Battery jumper questions

[Uid4iboats]

I am looking for a portable battery jumper for my yamaha 115 hp. The manual indicates it needs to be 380 cca minimum. I am trying to understand how to translate this into the various modelas that I see online...some state 500'starting amps, others state 1200 peak amps, others use ca, etc. my goal is to fine a jumper that also has a 12v outlet. Any feedback on helping me understand what the 380 translates into in ca or starting amps or peak amps would be appreciated? Also any recommendations for a jumper?

 

[MTboatguy]

I picked up a jumper box back in December from Harbor Freight for $39 bucks on one of their specials, I got to use it the first night back when I returned from my fathers to start my plow truck, which is a Diesel 4x4 Dually, no problems at all jumping it, it does take a while to charge it back up after you use it, but as long as you keep it charged it worked fine. Just to add, when I jumped the plow truck, it was 4 degrees above zero, snowing and blowing and I was able to get it started without the benefit of the engine block heater.

The one I bought has 400 CCA and 900 peak amps, has a work light as well as a 12v power port, for what I paid, being able to start the truck one time in the middle of winter made it worth it to me!

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-volt...ply-38391.html

Also, here is a link on the Optima battery companies page that has some good information about CCA as well as other things:

http://www.optimabatteries.com/en-us/experience/power-source/what-does-cold-cranking-amps-cca-mean/

 

[Uid4iboats]

Thanks...thats some good information. So if Im reading that article right, as long as I get a jumper that has peak amps greater than the mca of the battery - ill be fine?

 

[lil' beaver]

We have been using a Powerall PBJS1200R Rosso jump box for awile now. very small and easily starts my 140 evinrude as well as my v8 dodge ram. Also has plenty of power to run my power winch to crank my 21' boat onto the trailer. No 12v outlet on it though. Its around $80 on amazon.

 

[smokeonthewater]

What are you wanting to do?

Are you wanting to use a jump pack instead of a battery????? Or just as a boost if you let it get too low?

 

[Uid4iboats]

Primarily as a backup to jump a dead battery.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Ok soooo then it doesn't matter what specific size but of course the bigger the better...

Now in case you don't know any time you let any lead acid battery get below 50% capacity you are severely shortening it's life....

If you expect to be running your battery down then your money would be much better spent on a second much larger deep cycle battery for accessories and leave the starting battery just for starting.