This set is compatible with all 36V Minn Kota and MotorGuide models, including the Fortrex 112, Terrova 80/112, Ultrex 112, Ulterra 112, MotorGuide Xi5 105, and MotorGuide Tour Pro. It is also compatible with the Garmin Force 120 and Lowrance Ghost 120. Any 36V trolling motor with a continuous draw of 100A or less is compatible. The i-Pilot, Spot-Lock, and GPS anchor functions on these motors operate normally with LiFePO4 batteries.

At typical recreational fishing use, approximately 30 to 40% average throttle with periods of Spot-Lock or GPS anchor hold most anglers with 80 to 112 lb thrust motors report 8 to 12 hours of runtime on a full charge. Verified buyers using a Minn Kota Fortrex 112 reported finishing a 9-hour day with 35% charge remaining. Runtime varies based on throttle percentage, wind conditions, water current, and motor thrust level.

Yes. A LiFePO4-compatible 36V charger is required and is sold separately. Standard lead-acid chargers use a different charge profile (bulk, absorption, float stages) that is not matched to lithium chemistry and can reduce battery performance and lifespan over time. The recommended charger is the Dakota Lithium 36V 8A LiFePO4 charger. Minn Kota Precision (PCL) onboard chargers manufactured in 2021 or later have a dedicated lithium mode and are compatible. Check your charger model and manufacturing date before assuming compatibility.

Three key differences that affect fishing: (1) Voltage output, LiFePO4 maintains near-constant voltage throughout discharge, so your motor runs at the same speed at 3:00 PM as it did at 7:00 AM. Lead-acid voltage drops progressively, which slows the motor noticeably by midday. (2) Usable capacity, you can safely use 90%+ of a LiFePO4 battery before the BMS cuts off, vs. approximately 50% of a lead-acid battery before voltage sag impacts performance. (3) Weight, this set weighs 82 lbs vs. 195 to 225 lbs for three Group 31 AGM batteries, removing over 100 lbs from your bow.

The three-battery format offers an emergency replaceability advantage that a single 36V unit cannot provide. If one of the three batteries develops a fault on a remote lake or multi-day trip, a standard 12V deep cycle replacement (lithium or lead-acid) is available at virtually any marina, hardware store, or bait shop as a temporary substitute. A single 36V unit has no field replacement option. The three-battery format also allows individual battery testing and replacement over the system's service life rather than replacing the entire unit at once.

Yes. These batteries discharge safely down to -4°F (-20°C). Internal Even-Heat Technology activates automatically when charging in temperatures below 32°F (0°C), warming the cells to 41°F (5°C) before and during charging to prevent cold-temperature cell damage. Do not charge the batteries below 32°F without this heating element active, as cold charging can cause internal damage in any lithium battery. For storage in unheated environments below freezing, the batteries can be stored discharged without damage but always warm them above 32°F before charging.

LiFePO4 is considered one of the more thermally stable lithium chemistries. Unlike lithium cobalt oxide (used in laptop and phone batteries), LiFePO4 does not readily enter thermal runaway under normal operating conditions. These batteries are UN38.3 certified, UL1642 cell-certified, and IEC62133 tested, meeting all U.S. and international regulations for marine transport and use. The active BMS adds additional protection against overcharge, over-discharge, short circuit, and high-temperature conditions.

Connect the batteries in series: connect the positive (+) terminal of Battery 1 to the negative (-) terminal of Battery 2 using a short jumper cable. Connect the positive (+) terminal of Battery 2 to the negative (-) terminal of Battery 3. The remaining open positive terminal on Battery 3 and the open negative terminal on Battery 1 become your system positive and negative connections to the trolling motor. A Connect-Ease 36V trolling motor wiring kit provides color-coded cables and quick-disconnect connectors that simplify this process and allow the batteries to be removed for individual charging without disconnecting the full harness.

The 11-year warranty covers manufacturer defects in materials and workmanship for eleven years from the original purchase date. This covers cell failure, BMS failure, and structural defects that occur under normal use conditions. The warranty does not cover damage from physical impact, improper charging (including use of non-LiFePO4 chargers), water submersion beyond the battery's design rating, or use outside the specified temperature ranges. Contact Dakota Lithium directly for warranty claims or call us. Read warranty tab for full details.

Minn Kota and MotorGuide motors are designed to operate within a specified voltage range. LiFePO4 batteries produce a nominal voltage consistent with the specified operating range for 36V motors. Using a properly matched LiFePO4 battery set that stays within the motor's rated voltage input does not itself void motor warranties. However, verify the voltage specifications for your specific motor model before installation. If you are uncertain, contact Minn Kota or MotorGuide customer support directly with your motor model number for written confirmation.

Three Group 31 AGM batteries typically cost $150 to $200 each ($450 to $600 per set) and require replacement approximately every 2 to 3 years under regular fishing use. Over 10 years, that equals 3 to 5 replacement sets, totaling $1,350 to $3,000, not including the time and labor of replacement. This lithium set is rated for 5,000 cycles (equivalent to more than 13 years at one charge cycle per day) and is covered by an 11-year manufacturer defect warranty. At the 7 to 10 year mark, the per-use cost of this lithium set is lower than the cumulative cost of repeat lead-acid replacements.