Our batteries are reaching a stage where replacement will be needed shortly. Consequently we are thinking about LiFePO4 batteries which are lighter, smaller, don't require same capacity, can be discharged further and last longer but are a bit more costly.  Does anyone have any experience or advice re these batteries?

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Michael & Anne Hartshorn - 14 Nov 2021

We are replacing our batteries next year and talking to a couple of electrical techs in Canada, they have recommended Firefly as a cheaper alternative to lithium. Has anyone any experience with them ?

Hi Anne and Michael,
I ran across some info on Firefly batteries, written straight from the FF manual. They talk about “restoration” which sounds like their word for equalization: a process to undo the effects of sulfation and prolong life.
Lifeline AGMs recommend equalization.
Some cruisers seem not to do this process and things work out ok: others have reported battery life shortened, while some swear that equalization is required in an AGM maintenance program.
The above is one reason I have stayed with good quality Gel cell batteries over the decades, although, I suspect that when the time comes again for new batteries (5 years) lithium will be well established and safe and that is the way I will go.
But, please read the FF manual on restoration: I am surprised that your consultants did not mention this aspect as it sounds like a lot of effort.
Please, let us know what you find out.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy

+x

 

Dick - 23 Nov 2021

+x

 

Michael & Anne Hartshorn - 14 Nov 2021

We are replacing our batteries next year and talking to a couple of electrical techs in Canada, they have recommended Firefly as a cheaper alternative to lithium. Has anyone any experience with them ?

Hi Anne and Michael,
I ran across some info on Firefly batteries, written straight from the FF manual. They talk about “restoration” which sounds like their word for equalization: a process to undo the effects of sulfation and prolong life.
Lifeline AGMs recommend equalization.
Some cruisers seem not to do this process and things work out ok: others have reported battery life shortened, while some swear that equalization is required in an AGM maintenance program.
The above is one reason I have stayed with good quality Gel cell batteries over the decades, although, I suspect that when the time comes again for new batteries (5 years) lithium will be well established and safe and that is the way I will go.
But, please read the FF manual on restoration: I am surprised that your consultants did not mention this aspect as it sounds like a lot of effort.
Please, let us know what you find out.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy

I wrote this for another forum, but it is worth sharing:
Hi all,
This post is doubly motivated.
First, I wish to introduce a man, RC Collins, to any who have not come across his work yet. He has a web site (https://marinehowto.com/) where there are essays and pictures walking a DIY’r easily through a wide variety of projects. Even if not anticipating a project, just reading is immensely informative.
The other motivation is to share that he has written an essay on the current state of affairs with lithium batteries: construction, choice, installation, insurance, safety etc. I consider it pretty definitive.
He has been writing about boats and lithium for years and has had a lithium bank on his boat for ~~ a decade.
I would suggest it essential reading for all those considering lithium.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy

+x

 

Dick - 20 Mar 2022

+x

 

Dick - 23 Nov 2021

+x

 

Michael & Anne Hartshorn - 14 Nov 2021

We are replacing our batteries next year and talking to a couple of electrical techs in Canada, they have recommended Firefly as a cheaper alternative to lithium. Has anyone any experience with them ?

Hi Anne and Michael,
I ran across some info on Firefly batteries, written straight from the FF manual. They talk about “restoration” which sounds like their word for equalization: a process to undo the effects of sulfation and prolong life.
Lifeline AGMs recommend equalization.
Some cruisers seem not to do this process and things work out ok: others have reported battery life shortened, while some swear that equalization is required in an AGM maintenance program.
The above is one reason I have stayed with good quality Gel cell batteries over the decades, although, I suspect that when the time comes again for new batteries (5 years) lithium will be well established and safe and that is the way I will go.
But, please read the FF manual on restoration: I am surprised that your consultants did not mention this aspect as it sounds like a lot of effort.
Please, let us know what you find out.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy

I wrote this for another forum, but it is worth sharing:
Hi all,
This post is doubly motivated.
First, I wish to introduce a man, RC Collins, to any who have not come across his work yet. He has a web site (https://marinehowto.com/) where there are essays and pictures walking a DIY’r easily through a wide variety of projects. Even if not anticipating a project, just reading is immensely informative.
The other motivation is to share that he has written an essay on the current state of affairs with lithium batteries: construction, choice, installation, insurance, safety etc. I consider it pretty definitive.
He has been writing about boats and lithium for years and has had a lithium bank on his boat for ~~ a decade.
I would suggest it essential reading for all those considering lithium.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy

Marinehowto.com is a great site.  It's important to note that RC Collins has had a stroke and is unable to keep the store up and running, but the site is still there.  He needs some assistance.  This is an opportunity to give back to someone who has asked for nothing in exchange for the free and valuable advice that he has shared with the sailing/boating community.

Thanks all.

Andy Simonds, Leslie Reed
s/v Kairos

+x

 

Andy.Simonds - 23 Mar 2022

+x

 

Dick - 20 Mar 2022

+x

 

Dick - 23 Nov 2021

+x

 

Michael & Anne Hartshorn - 14 Nov 2021

We are replacing our batteries next year and talking to a couple of electrical techs in Canada, they have recommended Firefly as a cheaper alternative to lithium. Has anyone any experience with them ?

Hi Anne and Michael,
I ran across some info on Firefly batteries, written straight from the FF manual. They talk about “restoration” which sounds like their word for equalization: a process to undo the effects of sulfation and prolong life.
Lifeline AGMs recommend equalization.
Some cruisers seem not to do this process and things work out ok: others have reported battery life shortened, while some swear that equalization is required in an AGM maintenance program.
The above is one reason I have stayed with good quality Gel cell batteries over the decades, although, I suspect that when the time comes again for new batteries (5 years) lithium will be well established and safe and that is the way I will go.
But, please read the FF manual on restoration: I am surprised that your consultants did not mention this aspect as it sounds like a lot of effort.
Please, let us know what you find out.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy

I wrote this for another forum, but it is worth sharing:
Hi all,
This post is doubly motivated.
First, I wish to introduce a man, RC Collins, to any who have not come across his work yet. He has a web site (https://marinehowto.com/) where there are essays and pictures walking a DIY’r easily through a wide variety of projects. Even if not anticipating a project, just reading is immensely informative.
The other motivation is to share that he has written an essay on the current state of affairs with lithium batteries: construction, choice, installation, insurance, safety etc. I consider it pretty definitive.
He has been writing about boats and lithium for years and has had a lithium bank on his boat for ~~ a decade.
I would suggest it essential reading for all those considering lithium.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy

Marinehowto.com is a great site.  It's important to note that RC Collins has had a stroke and is unable to keep the store up and running, but the site is still there.  He needs some assistance.  This is an opportunity to give back to someone who has asked for nothing in exchange for the free and valuable advice that he has shared with the sailing/boating community.

Thanks all.

Andy Simonds, Leslie Reed
s/v Kairos

Hi Andy &  Leslie,
All that is very true.
With extra-ordinary effort (the dictation/typing), this is the first written piece Rod has done since his stroke. Clearly his mind seems back in gear and hopefully his writing efforts will get continue to improve.
I have donated to him over the years (he does his impressive site as a community contribution), and also recently with the  reports of his stroke as he was completely self-employed.
I urge all to do so with you as there are few contributions that match his in the marine world.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy