Jump Starter Pack

[Trim]

Who carries a jump starter pack in their boat? Been thinking about getting one just to ease the mind. Have never had any issues myself but have had to help someone with a dead battery before.

 

[roffey]

I did for a while but unfortunately when I did need it, it was not charged as I kept it in the boat.

 

[Alumarine]

I always do but I make sure it's fully charged and I also load test it once a year.
I often boat in remote areas with no help available.

 

[Trim]

What size do you use Marc c? And for what size boat? Trying to decide what to get. I have a 25 foot regal Volvo 300hp

 

[Alumarine]

What size do you use Marc c? And for what size boat? Trying to decide what to get. I have a 25 foot regal Volvo 300hp

It's the the case style with a handle.
450 amps starting power 900 peak amps. It uses an 18AH AGM battery.

I have a 4 cyl I/O.
It will turn over a V8 that has a run down battery.

None of them will start a motor that doesn't start well.
They work well with a well maintained motor with a dead battery.

 

[roffey]

.. and to expand on what Marc said, the cranking power is not that long, mine was about 30 sec. As Marc said if it does not start in that small window you are on to back up plan "B"

 

[Sprig]

As has been said you get a short burst of power from a jump starter pack and if your boat doesn't start immediately you are out of luck. If you are really concerned get an extra battery. The extra battery will last many years and you can use it for various things. I have an extra battery in my boat I use to power my downriggers but can be used to start my boat. I also have another extra battery for other purposes in my boat. Just be sure to check the charges a few times a year.
You can wire the 2 batteries in parallel series and that will increase the capacity greatly.

 

[Trim]

Good info guys.

I've been thinking about getting the duel battery set up. We usually boat somewhere and hang out all day listening to music, always afraid about running battery down that way.

 

[Jcris]

Yeah the second battery seems a good thought. Use it to power just accessories like the radio. When it dies you know the starting battery will be good
You can also rig it so when you're motor is running the alternator will keep both charged

 

[muskyfins]

I have a 1500 amp pack from my days plowing snow. The crank time is significantly longer than 30 seconds, but it's about a $150 unit. We kept them in the trucks and it will start a problem diesel in the middle of winter. The key is keeping it charged between boating trips. The one I have will charge from the 12 volt system on the boat when it is finially running.