b"What's HotNew GearWith MinnKota motors becoming increasingly popular amongst Kiwi boat builders and fishermen, reducing battery weight is a key goal. BLA Marine Performance BatteriesBLA, distributor of MinnKota in New Zealand has developed a range of Lithium Batteries suitable for use with MinnKota motors. MinnKota continues to grow in traditional applications such as lakes and estuarys, but it has been the explosion of interest in the offshore market that has created challenges in installation. The irresistible appeal of holding your boats position in any depth of water has seen both boat builders and aftermarket trying to accommodate a MinnKota on the bow of a boat that traditionallyall cells bolted together rather than soldieredbatteries work on a voltage curve that falls away would not suit a MinnKota. with wiring increasing strength and robustness. resulting in the performance of the MinnKota One of the main challenges this created wasIncluded is a BMS (Battery Management System)being reduced when the battery approaches the the extra weight on the bow with battery weightthat controls all the cells in charge and discharge.remaining 30% or so of the batteries charge. which can affect the overall performance of manyThis BMS is Bluetooth enabled and relays data toThis enables the use of a smaller AMP hour boats. Lithium was the clear direction due tothe BLA App showing many features including %Lithium battery than would be required if using weight savings and a typical comparison is a 12vcharge, AMP draw and recharge. The App enablesAGM or Lead Acid. An example would be the 100AH AGM weighing up to 28kg being replacedfull confidence in time remaining by using the50AH range, at a draw of 8amps would provide by a 12v 100AH Lithium weighing 12kg. AnotherAMP indicator. In testing it was identified that atover 5 hours use and in the case of offshore use clear advantage is the ability to provide 24v and50% thrust the MinnKota was drawing aroundwould be a reasonably long days fishing. 36v batteries rather than multiple 12v batteries8 AMPs. BLA Marine Performance Lithium batteries connected in series.Another advantage of Lithium is it holdscome with a 7-year replacement warranty.BLA Marine Performance Batteries meet thethe voltage curve through the discharge cycleVISIT:bla.co.nzhighest standards of Lithium Batteries withproviding more run time. AGM or lead acid 84FISHING IN GODZONE NOV/DEC 2021"