[C320-list] Starting Battery

[Dave Anderer]

The more I think about it, the more I think this can be a cost-effective 
solution for a coastal cruiser.  Here is how I'd use the thing:

- Charge the jumpstarter every month or so.  (I've got AC at the slip, 
so no problem.)  Stick it in a locker.  (Will take no more room than a 
3rd battery.)
- Run the house batteries in BOTH.  Don't run them below 40-50%.  (I'm 
installing a battery monitor, and like to keep track of such things.)
- Start the engine using the house batteries.  (Should be possible even 
if they're drained down to 25% or possibly lower.)
- If I really screw up, use the jumpstarter.
- If I really, really, really screw up, call Towboat US or someone.

Now sure, the jumpstarter probably won't start the engine at 30 degrees 
F.  And I wouldn't take this approach if I was going to be sailing to 
Tahiti.  But for coastal work in mild weather, seeing how you can buy 
one of these units for about the cost of a new battery switch, it makes 
sense.  And I can use it for other things during the off-season.

Now likely this is something I'll never use.  It is just insurance.  And 
even if I need it, and it fails, it isn't going to sink the boat.

Jeff Church wrote:
> There has been some discussion on the C36 list about using a portable 
> jumpstart powerpack instead of a dedicated starter battery. Everstart 
> and Xantrex make powerpacks, there are probably many others. They seem 
> like a nice simple solution. Plug them in for a charge every 2 or 3 
> months and you are set. If the house batteries ever drain too low to 
> start the engine, jumpstart the engine with the powerpack and you are 
> back in business. In addition, with the powerpack as a safety you can 
> use your house batteries in parallel (battery switch set to BOTH) and 
> you will not subject them to as deep a cycle as if you ran then 
> individually. Is there a downside to this?