STATUE
Well-Known Member
Has anyone used a car portable Power Pack for boat engines?
What are the issues to look out for before buying one ?
What are the issues to look out for before buying one ?
Power pack to start boat engine ?
- Thread starter STATUE
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HappyAfloat
Well-Known Member
They work very well.
The first time we used one was when we came across a boat drifting with dead batteries 20nm offshore. They had the engine running in minutes. The very same day we were following a similar story on VHF. This time they were drifting in the shipping channel.
We have now upgraded to this one
MSC 18Ah Overland + Waterproof 5v/12v/19v Power bank and 12v jump starter
Personally I think they are an essential backup.
James_Calvert
Well-Known Member
Rather amazed at the specs above. Can start an engine 20 times but only charge a phone 8 times?
Something funny there..
To be sure I don't think my phone stands any chance of starting an engine a couple of times!
Maybe I've misread it?
Something funny there..
To be sure I don't think my phone stands any chance of starting an engine a couple of times!
Maybe I've misread it?
sarabande
Well-Known Member
I fail to see the real value of these commercial power packs. A far more effective solution is to buy a really good rally car battery, e.g. a small Odyssey, keep it charged with a couple of clips on the boat, and have a set of jump leads to hand.
I think you are paying a lot for a plastic frame, and a set of LEDs to show the charge state.
I think you are paying a lot for a plastic frame, and a set of LEDs to show the charge state.
lauriel
New Member
I have two little power packs. I keep one in my car boot, 2 litre petrol engine, one in my boat, 25hp diesel. I have used both. They save a lot of time compared with organising to jump start or parallel house and starter battery.
One is Uniden brand and other non brand from e-bay. I don't know how long they hold charge but last over two months and then take home to top up charge.
One is Uniden brand and other non brand from e-bay. I don't know how long they hold charge but last over two months and then take home to top up charge.
Kilo
Well-Known Member
I think Noco boost is well regarded by those who use this sort of thing all the time; mechanics & the like.
Tranona
Well-Known Member
Agree. The problem of not being able to start an engine is almost always down to bad battery set ups, particularly those that use the 1,2,both setup which does not have a dedicated engine start but uses both batteries for all demands. A dedicated start, particularly a small AGM like an Odyssey or a Red Flash or one of the new car type AGMs if you have the space will last pretty much indefinitely if charged from the alternator via a split charging system. Add a means of switching the house bank to the starter circuit in an emergency and you are unlikely ever to be in a position where you can't start the engine.
William_H
Well-Known Member
The problem with jump start batteries si that you have to remember to keep them charged. Plus the battery will still have a finite life. I think a proper dual battery system (engine and service) in your boat is a far better option. Should be charged always from engine alternator and gives additional power (confidence) for domestic use.
HappyAfloat
Well-Known Member
In my experience, the skipper of a drifting boat appreciates a jump start, a lecture on why he should have never left the pontoon with his battery setup, not so much. ?
fredrussell
Well-Known Member
Those little lithium power pack jump starter things are extraordinary. I watched a chap at work jumpstart his 2 litre diesel van with one. The cell pack itself was the size of two mobile phones laid face to face, so I’m guessing there were no more than eight 18650 cells in there. It’s witchcraft I tell ye!
LiftyK
Well-Known Member
My aged diesel car can be slow to start. To ensure it would start after being parked for a week in freezing temperatures after a holiday in the alps I bought a Noco jump starter. It’s quite compact, easy to use, and holds its charge for ages.
When going on sailing holiday I transfer the Noco jumper from car to boat as insurance against unforeseen starter battery problems. I’ve yet to need it but it does bring peace of mind while taking up very little space.
When going on sailing holiday I transfer the Noco jumper from car to boat as insurance against unforeseen starter battery problems. I’ve yet to need it but it does bring peace of mind while taking up very little space.
Scomber
Well-Known Member
We've the same thing , used on car when battery was failing. Used on neighbours car when stuff left on. So small , easy to put on boat as a back up / for others use/ or phone / other usb stuff in an emergency.
Tranona
Well-Known Member
Of course - but not unreasonable to point out that there are ways of avoiding getting into that situation in the first place and having to rely on others to get you out of the situation.
Ian_Edwards
Well-Known Member
Like others I have 2, one in the car, the other on the boat. I've used both.
An internal light was left switch on in the car, probably accidentally knock, whilst unloading. 2 two weeks later, battery not completly dead, ignition lights came on, but just a click. The pocket size lithium pack started a 2L diesel easily.
On the boat it was used to start a friends boat, when they a problem with the dynastart, welded contacts in the regulator.
Not expensive, small and light, charge from a USB socket. My thoughts were "why not, just in case".
They do seem to have a high self discharge rate.
And you have to remember that although the current is high, it's only for a few seconds, so it's not a lots of charge. A mobile phone is takes a relatively small current, but for a long period, which could be a lot of charge.
An internal light was left switch on in the car, probably accidentally knock, whilst unloading. 2 two weeks later, battery not completly dead, ignition lights came on, but just a click. The pocket size lithium pack started a 2L diesel easily.
On the boat it was used to start a friends boat, when they a problem with the dynastart, welded contacts in the regulator.
Not expensive, small and light, charge from a USB socket. My thoughts were "why not, just in case".
They do seem to have a high self discharge rate.
And you have to remember that although the current is high, it's only for a few seconds, so it's not a lots of charge. A mobile phone is takes a relatively small current, but for a long period, which could be a lot of charge.
colind3782
Well-Known Member
I used one to give the battery a helping hand when the boat had been out on the hard for five months in March. Did the job very well and it's no bigger than my phone. Unlike a spare battery etc., I can carry it in my pocket and as hand luggage on the aircraft.
R.Ems
Well-Known Member
Exactly, why not just buy a suitable battery and jump leads, and keep for emergencies?
colind3782
Well-Known Member
See my post #16.
fredrussell
Well-Known Member
I guess because it’s the 21st century and battery technology is moving on. Why have a comparatively large and heavy battery when you can have a much smaller and much lighter one?
LiftyK
Well-Known Member
As if by magic….
Having returned today from three days of cruising, I was sitting in my cockpit when I heard my neighbour struggling to get his Yamaha 50 four-stroke outboard to start. I retrieved my jump starter battery, which had not been charged for at least three months. In seconds the engine was running. This was the first time the jump starter had been used to recover from a flat battery. I was mightily chuffed.
Having returned today from three days of cruising, I was sitting in my cockpit when I heard my neighbour struggling to get his Yamaha 50 four-stroke outboard to start. I retrieved my jump starter battery, which had not been charged for at least three months. In seconds the engine was running. This was the first time the jump starter had been used to recover from a flat battery. I was mightily chuffed.