How to keep batteries full while on the lake?

[mikeLL28]

I need some help you guys.
Im am new to this thread but not new to boats.

i am rebuilding a 2000 25 ft crest pontoon boat with a 1998 90HP evinrude and i want to make it a straight party boat with a lot of flashing lights and speakers and tvs and maybe even add some dj equipment.

i was wonder how i would power all those electronics/eqiupment while im on the lake.
I was thinking about solar panels but im mainly going to be partying at night. i was also thinking about a marine generator but those can be costly, heavy and loud.

what do yall guys think

 

[lncoop]

Re: How to keep batteries full while on the lake?

With all that stuff I suspect a generator would be the only way. They're pricey, but there are some really quiet ones on the market. Ask a mod to move your thread over to the electronics section. You'll get a lot more useful input over there. Good luck. Sounds like she'll be the place to be when she's done.

 

[captain zac]

Re: How to keep batteries full while on the lake?

Honda Gen.

 

[Silver Eagle]

Re: How to keep batteries full while on the lake?

Dual batteries and a couple of heavy duty solar panels

 

[kenny40391]

Re: How to keep batteries full while on the lake?

i have a 1500 watt power inverter that will run 6 lights and a blower on a heating stove for about 20 hours on one deepcycle battery it has 3 outlets on it with a couple good batteries you should be good to go for a night or two..

 

[calvinator]

Re: How to keep batteries full while on the lake?

My other toy is a motorhome, battery power is always a discussion point.

Read this: http://www.marxrv.com/12volt/12volt.htm

You have two options.

(2) Two 6v deep cell batteries wired in series connected to a DC-AC inverter. Batteries can be bought at costco ~ $100 ea. Inverter $80-$200. Easily 2 days of battery power here. Just make sure you know how much power you'll need and get the right sized inverter. you could also use 12v batteries, just make sure there is enough amp-hours for what you need.

or you could buy a 2000watt Honda/Yamaha generator -- $1500+

There are less expensive generators too, but most of them are loud, like standing next to a running lawn mower or leaf blower.

 

[mxfever]

Re: How to keep batteries full while on the lake?

I need some help you guys.
Im am new to this thread but not new to boats.

i am rebuilding a 2000 25 ft crest pontoon boat with a 1998 90HP evinrude and i want to make it a straight party boat with a lot of flashing lights and speakers and tvs and maybe even add some dj equipment.

i was wonder how i would power all those electronics/eqiupment while im on the lake.
I was thinking about solar panels but im mainly going to be partying at night. i was also thinking about a marine generator but those can be costly, heavy and loud.

what do yall guys think

Sign me up! That sounds like one heck of a party!

You could go either way. Batteries or generator. It's all going to depend on the amount of juice you're going to draw. Take your large rv's for example. You can run either off a generator or 6v batteries in series with an inverter. Most RV "house" batteries will recharge off of the alternator or by plugging into shore power. You'll have to figure out a way to recharge them if you do go with only batteries.

Please do post pictures when your done!

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: How to keep batteries full while on the lake?

Forget the solar panels. You will need to calculate your power requirements and then either purchase enough deep cycle batteries to supply this need or either a generator. I recommend the batteries because even a quiet Honda generator will be noisy on the water.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: How to keep batteries full while on the lake?

Also forget the alternator on the outboard. Also forget solar panels. Also confused about the noisy generator. Seems to me with all the audio equipment you will be making far more noise than the generator (which is the only practical solution by the way). Your solution depends on the 1 hour maximum current draw multiplied by the maximum number of hours that load must be operated.

 

[5150abf]

Re: How to keep batteries full while on the lake?

Be ready to be boarded, with the load music and flashing lights you are going to be saying "Come and get me" to any water cops around.

Also there are some pretty tight restrictions on what lights you can run at night, hopefully someone on the boat will stay sober to play the captain when you get stopped, alot.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: How to keep batteries full while on the lake?

Seems to me with all the audio equipment you will be making far more noise than the generator (which is the only practical solution by the way).

Very god point Silvertip.