Jump Starters

[DIW]

Frustrating day because batteries virtually flat after little use over past weeks.
Can any one advise if there's a 'jump start' unit which is suitable for diesel boat engines ? Maplin sell one rated at 400amp start up power available would this be suitable?
Ian

 

[ShipsWoofy]

What motor you got?

 

[DIW]

KAD32,s

 

[Gordonmc]

I keep a spare battery on board to swap with the cranker if it gets a bit tired. A 90 AH is beefy enough to start my 4 cylinder 1500cc yet small enough to take home for occasional recharge.
The only advantage of a jump starter would be an in-built 240v inverter for soldering irons etc.

 

[ShipsWoofy]

[ QUOTE ]
KAD32,s

[/ QUOTE ]

Ahhh, so we are not talking about a halfords power-pack then.

Do you have two starter batteries, one per engine? I have an extra long jump lead (catamaran) which has been used a couple of times now when I have run down one of the batteries. How likely is it that you would run both flat? As long as you can get one of the motors running starting the other should be a doddle, no?

 

[Guest]

Halfords sold me a Power Pack with Jump leads, 12v ciggy socket, Lamp and test meter .... about 39 quid ........ has a 17A/hr Sealed Cell and starts my Perkins 40HP no problem.

With a jump or PowerPack - I think this is one occasion where a tiny shot of Easy Start can be justified ...(I have no problem using it anyway - but that's me !!) ... to give a help to the donor battery.

 

[tonyleigh]

If you're quick Maplin have them at £19.99 currently. I ordered mine yesterday and it arrived today. Seems a nice bit of kit, re-chargeable from mains or from ship's power, 12V cig socket output and even a compressor for the dinghy if you're so inclined. 400 crank amps / 900 peak amps so should be meaty enough.

 

[PeterGibbs]

I remember this was a special topic in one of the mags some 3-4 years(?) ago. So I went to Argos and got a checked-out starter pack - I purchased a Clarke - great for all sorts of uses - powering an electric inflatable blower for instance! About £45. Go

But you'll have to keep it and your regular battery up to the mark, or...

PWG

 

[Guest]

My pack on mains charger auto cuts off at full charge. So I can leave permamently connected ... it's under my desk at home and every so often the charge light comes on and it trickles back to full and cuts out again.

I'm seriously thinking to have another in office !!

For my weekender boat which has no batterys fitted - it's an excellent power system for gear ... giving me a good days power supply .... without worrying about charging / panels etc. etc.

 

[l'escargot]

[ QUOTE ]
....I went to Argos and got a checked-out starter pack - I purchased a Clarke - great for all sorts of uses - powering an electric inflatable blower for instance! About £45...

[/ QUOTE ]
I bought one of these about five or six years ago when I ran my battery down stuck in Haslar for a few days - it's still going strong. Used to start an old Yanmar 8hp single cylinder no problem and now starts a Perkins 4107 if required.. Goes in the back of the car in the winter and started numerous cars. Always recharged straight after use. I've just ordered a £19.99 from Maplins as a back up, hope it's as good..