will my idea work?

funk6294

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 26, 2009
Messages
294
Re: will my idea work?

Could your idea work??? Perhaps, but it is a lot more hassle then you need it to be. I would look at something like the Sure Power 1314. This is a switch that monitors the main battery voltage and will connect the two batteries as long as the main is above 13.2 volts (also read as charging), once it drops below this it will disconnect the two batteries which keeps the main charged and allows the secondary to discharge. While this will protect the main, it does not solve the fact that it is still a losing proposition when you look at how many amps the outboard puts out vs how many amps are being drawn from the battery. At 9 amps vs a 45 amp draw all it would do is delay the inevitable slightly. It would however autmaticlly charge the battery when you are cruising on the main engine between spots.
 

The Hammer

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 30, 2010
Messages
123
Re: will my idea work?

They put out a couple hundred mili amps aimed at the sun when aimed perfectly. They are only used as a battery maintainer and not a charger.

Yep, didn't think it was much, for the OP application the best bet is a extension cord out to the dock with the charger, when the batt dies its time to come home.:D
 

EricJRW

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 3, 2010
Messages
488
Re: will my idea work?

If it was really important, you could always go with a BIGGER panel.

This one (three 15 watt panels = 45 watts) does 3000 mA and is on sale for $169.99:

http://www.harborfreight.com/45-watt-solar-panel-kit-90599.html

Description

Three 15 watt solar panels generate plenty of clean, quiet energy, using solar energy from the sun to run TVs, lights, computers, even recharge 12 volt DC batteries. Simply connect the solar panels to your own 12 volt DC storage battery, and then use at least a 300 watt power inverter (not included) to power your 120 volt AC appliances anywhere.

■Weatherproof solar power center works under all light conditions
■Includes 3, 6, 9 and 12 volt DC adapter outlets
■Easy-to-read LED charge indicator
■Includes mounting hardware, lights, 12 volt DC socket and battery clamps
 

dustedwatts

Seaman
Joined
May 12, 2010
Messages
69
Re: will my idea work?

If your boat can handle more weight, 2 6v deep cycle golf cart batteries may have the reserve amps your after. would probably last for 4 or 5 days continuous running of your troller......BUT they are about 80 lbs each.\


oh and VERY expensive 140. each were i work!
 

overkill

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 17, 2008
Messages
37
Re: will my idea work?

They put out a couple hundred mili amps aimed at the sun when aimed perfectly. They are only used as a battery maintainer and not a charger.

the small ones only maintain, most of the panels that are more then 2 sq feet will charge nicely(around 10W and up) but you are still talking hours of charge time.
to the OP, i think you miss understand about the onboard chargers. they dont charge the boat while you are on the water, they still just plug in to the wall when you get back home.
as others have said, best solution is to get bigger or more batts. i have a 52lb thrust motor pushing my 20' fiberglass CC with a middle of the road deep cycle(dont know the AH off hand) but i'v never actualy run it dead.

now you COULD get a mid sized solar panel to extend your batts life, but you wont be charging it while you are useing it. I keep a solar panel in my boat, went out a few weeks ago and starting batt was dead, could barly turn the engine once. i ziped out to my fishing spot with the trolling motor and hooked up the solar panel. 3 hours later the starting batt was at full charge and i drove back with the main engine.
 

bruceb58

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 5, 2006
Messages
30,549
Re: will my idea work?

I keep a solar panel in my boat, went out a few weeks ago and starting batt was dead, could barly turn the engine once. i ziped out to my fishing spot with the trolling motor and hooked up the solar panel. 3 hours later the starting batt was at full charge and i drove back with the main engine.
Sorry but that is impossible. If you had a 50A hour capacity battery you would have to charge it at close to 20A to get it fully charged in 3 hours. You would have needed a sloar charger that puts out 300 Watts. Since you can possibly get about 10 Watts per square foot(very efficient panel), you would have needed a panel that was 30 square feet in area.
 

EricJRW

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 3, 2010
Messages
488
Re: will my idea work?

Maybe the correct statement would be, "Charged enough to start the motor."?
 

overkill

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 17, 2008
Messages
37
Re: will my idea work?

never said the batt was stone dead, if i member right it was at 11.something volts when i left the dock and 12.6-7 volts when i started the engine.

oh, and it was noonday sun w/no clouds so optimum charging conditions.
 
Top