Lights and fishfinder on kayak

[Augoose]

Just thought I'd share....
I picked up a new Field and Stream Eagle Talon 12 fishing kayak. Quite a bit easier to hit the cove for a quick evening of fishing than launching the boat. I installed a Lowrance fish finder which has a .75A draw along with two 12" LED strip lights to serve as navigation lights. The lights draw .12A, so the grand total is .87A of draw. Both of course are 12v.

Instead of using a small 12v marine battery because space on a kayak is important, I decided to use two Ryobi 12V lithium drill batteries which I had lying around. They are super small and extremely light so I made a waterproof connector for my devices and velcro'd the batteries inside the dry storage area of the kayak. I still had the charging base for tbe batteries too which is super convenient. Each battery has a capacity of 2A, so I "should" be able to run both the fish finder and lights at the same time for about two hours if I use one battery, and if I use two I'm good for up to four hours or more. I wired the nav lights to a waterproof switch as well.

Went for a paddle this evening and although I didn't catch anything, both systems worked perfectly.
Anyone else ever used a drill battery for something like this?

 

[joeanna]

those batteries are good for many uses, I've also taken them apart to make smaller "batteries", I use the rechargeable sealed lead acid batteries more though, they come in much better amp capacities. been using a 12volt 8Ah for my portable lights for a while now.

 

[gm280]

I honestly don't know for certain. But if you are out on the water when you need lights, I think you have to have the typical red/green bow lights and a white 360 degree view light illuminated if the hull is moving. :noidea:

However, whatever works is a good idea. You could buy a motorcycle lead acid battery and that would offer more capacity and be easy to recharge. But that is just my thinking. If you are happen with your present battery setup, go for it. JMHO

 

[Augoose]

.... I think you have to have the typical red/green bow lights and a white 360 degree view light illuminated if the hull is moving. :noidea:... JMHO

Sorry, I wasn't clear - the LED lights are Green and Red and I've got an anchor light on the stern as well!
I did consider the motorcycle battery which, as you said, would have a lot more capacity but I couldn't help trying a couple of old drill batteries....

 

[gm280]

Sorry, I wasn't clear - the LED lights are Green and Red and I've got an anchor light on the stern as well!
I did consider the motorcycle battery which, as you said, would have a lot more capacity but I couldn't help trying a couple of old drill batteries....

Okay, I guess I misunderstood your light setup. My fault. :sorry:

Glad you are doing this the proper way. As for the battery setup, whatever works will do. And reusing battery packs for your setup is a ingenious way to reuse those packs. Nothing wrong there what so ever. :thumb:

 

[sam am I]

Generalized rule of thumb as of around just a few years ago, can vary slightly but, as the Crow flies.....

LiPo's have about 3x the energy storage per weight (wh/kg) as compared to lead batts. Also, LiPo's have about 2x the energy storage per volume (wh/l) as compared to lead batts.

However the cost ($/wh), LiPo's 3x Pb...........But your LiPo's are re-purposed right? Then more or less free eh?

Sticking with the LiPo's if ya can and as it sounds you've discovered, your Kayak's energy storage scheme would stay more space and weight efficient over lead batts......

 

[Augoose]

Yup, the lithium batteries were re-purposed and still carry a great charge. I know the number of charges is limited but like you said they are small, lightweight, and carry enough capacity to keep me going for several hours. Out of curiosity, I found replacements on line for $19. Room for expansion!
Thanks all!