Dakota lithium batteries not waterproof, This actually surprised me

Hey all,

Last year a fishing buddy of mine bought a dakota lithium battery and I was blown away by the run time and weight of the battery. Naturally, I bought one for my finder. Took it out on a trip and couldn't be happier. Took it on a second trip end of October and it rained non stop for 3 days. On the last day, my finder stopped working. I was using it non stop, so I figured I just ran the battery out. Got home and put it on the charger. Didn't charge. Noticed a noise coming from the battery, tipped it upside down and a bit of water came out of the seam. I was incredibly surprised to see this. I fish in all weather and expected the battery to do the same.

Looked on the website and they have an 11 year warranty, but doesn't cover water. This is super upsetting. I've only used the thing twice and now it's garbage and the warranty is not covered.

In short, why the heck would they not make these batteries waterproof. I've used lead acid for years with no issues. Actually tipped my canoe one time with the lead acid battery and finder and had to fish it out of the water and it still started no problem. Why would the manufacturer not put a waterproof seal around the seam? Would just running a band of electrical tape around the seam solve this problem?

Anyways, just thought I'd give everyone a heads up if they have these batteries and don't wait for the perfect weather day-to-day use them.

I appreciate your post. I have been looking into the Dakota batteries because of their weight. With the company marketing them specifically at both ice fishers and boat owners, it never would have occurred to me that they weren't at least water resistant. Coupled with the heavy price tag, this will make me think twice about Dakota. Do companies like Amped and Canbat have the same issues I wonder? It will be added to my list of questions before a purchase. Thanks for the warning.

You really have to read the fine print section, one part being 11 years if this and that, but beyond 6 years it's a crap shoot. You would think a battery like this would be sealed to make sure any water(rain) doesn't get in. I'll stick with my old Gell or AGM types and can buy new ones every 5 years and I'll still be ahead.

That’s just shitty right there.

I had the same issue with an onboard charger for my boat. Found out the nautilus charger that came with my boat was no even water resistant and it corroded inside and crapped out. I bought a BPS charger the was rated IP7 and never looked back.
I also had resistors for LED lights made for a car that rusted out. The company said they were not rated for being subject to the elements even though they are made for head light and tail lights.

All outdoor electric product should be minimum IP7 IMO.

Amazing how crappy expensive products can be.

I have 1 of these as well and was also wondering why they are not waterproof.

I couldn't\t find any info on that concern so basically have been using it 2 years but keeping it dry


glad I did


sorry for your loss Winterfisher

You have to find the "fine print" section.
Environmental damage; inappropriate storage conditions as defined by the Manufacturer;
exposure to extreme hot or cold temperatures, fire or freezing, or water damage including
submersion.

https://dakotalithium.com/wp-content/upload...m-Batteries.pdf

I needed new batteries for my electric motor this summer, thought I'd ask about the lithium batteries. i had heard they were like 600 apiece and lasted like 10 years. Was doing the math in my head to see if it made sense, the weight sure did. I asked the battery place where I deal. I told me the price was more like 1100+. I asked why so much when I heard they were like 600. He told me they are not all the same, some the cells are in series and some cells are parallel. Cheaper batteries are in series so if 1 cell goes battery is scrap, parallel cell goes you loose a small percentage. I bought the old heavy weights as I wasn't going to spend 2200+ on 2 batteries. your problem really sounds strange I'd though all batteries were water proof, mine are out in the open in my boat with no covers.