Float-tube: 7 criteria for choosing an electric motor battery

There are two main battery technologies: lead and lithium. In recent years, the supremacy of lithium batteries has made them a must-have, thanks to their much lighter weight than lead-acid batteries, their performance and their increasingly affordable price. So, forget lead batteries!

The other point to select is a slow-discharge battery, i.e. one that can be used for a long time and recharged later.

Manufacturers often indicate whether the battery is suitable for powering a boat's electric motor, so relying on their recommendation is the best way to avoid making a mistake.

The battery voltage must match the voltage required for proper operation of the selected electric motor. In general, float-tube electric motors require a 12 V DC power supply. So all you need is a 12 V DC battery.

The ampere-hour, or Ah, is a unit of measurement used to determine the maximum amount of energy a battery can store and release in 1 hour. For example, a 100 Ah battery is capable of delivering 100 Amps in 1 hour, or 10 Amps in 10 hours, and so on.

Once you know your motor's power consumption and how you intend to use it, it's easy to estimate the battery size you need. In general, a 50 Ah battery is suitable for most motors for moderate daily use. For longer sessions, longer trips and areas with strong currents or wind, it's better to play it safe and go for a 100 Ah.

Battery dimensions are relatively standard and similar from one brand to another. However, it's important to check that the battery fits into the housing or slot where it will be installed.

As mentioned above, the weight will depend on the technology chosen, as well as the battery capacity. A 50 Ah lithium battery weighs around 5 kilograms, while a 100 Ah battery weighs 10 kilograms.

A 50 Ah lead-acid battery alone weighs around 18 kilograms, not to mention the larger dimensions, which is why this technology is no longer relevant.

If you're going to be on the water, you'll need a battery with an IP65 rating, which means it's waterproof. Even if the battery itself is waterproof, it's safer to place it in a case, protected from the elements and splashes.

Finally, the very reliability of a battery depends on the quality of the materials used and the assembly.

So it's best to go for reputable brands that have been on the market for several years, such as Dakota, SH lithium or LiTime.