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GoBoat Batteries Explained

Chapter 4 of 12 — The GoBoat Guide

GoBoat Batteries Explained (Without the Confusion)

What battery size means, why lithium matters, and why batteries are often sold separately. You don't need to be an expert — just understand what actually matters.

Batteries are the single most confusing part of owning a GoBoat. Not because they're complicated, but because they're often explained poorly. This page is here to fix that.

A Note From Mozy Outdoors We get asked about batteries more than anything else.

So let us tell you what we actually run and why.

We chose the Watt Cycle 100Ah Mini because the reviews were strong, and we were specifically looking for Bluetooth monitoring — knowing your state of charge in real time changes everything on the water.

The icing on the cake was when one of the actual owners emailed us after we filled out a form on their website.

That doesn't happen with big box brands.

We've had zero issues, pricing has stayed competitive, and shipping has always been fast.

That's how a partnership gets built.

The short version

Voltage

12V — always

Chemistry

Lithium (LiFePO₄)

Ah = runtime

More Ah = longer on water

What "Ah" actually means

Battery capacity is listed in amp-hours (Ah). Think of it as your fuel tank size — not your speed.

Ah = how long, not how fast

A larger Ah battery doesn't make the boat go faster. It just lets you stay out longer without thinking about power. More Ah = more margin = more relaxed day on the water.

30Ah

2–4 hrs

50Ah

4–7 hrs

100Ah

8–12 hrs

Why lithium is the standard

GoBoats are designed around lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries. Compared to older lead-acid batteries, lithium:

✓

Weighs significantly less — easier to carry, better weight distribution on the boat
✓

Delivers consistent power — maintains full motor thrust until nearly depleted
✓

Charges faster — ready sooner for the next outing
✓

Lasts far longer — 4,000+ charge cycles vs 300–500 for lead-acid
✓

More usable capacity — can safely discharge to 90–100% vs 50% for lead-acid

🔋

Mozy Outdoors Partner — Our Personal Recommendation

Watt Cycle 100Ah Mini Bluetooth LiFePO₄

This is the battery we run personally. 100Ah of usable lithium power in a compact form factor, with Bluetooth monitoring so you always know exactly how much charge you have left. It's the sweet spot for a full day on the water with real margin to spare.

Use code MOZYOUTDOORS for 10% off at wattcycle.com →

What affects runtime in the real world

Runtime isn't a fixed number — it depends on how you use the boat. These are the four biggest factors:

⚡

Motor speed

Full throttle draws 5x more power than slow trolling. Speed 3 is the efficiency sweet spot.

💨

Wind & current

A headwind can increase power draw by 50% or more. Plan to go into the wind first.

👥

Payload weight

More weight = more drag = more power needed. A full load uses significantly more battery.

🔄

Direction changes

Frequent maneuvering and reversing uses more power than steady cruising.

Calm cruising at moderate speed uses far less power than constant full throttle. Most people are surprised by how long a properly sized battery lasts during a relaxed outing.

Choosing the right battery size

There's no single perfect size — but there's a comfortable range for every type of user.

Casual

30–50Ah

2–5 hours

Short outings, calm water, close to shore. Fine for occasional recreational use.

⭐ Most Popular

100Ah

8–12 hours

Full day fishing or exploring. Our recommendation for anyone who wants real margin.

Multi-Day

150Ah+

All day+

Remote trips, campground rentals, back-to-back use without worrying about charging.

One battery vs spare batteries

Some people choose one larger battery — others carry a spare to rotate. Both work well depending on your situation.

1

One large battery — simpler, less to manage, works for most single-day outings
2

Primary + spare — our approach: 100Ah primary + 50Ah reserve as a "spare gas can"
+

Campground / shared use — spare batteries are essential for back-to-back bookings

This isn't something you need to decide on day one. Start with one good battery and add a spare once you understand your habits.

Why batteries are often sold separately

This is intentional, not a trick. Batteries are separated because people use their boats differently, runtime expectations vary, and battery technology evolves faster than boats do. Separating power lets you choose what fits your use instead of being forced into a one-size bundle.

From The Water Yes, I've run out of battery on the water.

And it could have been avoided.

I was crossing the open water of the Currituck Sound — which I was already hesitant about because the wind was ripping that day.

What should have been a three-hour float turned into about 45 minutes of drift.

I did not have a paddle.

And if you've ever tried to use a paddle to control a GoBoat, you already know how that story goes.

We were flying blind on battery level.

A Bluetooth battery would have told us exactly where we stood before we ever left the dock.

That's the whole point.

We think of a spare battery as a gas can.

You don't drive cross country without knowing where the next gas station is.

Same idea on the water.

And if you have the right solar setup — those gas cans refill themselves.

Bottom Line

Batteries are about confidence, not perfection. Choose a size that gives you margin for your typical outing, go with lithium, and don't overthink the rest. If you're unsure, go bigger — you'll never regret having extra runtime.