Question on boat electrics and a fish finder

[briango]

Hi all, I have a 16' Ft tri hull with a smaller (and older) Chrysler motor that does not have a charging system on it, so I have to make sure my battery is charged before every use. I want to install a fish finder that I plan to buy and I'm worried that my battery will not have enough juice to power a finder, a live well pump, and navigation lights, as well as starting the motor a few times during a fishing trip, we go every weekend. I thought about buying a another battery but I'm trying to avoid any undue weight on the boat. Does anyone have any suggestion or ides that may help me avoid a dead battery on the water?<br /><br />Brian

 

[DuPont Spinner]

Re: Question on boat electrics and a fish finder

Check out the Cabela's fishing catalog and you will find a rechargable battery designed for depth finders. The cost is about $25 and they weigh only a couple of lbs. Hope this helps.<br /><br />DuPont

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Question on boat electrics and a fish finder

Just get a small second battery like a group 24 size deep cycle... Won't weigh much more than 25 or 30 lbs., if that much...

 

[duck-n-pond]

Re: Question on boat electrics and a fish finder

How about a seperate smaller battery for accessories and a solar panel on it to keep it charged. You can even move the panel to the starting battery - trickle charge better than none at all.

 

[dakotashooter2]

Re: Question on boat electrics and a fish finder

If you are just going to run the depth finder lights and livewell off of it I might suggest a garden tractor battery. It is 1/3 to 1/2 the weight of a group 24 battery and should supply ample power for your needs. The down side is it will probably not last as long as a deep cycle battery but you still should get 2,3 or more years out of it all for under $20. I put mine in a 50 cal ammo can for easy carry (cut holes for the posts).

 

[briango]

Re: Question on boat electrics and a fish finder

Thanks all for all the great replys. I bought a small tractory battery today from Wal-Mart for 20 bucks... 270 cca. I think. I will just run my fish finder off of it because I've used the Marine battery this whole season and it seems to run my lights/bilge and starts the motor with no prob, and here latley I've done alot of night fishes. I just hope the finder doesnt draw too much power, I will find out friday night when I hit the water.

 

[ericgj510]

Re: Question on boat electrics and a fish finder

This is kind of off the subject but. What are you going to do when your main battery is dead on one of your night fishing trips. Everyone knows they can give up whenever they want. I don't know where you are boating. I guess if your battery goes dead in the middle of the night on a lake and some one will find you in the morning thats ok. However I will NEVER go out to sea without 2 batteries and sometimes I wish I carried 3 just for peace of mind.OK, call me paranoid but I can't get out and walk. About the weight issue I would be surprised if you noticed any differance with and second battery. Good luck and tight lines

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Question on boat electrics and a fish finder

I agree with thunderbird about having two batteries. If the depth finder you bought is an LCD type that thing will probably run for a year on a battery without draining it. Your live well pumps and onboard light will drain your battery much quicker