Boat performance with Lithiums

[Gomacho]

I have to get a new 36v battery set for the trolling motor and am contemplating if I should go lithium. I currently have AGM’s and have heard some chatter about some boats losing top end speed when going lithium. Heard people are compensating the weight loss with sandbags or some other crazy method.

Wonder if any V20 owners have gone lithium and what the pros and cons are other than the obvious weight loss and longer life. How does it affect the ride? Is it easier to run in skinny water? More nimble in corners? What can I expect if I switch to Lifepo4?

thanks!

[BassAssassin22]

Holeshot is much better. I did lose top end as I don’t lift the bow as well as I used to, especially with that heavy ultrex up front. I added a 5th battery to the back which is an optima blue top and that helped some. I also put all my heavy tackle boxes in the boxes behind the seat. I run a V20/SHO

[Gomacho]

Thanks! How much did you lose on top end? I guess I wouldn’t hate the hole shot improvement. Getting up is tough with full live wells in rough water.

[BassAssassin22]

3 mph or so. Holeshot is great even with 2 people, full fuel and livewell.

[Old hurst]

I've been running lithium pros since my boat was new, but I recently added two-inch spacers and that really helped with the bow lift and top end. Did I mention how nice it is to not run out of juice and be constantly having to change out batteries

[Gomacho]

3 mph or so. Holeshot is great even with 2 people, full fuel and livewell.

Not bad at all. Leaning a little more on lifepo’s. Thanks for the insight.

[Gomacho]

I've been running lithium pros since my boat was new, but I recently added two-inch spacers and that really helped with the bow lift and top end. Did I mention how nice it is to not run out of juice and be constantly having to change out batteries

Where did you add the spacers? Between jackplate and motor?

[Old hurst]

Where did you add the spacers? Between jackplate and motor?

My V20 came with a 12" Bob's and I just got a 2" spacer kit from them. Goes between motor and plate to give you more bow lift after making the rear lighter. I've only run it briefly since installing it but did see 80.4 downstream solo 1/2 tank and a full tourney load (24 fury 3). I'll have a couple practice days next week and I'm going to try my 26 and 27 Bravos and see what I can get.

[Gomacho]

Cool! 80 is impressive for a Legend. Appreciate the info. Will def consider the spacers if I go lifepo.

[Old hurst]

It is. But it was downstream, next week though I'll be in a lake and should get a better idea. I will say I haven't been passed by any of the go fast boats when its nasty in this ole slow V20

[Gomacho]

Very nice! Don’t rule out a Legend in the rough stuff.

The V20 has a timeless look.

[Old hurst]

Wouldn't trade her for anything out there for sure!

[Gomacho]

Bit the bullet and got a lifepo4 set. Went with a little heavier Group 31 battery at 34.6 lbs each to balance as much as I can. Probably get the boat out this weekend and see if I need any mods or not.

[Gomacho]

Lost 57.6 lbs so we’ll see.

[Rangerdeepv]

It didn''t cost more than a couple mph on the big end but boat jumps out much quicker now and no more backaches when wrestling with batteries.

[Gomacho]

Yea, I’m most curious to see my hole shot behavior. I usually run under 50mph anyhow, but tourney days are a different story.

[jbabin76]

My V20 came with a 12" Bob's and I just got a 2" spacer kit from them. Goes between motor and plate to give you more bow lift after making the rear lighter. I've only run it briefly since installing it but did see 80.4 downstream solo 1/2 tank and a full tourney load (24 fury 3). I'll have a couple practice days next week and I'm going to try my 26 and 27 Bravos and see what I can get.

This is intriguing... I feel like I could benefit from more bow lift. May look into this for my 211