly and efficiently from various sources, including solar panels, wind turbines, 12/110/220 volts chargers, power stations, power generators, etc.
Fish Finder Power Requirements
Most popular fish finders have been designed to be powered using 12 V electricity provided by batteries, or some other power sources.
Although nominal voltage is 12 volts, some units may be powered using 10-20 volts. But, this is highly individual - while some units do support such voltages, some units may malfunction in the case of too low voltage or may be even damaged by too high voltage.
Note: in order to be sure how to power Your fish finder, be sure to read its Owner's Guide, especially regarding its input voltage and current.
Most kayaks and small boats don't have an internal combustion engine to recharge the fish finder battery - battery must last entire fishing trip without recharging, which may last from few hours to few days.
Thus it is very important to know the maximum current required by fish finder during operation.
Power requirements of some of the most popular fish finders are:
- Garmin Striker 4: 0.23 Amps @12 volts
- Garmin Striker Plus 5cv: 1.5 Amps (10-20 Volts)
- Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP MSI GPS G3 NAV Fish Finder: 3 Amps Max.
Smaller fish finders require 0.2 to 0.5 Amps @12 volts in order to operate properly. For example, one of the most popular compact and lightweight fish finders is Garmin Striker 4 which requires ~0.23 Amps @12 volts to operate.
Good 12V 12Ah Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) weighs 8-8.5 pounds (~3.6 - 3.9 kg) and may power such fish finder for more than 48 hours - that is more than 2 days continuously.
If 8-8.5 pounds is too much for your kayak or boat, You can go for either smaller and lighter AGM battery (but shorter runtime) or for more expensive, but ultralight lithium LiFePO4 battery - for example, 12V 12Ah lithium-ion battery weighs on average ~4 pounds (~1.8 kg), which is just half of the SLA AGM battery.
Larger fish finders, especially multi-function devices like fish finder GPS combo units consume more, but rarely more than 3-4 Amps.
Good 12V 20Ah battery may power such devices for at least 4-5 hours - AGM batteries feature capacity drop when being discharged faster.
On the other hand, 12V 20Ah battery may power 3 Amps device ~6.5 hours, since they don't feature such capacity loss when being discharged faster.
Depending on the AGM battery type (dual-purpose, deep-cycle), AGM batteries support 200+ charging-discharging cycles down to 100% DoD (Depth of Discharge), 300+ cycles down to 80% DoD, and sometimes up to 900 cycles down to 50% DoD.
On the other hand, lithium LiFePO4 batteries support a much larger number of charging-discharging cycles, with many models supporting 2000+ cycles down to 100% DoD (up to 5000-8000+ cycles down to 50%, but depends on the battery model).
However, in order to charge a lithium-ion battery, special battery chargers must be used, or they can overheat, burst to flames or even explode - that is the reason why even LiFePO4 (considered to be the safest lithium-ion battery chemistry) batteries feature Battery Management Systems (BMS) that protect the batteries from overcharge, over-discharge, over-temperature, over-current, and other hazardous situations that may harm the lithium batteries.
For short: never, but really never recharge the lithium-ion battery with the battery charger intended for some other battery chemistry.
Most Popular Fish Finder Batteries
The following comparison chart lists some of the most popular 12V AGM and LiFePO4 batteries, ranging up to 20 Ah, that may be used as excellent fish finder batteries on kayaks and other small vessels.
