Why Lithium Batteries Are a Game-Changer for Small Skiffs
September 23, 2025 | Brandon Chestnut
When it comes to shallow inshore fishing, every detail of your skiff matters. Whether you’re stalking redfish on the flats, casting flies to cruising tarpon, or chasing speckled trout in backcountry, performance is everything — and that includes your power source.
For years, lead-acid and AGM batteries have been the standard, but they bring major drawbacks: heavy weight, short lifespan, and inconsistent performance. On a small technical poling skiff, those extra pounds can mean the difference between silently gliding across skinny water and dragging your hull through the shallows.
That’s why more anglers are switching to Dakota Lithium marine batteries — and the benefits are hard to ignore.
Lighter Weight, Shallower Draft
Weight is one of the most critical factors on a 15-foot skiff. Traditional marine batteries are notoriously heavy, often requiring multiple units to power trolling motors, pumps, and electronics. By switching to lithium, anglers cut battery weight by more than half.
One skiff owner summed it up after upgrading his rebuilt Hobie Skiff with Dakota Lithium:
“This little Dakota Lithium battery saves me an insane amount of weight on this boat. On a fifteen-foot technical poling skiff, every single pound matters. Every pound I take off this boat equates to a shallower draft and a better ride.”
With less weight in the hull, your boat floats higher, poles easier, and drafts shallower — giving you access to water that’s off-limits with heavier setups.
More Power, Fewer Batteries
Lithium isn’t just lighter — it’s more efficient. A single Dakota Lithium cranking battery can often replace two traditional lead-acid batteries, powering lights, pumps, electronics, and even stereos with ease. This 94′ Hobie Skiff. is powered by one DL+ 12V 135Ah Dual-Purpose battery.
For trolling motors, Dakota Lithium offers 12V, 24V, and 36V marine batteries that deliver steady power throughout the day. That means you’ll fish longer without worrying about losing thrust when it matters most.
Longer Lifespan, Smarter Investment
Lead-acid batteries wear down quickly, often needing replacement every few years. Lithium batteries, on the other hand, last up to 10 years or more. That translates to fewer replacements, less downtime, and better value for your boat.
With Dakota Lithium’s industry-leading 11-year warranty, you’re not just buying a battery — you’re making a long-term investment in your skiff’s performance.
Why Anglers Choose Dakota Lithium
-
Ultra-Lightweight: Up to 60% lighter than lead acid.
-
Long-Lasting Power: Consistent performance all day, every day.
-
Built to Last: 3,000-5,000+ cycles, engineered with rugged LiFePO4 technology.
-
Trusted on the Water: Proven by anglers in skiffs, bay boats, and offshore setups.
For inshore anglers, upgrading to Dakota Lithium means more time fishing and less time worrying about batteries.
On a technical poling skiff, every pound counts — and every ounce of performance matters. Switching from lead acid or AGM to lithium isn’t just an upgrade. It’s a transformation.
Dakota Lithium delivers the lightweight, reliable, and long-lasting power you need to fish harder, run shallower, and enjoy every trip on the water.
Ready to Upgrade Your Skiff?