Booster packs?

[Airslot]

I'm thinking about getting a booster pack to carry on the boat instead of installing a second battery. Would like one with a light and a 12v power supply. Anybody know the good from the bad on these. Don't want junk. Thanks in advance.


Airslot

[macojoe]

I have one that I bought at Wal-Mart and it has been a life saver!!
I had to jump my self once and I have helped at least 4 others that have been stuck!
I love mine cause I like to run my portable live well with it!! No need to tap into the boats main battery's.

I made one mistake in buying the small one I think it is 350 or 400 amps. Go with the largest one you can afford!! I am going to get a 600 amp next season as this one is getting weak after 4 years!

As for make, I have no idea who has the best? But let me no how you make out!! As I will be looking for one also!

Good Luck

[Airslot]

Thanks for the feedback. In my limited research so far I've found that they don't all use the same stats for advertising. Some use peak amps, others cranking amps, and yet others use starting amps which are different than cranking amps. I guess I'm looking for the largest amp / hour battery and highest cranking amps which should also be the heaviest unit. Does anybody think this is a bad idea, as far as not having a second battery?
Airslot

[macojoe]

I only run ine battery and have this as back up!! Been this way for 4 years now, and never have had a problem yet!!

[phatdaddy]

Same as Macojoe, 1 battery and 1 booster. I am in the constuction business and I got one about 4 years ago to start equipment in the field. I have found out that you get a better booster if you avoid the ones with all of the lights and air compressors. I understand the main difference is the ni-cad battery. If you get a lot of goodies you get a cheaper battery. Sam's used to sell a good one, but I haven't been able to find them there in about 2 years. I think I got my last one from Pep Boys.

[Mac_Attack]

I needed one today. Motor would turn over but never fired. *One of the guys in a slip had a charger I could use. *After a little charge it fired right up. *Now I'm wondering a booster pack or a second battery? *Also wondering what could be draining my battery. *All accessories were turned off any ideas? *Bill Mc ;D

[reelapeelin]

Mac, all your accessories were off , but was your ignition off?...if so, it may be time to install a battery switch...that will stop any battery drain you have...how old is the battery?...is fluid level good? Heck, somebody might be stealing your power...just ask MJ...

[Mac_Attack]

Battery is new last year. Took it to a NAPA auto parts store and had it checked. It checked out OK. Ignition key is removed after each use. I'm assuming it has opened on removal. I have thought about installing a perko switch which lead me to start wondering about a second battery or a booster. Have you installed a battery switch? Thanks Bill Mc ;D

[Airslot]

Mac, batteries will discharge somewhat just from sitting. Add in the fact that they are stored in the bildge with a little dust and moisture on the battery top and the process speeds up. I'd install a switch anyway, thats what I'm about to do.
Blue seas makes a nice small on/off battery switch.


Airslot

[Mac_Attack]

Airslot who handles the Blueseas switch. I was thinking of removing each wire separately from the battery. If there was any spark that would narrow my search down. The time span between use was only one week Sunday to Sunday. While running the volt meter reads 14 volts. Thanks Bill Mc ;D

[Airslot]

I believe Boaters World handles the switch. I think it fits a little better than the Perko and has better mounting options.

Airslot

[Seakindly]

A second battery is a second battery. :)

A booster is just a booster. :'(

[Crusher]

Mac Attack, How much rain did you have in your area? Bilge pumps can run your battery down fast, or if float sticks, float may have picked up crap floating in bilge. Cusher ???

[Mac_Attack]

We did have some rain but I store the boat on the trailer with the nose high and the drain plug out. *I did not think of the bilge swich getting stuck. *SK I like the second battery too but I also like being able to use the booster year round. thanks Bill Mc