| Model | Chemistry | 20h Capacity | Size (L x W x H) | Weight | Review |
ExpertPower EP125 |
LiFePO4 | 5 Ah | 3.54 x 2.76 x 3.98 inches | 1.6 lbs | - |
Mighty Max ML5-12 |
AGM | 5 Ah | 3.54 x 2.75 x 4.21 inches | 3.09 lbs | - |
Miady LFP6Ah |
LiFePO4 | 6 Ah (5h) | 2.75 x 4.33 x 3.54 inches | 1.65 lbs | - |
Chrome 12V 7Ah |
AGM | 7 Ah | 5.94 x 2.56 x 3.72 inches | 4.1 lbs | - |
Dakota CR12V7Ah |
LiFePO4 | 7 Ah | 5.94 x 2.55 x 3.74 inches | 2.15 lbs | - |
ExpertPower EXP1270 |
AGM | 7 Ah | 5.94 x 2.56 x 3.70 inches | 4.52 lbs | - |
UPG UB1270 |
AGM | 7 Ah | 5.94 x 2.56 x 3.86 inches | 4.80 lbs | - |
Odyssey PC310 |
AGM | 8 Ah | 5.43 x 3.90 x 3.98 inches | 5.9 lbs | - |
UPG UB1280 |
AGM | 8 Ah | 5.94 x 2.56 x 3.94 inches | 4.96 lbs | - |
Chrome 12V 9Ah |
AGM | 9 Ah | 5.94 x 2.56 x 3.72 inches | 4.96 lbs | - |
Mighty Max ML9-12 |
AGM | 9 Ah | 5.94 x 2.56 x 3.94 inches | 5.44 lbs | - |
UPG UB1290 |
AGM | 9 Ah | 5.94 x 2.56 x 4.06 inches | 5.17 lbs | - |
Dakota CR12V10Ah |
LiFePO4 | 10 Ah | 5.94 x 2.55 x 3.74 inches | 2.9 lbs | - |
ExpertPower EP1210 |
LiFePO4 | 10 Ah | 6.00 x 2.60 x 3.70 inches | 2.7 lbs | - |
Chrome 12V 12Ah |
AGM | 12 Ah | 5.94 x 3.86 x 3.74 inches | 7.27 lbs | - |
Mighty Max ML12-12 |
AGM | 12 Ah | 5.94 x 3.88 x 4.00 inches | 8.38 lbs | - |
TalentCell LF120A1 |
LiFePO4 | 12 Ah | 5.91 x 2.72 x 3.67 inches | 2.98 lbs | - |
Weize FP12120 |
AGM | 12 Ah | 5.94 x 3.86 x 3.98 inches | 8.15 lbs | - |
EarthX ETX36C |
LiFePO4 | 12.4 Ah (1h) | 5.91 x 3.38 x 4.53 inches | 3.9 lbs | - |
Odyssey PC545 |
AGM | 13 Ah | 7.01 x 3.38 x 5.16 inches | 11.4 lbs | - |
Chrome 12V 14Ah |
AGM | 14 Ah | 5.94 x 3.86 x 3.74 inches | 7.70 lbs | - |
Odyssey PC535 |
AGM | 14 Ah | 6.70 x 3.90 x 6.24 inches | 12.0 lbs | - |
Chrome 12V 15Ah |
AGM | 15 Ah | 5.94 x 3.86 x 3.74 inches | 9.00 lbs | - |
Mighty Max ML15-12 |
AGM | 15 Ah | 5.94 x 3.89 x 3.95 inches | 9.60 lbs | - |
PowerStar 12V 15Ah |
AGM | 15 Ah | 7.13 x 3.00 x 6.6 inches | 12.5 lbs | - |
UPG UB12150 |
AGM | 15 Ah | 5.94 x 3.89 x 3.94 inches | 9.20 lbs | - |
Odyssey PC680 |
AGM | 16 Ah | 7.15 x 3.00 x 7.50 inches | 15.4 lbs | - |
Chrome 12V 18Ah |
AGM | 18 Ah | 7.15 x 3.03 x 6.59 inches | 10.55 lbs | - |
ExpertPower EXP12180 |
AGM | 18 Ah | 7.12 x 3.03 x 6.57 inches | 11.68 lbs | - |
Mighty Max ML18-12 |
AGM | 18 Ah | 7.13 x 3.01 x 6.57 inches | 11.90 lbs | - |
Odyssey PC625 |
AGM | 18 Ah | 6.70 x 3.90 x 6.95 inches | 13.2 lbs | - |
Chrome 12V 20Ah |
AGM | 20 Ah | 7.15 x 3.03 x 6.59 inches | 14.03 lbs | - |
| ExpertPower EP125 |
LiFePO4 | 20 Ah | 7.10 x 3.00 x 6.60 inches | 5.8 lbs | - |
ExpertPower EXP12200 |
AGM | 20 Ah | 7.13 x 3.03 x 6.57 inches | 12.5 lbs | - |
Weize FP12200 |
AGM | 20 Ah | 7.13 x 3.03 x 6.57 inches | 12.28 lbs | - |
Note: Amazon affiliate links ('Model' column) open in the new window, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date offers and prices.
Which Fish Finder Battery is the Best?
Well, it is hard to tell - we all have different requirements and personal habits and affinities. While some people prefer more expensive Odyssey batteries that are truly dual-purpose batteries although they are rather small and compact, other people prefer general-purpose batteries that can't be compared with Odyssey batteries in terms of performances and warranties, but they are cheaper.
Lithium batteries are initially more expansive, but they support a much larger number of charging-discharging cycles, they are much lighter and don't suffer from capacity loss when being relatively quickly (<20h) discharged - in the long run, they are actually cheaper than AGM batteries.
Personally, if the load capacity of your kayak allows You to carry good AGM battery, go for it - they are cheaper, easier to use, and can be recharged more easily (but require more time).
If load capacity is limited, go for a lighter lithium-ion battery, just be sure to buy lithium battery charger right away.
Note: for safety reasons, many lithium-ion batteries are transported in semi-charged condition and should be recharged fully prior to the very first use. Also, be sure to read the manual of your new fish finder battery, especially if it is a lithium-ion battery.
