Battery Jumper

[jayrat86]

I am researching battery jumpers for my 17ft larson bowrider. I just want to have a backup plan in case my batter dies on me. I found this one at Walmart but can't find much more info on it. Anyone have it.... Also, do you guys keep your jumper plugged in until going to the lake, or do they hold enough charge that I can fully charge it and leave it in the boat until I need it? Thanks in advance for the help.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Schumacher-XP500-Jump-Starter/15140203

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Battery Jumper

Looks pretty close to the one I've had for about 7 years. Mine holds a charge for months at a time if it has not been used. Just need to remember to hit the test button once in a while to see if it is still strong.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Battery Jumper

Battery jumpers are simply low-power lead-acid batteries.

Why not just make sure your battery is good, or install an second battery? If you have a good battery and you know how much power your boat used with the engine off, there should never be a problem. A second battery allows you to run more accessories, while saving one battery for starting the motor.

A jumper is not a good solution IMHO.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Battery Jumper

Battery jumpers are simply low-power lead-acid batteries.

Why not just make sure your battery is good, or install an second battery? If you have a good battery and you know how much power your boat used with the engine off, there should never be a problem. A second battery allows you to run more accessories, while saving one battery for starting the motor.

A jumper is not a good solution IMHO.

2nd battery in a small runabout is not always an option - no place to put it. The jumpers are much more usefull than a second battery, I use mine most frequently to clear the ramp/dock of boats that will not start

 

[jayrat86]

Re: Battery Jumper

I've thought about a 2nd battery but its not practical for me. I dont have that many accessories so 1 battery is more than sufficient. I want the jumper as more of an emergency option for either my own boat or other boats. I also would like to have it as an option for my vehicles when traveling.

 

[BTMCB]

Re: Battery Jumper

The one I carry I think is a Black & Decker that I bought at West Marine for about 90.00 (on sale). It also serves as an air compressor, which I use to watch the trailer tires pressure and top off as necessary. Have never needed it to jump start the boat..................knock wood......but it's there if I need it since I only have one battery onboard.

 

[jmarty10]

Re: Battery Jumper

I have a black and decker battery jumper. Never had to use it. There is a test button on it to make sure it is charged. Its nice insurance on the boat. Agree with having two batteries on a smaller boat, not enought room and too much weight in the back.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Battery Jumper

I've thought about buying a battery jumper pack, but ended up with a set of cheap jumper cables, and they have come in handy, mostly for jumping off other folks dead batteries. I've noticed some folks don't inspect/clean their battery terminals and then the batteries just get weaker, leaves them sitting in the river somewhere. It's always my pleasure to help someone, but some of the boats I've seen really don't look like they're fit for the water. I've towed a lot of folks back to the dock!