One of the most common questions I get:

"Will there come a time when Lithium Batteries will be officially "approved""?

Some seem to think that Brunswick will automatically approve their own brand (Relion). They may- and they may NOT. Brunswick's market placement move probably wasn't for cranking batteries (any sales there would be a small market sector)- they do (after all) own several companies that could benefit from Lithium Battery technology (AND- they recently announced their Electric Outboard line, which required specially designed and proprietary batteries, for which they would need to be able to setup manufacturing capabilities... hint, hint).

In reality, it is the BMS, and most specifically how the BMS reacts to specific scenarios that is of most concern with Lithium Batteries. I suspect- that given time, there will be some type of time-delay and communication/notification protocol within the BMS that will permit the BMS to notify the engine PCM, and in turn the Operator, of a critical situation requiring shutdown- thus allowing time to safely protect the boat, the occupants, those around the boat, and in the end- the battery.

Since the "Marine" industry isn't the only one that could benefit from Lithium Technology but CANNOT (for safety reasons) support an unplanned battery shutdown, it's really only a matter of time before we see some viable solutions developed and tested.

When (not if) that happens, I think we will see a different stance (though there will likely be some additional, yet simple, rigging required, and it will take some time).

JMHO...