Electrical Power Source

[Brent]

"Imagination" now has running lights. The wiring was substantially improved based on input from forum members. thanks.

Now I am looking for a power supply to run the lights. I am considering one of these portable car jump/DC power supply units. The lights draw just a few watts, so I dont need a huge battery to to deliver a few hours of night sailing. Opinions on these portable power supplies versus deep cycle battery plus charger units?

[Joe Nelson CS#35]

Brent,

Are you using LED lights? They draw such a low current that you could use most anything for a power.

The biggest problem with any battery that is not used regularly is charging. I know of people who have had one of those jumpers in their car and when they needed it...it was dead too.

Personally I would probably look at a small riding lawn mower battery ($20 at WalMart) and a good on-board charger that you can plug in and continuously charge at home. The newer chargers that monitor and charge (as needed) increase battery life over the ones that continuously trickle-charge. Then just unplug and go without any worries. Make sure you unplug before driving off. LOL.

Joe

[Gordy Hill]

I've used a snowmobile battery, about the same size as a lawnmower battery, but with a handy handle. It was only in the boat when I was in it.

If you're going to wire the boat anyway, I'd strongly recommend a fishfinder. They're cheaper than a depth finder and have bigger numbers.

I have a Hummingbird on a small skiff and it's happy with a 6 volt lantern battery. They use very little power.

Gordy

"If at first you don't succeed, skydiving may not be for you."

[Kudzu]

Hey Brent. Do you have any photos? I would like to see what you came up with. Planning my boat in my head and running lights are a must! Nothing like night time sailing!

[mustangermatt]

I happened to see some portable lights in Walmart the other day. They looked somewhat like a large flash light that cliped into a mount. They used several D cells.

Since I like to sleep at night the only time these would be used is if I get where I am going later than planed (likely on a boat without an engine :-)

This is in keeping with the whole objective of my project, which is simplicity. No engine, no electronics, no electrical system.

[mustangermatt]

Brad, I think you missed my point :-)

[Brent]

After considering all perspectives, the answer came to me this afternoon. D cells aint gonna cut it. The agm batteries are great, but way overkill for what I need. For now I am going with a lawn mower battery. When not sailing, I will keep the battery charged by storing it in ...the lawn mower.