[C320-list] Starting Battery

[Bill Culbertson]

Be sure it has enough oompf.  
   
  I had been thinking of doing the same thing as you.  Then I finally tested the jumpstarter that I have with the main batteries disconnected.  It wouldn't even turn the Yanmar 3GM30F over let alone start it.  It was probably 80dF outsite as well.
   
  The jumpstarter I have does not indicate what its power is and I can't find that data on the web for it.
   
   -bill
  
Dave Anderer <danderer at udel.edu> wrote:
  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?

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