Starting A Flat Battery

[Andy Moore]

The last time we used the RIB, it seemed that the auto bilge pump had run the battery down.

In anticipation of this happening again, I was thinking of getting on of those portable battery packs.

Any advice on best makes, power etc appreciated.

--Andy

[Jeff]

Hi Andy,
I bought a cheaper (£20) battery pack c/w compressor a couple of years ago but just "upgraded " to this to power an electric winch on my trailer ........ the old one gave up the ghost when pushed to the task
Not sure whether this would spin an opti with a dead flat battery but it seems to fit the bill based upon a 2.5lts diesel ? ... and the 1m leads are a help
A bit heavy at 17kg though

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/product...0&r=3204&g=107

jeff

[Andy JC]

Hi Andy

I've been using a Xantrex powerpack 300 for the last year and would highly recommend it! Has a built in 300w inverter and should power up your Opti with no problems (starts my mates 3.0L Merc diesel van ok). They're of Canadian manufacture and are far superior to the China made ones on Ebay (I had one that died after a few months).
Halfords are selling them re-badged with their own name on, might be worth paying your local branch a visit. Just make sure you go for one of the beefier version as they do make weaker ones.
The manufacturer's website is www.xantrex.com but seems to be down at the moment.

Hope this helps

Andy

[Andy Moore]

Originally Posted by Andyboy

Hi Andy

I've been using a Xantrex powerpack 300 for the last year and would highly recommend it! Has a built in 300w inverter and should power up your Opti with no problems (starts my mates 3.0L Merc diesel van ok). They're of Canadian manufacture and are far superior to the China made ones on Ebay (I had one that died after a few months).
Halfords are selling them re-badged with their own name on, might be worth paying your local branch a visit. Just make sure you go for one of the beefier version as they do make weaker ones.
The manufacturer's website is www.xantrex.com but seems to be down at the moment.

Hope this helps

Andy

Sounds interesting. How does one charge these things up? And how many start-ups do you think it could do before it required re-charging?

Just trying to get a handle on the functionality really.

--Andy

[Andy Moore]

What about this one?

[Andy JC]

Originally Posted by Andy Moore

How does one charge these things up?

You can charge it from the mains or a 12v cigar lighter socket, both chargers came with the unit.

Originally Posted by Andy Moore

And how many start-ups do you think it could do before it required re-charging?

Not sure exactly how many start-ups you could do on one charge, it would really depend on how long the stater motor is turning over for. I'd take a guess at a few times though. It seems to hold charge well (has a charge status indicator on the side) as I can leave it in the boot un-used for a few months and it still shows full capacity when I go back to use it again. The 240v inverter comes in very handy for cirtain situations - keeps the girlsfriend happy using her hair straighteners when camping

Oh yeah, and their website's back up and running again. Here's a LINK to the model I have.

Any more questions.. give me a shout

[Searider]

Second battery in the boat?

[codprawn]

Just buy the heaviest one going at the best price - the heavier it is the bigger the battery it will contain.

Alternatively buy a 12v car battery - rig up a carrying case - and get some jump leads!!!

[Alice]

If the battery has been totally discharged for a period of time it's prob knackered.

[MarkM]

@Andy Moore: I've one of those 900 Peak Amp. You can use it three times at the most. It helped me out one time. The other four times not! In winter it's no use.
I got a bigger battery in the boat now and take it home, the coldest part of the winter.

[Rogue Wave]

Originally Posted by Searider

Second battery in the boat?

Eveytime should be mandatory!