Battery Jump

klo

Recruit
Joined
Mar 20, 2002
Messages
5
I always worry after I have anchored out all night, when I go to start the engine the next day the batteries will be dead. What does anybody think of those defibrilators for batteries? Would it be a good thing to have on hand for those emergencies? Can anybody tell me a good brand to buy? Thanks.
 

splugeeman

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 12, 2003
Messages
179
Re: Battery Jump

Yeah.. you can get one ..and it will give you peace of mind! I have one...the brand..can't remember... its on the boat. But, I got it at wally world for about $35.00 or so bucks. Never used it , but it's there in case I need to!
 

jeff_nicholas

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 2, 2002
Messages
174
Re: Battery Jump

Surprised to learn of someone else who anchors out!<br /><br />I have an 18' cuddy and spend at least one night aboard a month, always on the hook (or in a WalMart parking lot). And I worried about a dead battery too.<br /><br />My first line of defense was to get BoatUS unlimited towing (that was 8 years ago and I haven't called them once).<br /><br />Next, I got me a Honda EU1000 generator (actually it's primary function is to power my A/C, but it does have a decent DC output to charge a 12V battery). Considered a hefty 120V charger to use with the Honda 120VAC, but really didn't want to have to worry about the additional hardware.<br /><br />But I still felt uncomfortable without a backup battery, so when I learned that my Ficht had 2 independent charging circuits, I installed a second battery. The second battery is not connected to anything but the charging circuit on the motor...if I ever needed it I'd have to move a cable from the main battery to the backup. Maybe one day I'll put in switch, but probably not. I did put a push button on the dash to monitor the charge rate/condition of the backup battery.<br /><br />I've heard good things about those emergency battery packs, but to me it was just another battery I had to worry about keeping charged...with my luck, it would be dead when I needed it, or I'd forget to bring along.
 

magster65

Commander
Joined
Sep 1, 2002
Messages
2,573
Re: Battery Jump

Same with me, I needed another battery (switched 1-2-both) to feel safe even though one is probably good enough.
 

MrBill

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 4, 2002
Messages
710
Re: Battery Jump

I have a heavy duty one that I picked up new for about $65. In addition to "jump", it has a light and inflator and can be recharged with AC or DC. In summer it's in the boat, in winter it's in the truck. BoatUS towing is great (I'm a member) but one time last year after anchoring for two hours my engine wouldn't start. In less than 3 minutes I was back in action with a quick jump start. I recommend being prepared.
 

CraigL

Cadet
Joined
Apr 3, 2003
Messages
9
Re: Battery Jump

Mr. Bill,<br />On your portable jump starter battery, you said it can be charge with either AC or DC. Mine is supposed to also. However, when I use the DC Cigarette lighter to charge via either my car or the boat cigarette lighter, charging does not occur or at least it is occuring too slow for me to notice.<br /><br />Have you tried charging you portable with this cigarette lighter adapter?<br /><br />THanks
 

Just Learning

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jan 28, 2003
Messages
33
Re: Battery Jump

I've had one of the jump starters for couple years now, and mainly keep in the truck. Saved me numerous times! Actually saved me in the boat once two, but turned out it was just loose connector, not dead battery. Anyway, I don't leave home without it! :)
 

MrBill

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 4, 2002
Messages
710
Re: Battery Jump

CraigL: I often charge via DC while driving. I don't use the cigerette lighter socket, but rather a DC charger outlet (looks the same except it's "on" all the time) F150 SuperCrew rear utility plug. Yes...it charges slowly...
 

wazzu98

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 5, 2002
Messages
37
Re: Battery Jump

klo, Let me know where you find a good one/good price. I may be in the market for one as well. <br /><br />Good to see some neighbors on the board. I am from up the valley in Grandview.
 

Cobotr

Seaman
Joined
Mar 26, 2003
Messages
69
Re: Battery Jump

We utilized a second battery option. This allows for us to use all our electrical devices through the evening while knowing that the starting battery is ready to go in the a.m.<br /><br />If I was going to spend the money and take up the space in the boat for a portable, we may as well set up something more reliable. <br /><br />We've heard too many stories about the portables inability to start a really dead battery, not just a low battery.
 
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