That’s a solid way to look at it. The upfront cost often draws attention, but when you factor in cycle life, depth of discharge, and reduced maintenance, lithium batteries can be more economical over time, especially in marine use.
I also agree that proper capacity sizing is more important than simply choosing a battery chemistry. Fewer, higher-capacity batteries usually mean simpler wiring, fewer failure points, and more consistent system behavior.
One thing I’d add is that for higher-voltage systems on larger boats, it’s important to ensure the BMS and charging sources (alternator, shore charger, solar) are all designed to work together. Mismatched components are a common source of reliability and safety issues, regardless of battery type.
Planning based on real load profiles and duty cycles makes a big difference in how well the system performs long-term.