Powersports Batteries as Fish Finder Batteries
Powersports batteries are designed to provide large bursts of energy required for starting smaller gas and diesel engines in ATVs, smaller boats, power generators, tractors, and similar and generally, they should not be used as deep-discharge batteries.
However, most modern Powersports batteries are SLA AGM batteries that can withstand at least 100-150 deep-discharges down to at least 80% (model dependent) with the capacity loss down to 70-80% of the nominal capacity.
While these numbers somewhat 'justify' the use of these batteries as deep-discharge fish finder batteries, common general-purpose battery can withstand easily much more.
So, if you need a fish finder battery for kayak and small boat and you already have starting AGM battery, feel free to use it, just don't discharge it below 50%. And do that perhaps only a few times during the battery's operating life - battery will 'survive' that easily and will continue to crank well.
Note: Odessey Extreme series batteries are true dual-purpose AGM batteries and although they tend to cost more than other batteries, they are very durable and tough batteries.
Power Stations as Fish Finder Batteries
Power stations are devices that feature onboard lithium-ion battery as the power source and advanced power electronics to convert the lithium-ion battery voltage into the required voltages.
Most power stations feature output ports with 5V (USB), 12V and 110V (or even 220V).
12V ports found on the power station may be used for powering fish finders - these ports are usually able to provide 8+ Amps and can easily power even larger fish finder units.
Other advantages of power stations include battery monitoring and signaling, compact design, no need to search for suitable fish finder battery box, etc.
On the other hand, power stations cost more than lead-acid AGM battery combined with the simple battery box.
Since power stations may be used in many other situations, if they fit your power requirements, budget, and weight limit, consider them as the power source for your fish finder.
Power stations may be easily recharged using not only mains power, but also car's 12V ports, solar panels and similar power sources.
Note: most manufacturers of power stations also offer solar panels designed, among other things, to recharge their power stations without the presence of the mains power, making such combos ideal for fishing and camping trips, and for all other off-the-grid situations.
Fish Finder Batteries as Trolling Motor Batteries
Kayak trolling motors range from ultra-light electric trolling motors featuring max current draw of ~15 Amps to 50-60 lbs thrust electric motors requiring up to 55-60 Amps.
Fish finder batteries in 15-20 Ah range may be used for quick hops using 15-20 Amps electric trolling motors, but note that such discharge current can quickly discharge lead-acid AGM battery.
For example: 1 hour capacity of the good general-purpose AGM battery is in the 55-70% range of its 20h capacity. So, if you have 20Ah AGM battery and 20 Amps trolling motor, that AGM battery will be able to power that trolling motor for at least 30 minutes, with some energy left for safety.
If you do need trolling motor on your kayak, the weight penalty of the larger AGM battery can be significant - in that case, consider a larger lithium-ion battery that can be 2-3x lighter than a similar AGM battery.
Battle Born LiFePO4 12V 100Ah deep cycle battery features built-in BMS that allows the user to connect them in series for making even larger lithium-ion battery packs.
It can withstand 3000-5000 deep cycle, it features RC of almost 240 minutes, it can be drained with 100 Amps constantly, 200 Amps for 30 seconds and it weighs only 31 pounds (~14 kg). But, it also costs more than SLA AGM 12V 100Ah battery.
Such battery can easily power 20 Amps trolling motor for almost 5 hours and 50 Amps trolling motor for up to 2 hours - constantly!
If You have 3 Amps chart plotter GPS combo device, this battery can power it for 30+ hours.
And Garmin Strike 4 (0.23 Amps, 12V)? Well, even in not so ideal conditions, this battery can power it for ~18 days!
For more info about this battery, and for most up-to-date prices and offers, feel free to check Battle Born LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery
Long Story Short: Fish Finders do not require much power to operate, but when they operate for a long time and far from the ports, their energy requirements should not be neglected.
In order to power them on your fishing trip, there are many possible power sources with the small AGM and lithium-ion batteries being the most popular ones.
