| West Wight Potter Owner's Home Port Technical Articles __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ |
On my per-cruise shopping list, I always buy a package of 24 "AA" batteries "just in case".
So I tend to shut off the boat lights and light up some small "AA" Lanterns. If I need just a little airflow, I
won't turn on the "big" 12V fan, I'll run little "AA" powered fans.
Going from the Group 24 battery to a 17 Amp jump start battery made me rethink my power usage, and
alternative methods of recharging what batteries I have on board.
Instead of my big boom box running off of 12V, I now play my ipod through a set of mini Ipod speakers. I
have a "AA" powered LED 360 degree lantern I use for anchoring, It lasts a few weeks on a single set
of batteries.
My first Jumpstart battery made 6 years then sold the boat with the battery. Most of my trips I just use
the one battery, but can also rig up two Jumpstart batteries if I need them.
I keep the batteries at home on my workbench, charged and ready to go. Also use them at home for
portable power supplies. I converted all my battery electric drills to run on 12v via a cord. Just some
thoughts.
Here is my one JumpStart electrical system. A second JumpStart can be added if deemed necessary.
So I tend to shut off the boat lights and light up some small "AA" Lanterns. If I need just a little airflow, I
won't turn on the "big" 12V fan, I'll run little "AA" powered fans.
Going from the Group 24 battery to a 17 Amp jump start battery made me rethink my power usage, and
alternative methods of recharging what batteries I have on board.
Instead of my big boom box running off of 12V, I now play my ipod through a set of mini Ipod speakers. I
have a "AA" powered LED 360 degree lantern I use for anchoring, It lasts a few weeks on a single set
of batteries.
My first Jumpstart battery made 6 years then sold the boat with the battery. Most of my trips I just use
the one battery, but can also rig up two Jumpstart batteries if I need them.
I keep the batteries at home on my workbench, charged and ready to go. Also use them at home for
portable power supplies. I converted all my battery electric drills to run on 12v via a cord. Just some
thoughts.
Here is my one JumpStart electrical system. A second JumpStart can be added if deemed necessary.
| Saving Battery Power when Cruising by Jack Mayer, H23.5, F-5, Clearmont, Florida |
