Depth Finder

[atlas51]

I just installed a fishmark 320 on my jon boat. I don't want to hook it up to the starter battery that runs the engine and the trolling motor. I have a perfectly good automotive battery that I don't use for anything. I was wondering how long the battery would support this fish finder on a fishing trip. I don't want to have to buy another battery if I don't have to. Thanks!

 

[kandil]

Re: Depth Finder

I heard some people use it all season I think you should be able to use it a few tripes before you need to recharge it.
the only way to find out is to try

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Depth Finder

I just installed a fishmark 320 on my jon boat. I don't want to hook it up to the starter battery that runs the engine and the trolling motor. I have a perfectly good automotive battery that I don't use for anything. I was wondering how long the battery would support this fish finder on a fishing trip. I don't want to have to buy another battery if I don't have to. Thanks!

Perfect solution for you...depth finders are voltage sensitive, not too concerned about cranking amps!

Like kandil said...you will learn from trying. Since your auto battery will NOT be tied into your charging system...you just need to keep it 'topped' off between trips.

 

[67Johnson6HP]

Re: Depth Finder

I bought a lawnmower battery (learned about this here) to use for my fishfinder. I just charge it up when I charge my other batteries - don't take long as the FF has very little battery drain.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Depth Finder

I bought a lawnmower battery (learned about this here) to use for my fishfinder. I just charge it up when I charge my other batteries - don't take long as the FF has very little battery drain.

Never heard this before...but sounds like a great way to cut down on 'dead' weight!

I like the idea of having a second cranking battery aboard...since I have an I/O, and AAA doesn't cover a jump start 10 miles out in the Gulf....

 

[John_S]

Re: Depth Finder

Your car battery will be fine, but that is a lot of extra weight in most jon boats. Lawnmower or motorcycle battery is plenty. If you have pull start along with elec start (not the emergency rope start), I wouldn't worry about using the starter battery. Any small outboard that is tuned-up yearly should start with a pull or two.

PS: I missed the trolling motor. You are better off getting a deep-cycle for trolling and fishfinder. or for now, use the car battery for starter duty, and current battery for troll/fish.

 

[Nandy]

Re: Depth Finder

I would be more worried about the trolling motor draining your battery than the fishfinder. If you are really worried about draining your battery you need a second battery, preferably a deepcycle. If you can set up your deep cycle battery up front that will be better.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Depth Finder

Why would you add a third battery (and its weight) when you already have two of them, either of which will power the locator just fine. Locators take very little power. Hook it to the starting battery and go fishing.

 

[Nandy]

Re: Depth Finder

Why would you add a third battery (and its weight) when you already have two of them, either of which will power the locator just fine. Locators take very little power. Hook it to the starting battery and go fishing.

I think he only has one battery right now.

 

[arks]

Re: Depth Finder

I've rigged my sounder to work from 8- D cell flashlight batteries (1.5 volts each x 8 cells= 12 volts).
I got the entire season out of 1 set, mostly weekend use.

 

[Shizzy]

Re: Depth Finder

I have mine wired to a lawn tractor battery. I ran it all summer and it never needed a charge.

deep cycle for the trolling motor and lawn tractor battery for the finder.