| Model | Chemistry | 20h Capacity | Size (L x W x H) | Weight | Review |
| ExpertPower EP125 |
LiFePO4 | 5 Ah | 3.54 x 2.76 x 3.98 inches | 1.6 lbs | - |
| Mighty Max ML5-12 |
AGM | 5 Ah | 3.54 x 2.75 x 4.21 inches | 3.09 lbs | - |
| Miady LFP6Ah |
LiFePO4 | 6 Ah (5h) | 2.75 x 4.33 x 3.54 inches | 1.65 lbs | - |
| Chrome 12V 7Ah |
AGM | 7 Ah | 5.94 x 2.56 x 3.72 inches | 4.1 lbs | - |
| Dakota CR12V7Ah |
LiFePO4 | 7 Ah | 5.94 x 2.55 x 3.74 inches | 2.15 lbs | - |
| ExpertPower EXP1270 |
AGM | 7 Ah | 5.94 x 2.56 x 3.70 inches | 4.52 lbs | - |
| UPG UB1270 |
AGM | 7 Ah | 5.94 x 2.56 x 3.86 inches | 4.80 lbs | - |
| Odyssey PC310 |
AGM | 8 Ah | 5.43 x 3.90 x 3.98 inches | 5.9 lbs | - |
| UPG UB1280 |
AGM | 8 Ah | 5.94 x 2.56 x 3.94 inches | 4.96 lbs | - |
| Chrome 12V 9Ah |
AGM | 9 Ah | 5.94 x 2.56 x 3.72 inches | 4.96 lbs | - |
| Mighty Max ML9-12 |
AGM | 9 Ah | 5.94 x 2.56 x 3.94 inches | 5.44 lbs | - |
| UPG UB1290 |
AGM | 9 Ah | 5.94 x 2.56 x 4.06 inches | 5.17 lbs | - |
| Dakota CR12V10Ah |
LiFePO4 | 10 Ah | 5.94 x 2.55 x 3.74 inches | 2.9 lbs | - |
| ExpertPower EP1210 |
LiFePO4 | 10 Ah | 6.00 x 2.60 x 3.70 inches | 2.7 lbs | - |
| Chrome 12V 12Ah |
AGM | 12 Ah | 5.94 x 3.86 x 3.74 inches | 7.27 lbs | - |
| Mighty Max ML12-12 |
AGM | 12 Ah | 5.94 x 3.88 x 4.00 inches | 8.38 lbs | - |
| TalentCell LF120A1 |
LiFePO4 | 12 Ah | 5.91 x 2.72 x 3.67 inches | 2.98 lbs | - |
| Weize FP12120 |
AGM | 12 Ah | 5.94 x 3.86 x 3.98 inches | 8.15 lbs | - |
| EarthX ETX36C |
LiFePO4 | 12.4 Ah (1h) | 5.91 x 3.38 x 4.53 inches | 3.9 lbs | - |
| Odyssey PC545 |
AGM | 13 Ah | 7.01 x 3.38 x 5.16 inches | 11.4 lbs | - |
| Chrome 12V 14Ah |
AGM | 14 Ah | 5.94 x 3.86 x 3.74 inches | 7.70 lbs | - |
| Odyssey PC535 |
AGM | 14 Ah | 6.70 x 3.90 x 6.24 inches | 12.0 lbs | - |
| Chrome 12V 15Ah |
AGM | 15 Ah | 5.94 x 3.86 x 3.74 inches | 9.00 lbs | - |
| Mighty Max ML15-12 |
AGM | 15 Ah | 5.94 x 3.89 x 3.95 inches | 9.60 lbs | - |
| PowerStar 12V 15Ah |
AGM | 15 Ah | 7.13 x 3.00 x 6.6 inches | 12.5 lbs | - |
| UPG UB12150 |
AGM | 15 Ah | 5.94 x 3.89 x 3.94 inches | 9.20 lbs | - |
| Odyssey PC680 |
AGM | 16 Ah | 7.15 x 3.00 x 7.50 inches | 15.4 lbs | - |
| Chrome 12V 18Ah |
AGM | 18 Ah | 7.15 x 3.03 x 6.59 inches | 10.55 lbs | - |
| ExpertPower EXP12180 |
AGM | 18 Ah | 7.12 x 3.03 x 6.57 inches | 11.68 lbs | - |
| Mighty Max ML18-12 |
AGM | 18 Ah | 7.13 x 3.01 x 6.57 inches | 11.90 lbs | - |
| Odyssey PC625 |
AGM | 18 Ah | 6.70 x 3.90 x 6.95 inches | 13.2 lbs | - |
| Chrome 12V 20Ah |
AGM | 20 Ah | 7.15 x 3.03 x 6.59 inches | 14.03 lbs | - |
| ExpertPower EP125 |
LiFePO4 | 20 Ah | 7.10 x 3.00 x 6.60 inches | 5.8 lbs | - |
| ExpertPower EXP12200 |
AGM | 20 Ah | 7.13 x 3.03 x 6.57 inches | 12.5 lbs | - |
| Weize FP12200 |
AGM | 20 Ah | 7.13 x 3.03 x 6.57 inches | 12.28 lbs | - |
Note: Amazon affiliate links ('Model' column) open in the new window, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date offers and prices.
A good and reliable power source will ensure that the fisherman is focused on fishing and not on the (semi)faulty power source.
While batteries are cheaper than power stations, if You tend to go on fishing or camping trips that may last for days or even weeks, consider getting a good power station with solar panel(s).