Need help with my setup

[scecil]

Hey guys I'm new here. Let me start by saying, I don't really have a setup, but its getting there.
:mrgreen:
I just bought a 1436 tracker jon boat. Came with a Minn Kota 30# thrust trolling motor, two interstate marine batteries, and its wired with cargo lights and navigation lights. I have an old 3.5 horse Gamefisher to push it.

I plan to start with the wiring. It needs a little work as none of the lights currently work when plugged to the batteries. The Troller works great.

But after that I'm gonna continue with a deck up toward the front. Then maybe floors and a livewell.

My question pertains to the two battery setup. Every year me and some buddies take a fishing trip that is ~4 days of fishing. It is in a primitive campsite(no power/water) on an island about 2 miles from the nearest...anything.

My problem:

We will in fact be in the middle of nowhere for ~4 days. With no way to charge/re-charge my batteries.

Question:

What are my options here? I've searched around and have yet to find anything. Any help would be appreciated. If I'm asking for something thats not possible, go ahead and give it to me straight.

Thanks alot guys.

I look forward to contributing to the build thread

 

[JMichael]

If none of the group currently owns a small generator or can't borrow one, you might want to consider buying one of those small 2 stroke models.

 

[TNtroller]

that far away from utilities indicates one of the small honda portable generators or similar, I know they are expensive, but sounds like you could use it around the camp as well, have heard a honda before, and they are pretty quiet, but will need gas as well. The honda is a 4 stroke I believe, not much bigger than a 5 gal gas can or smaller. GL

 

[scecil]

I'm going to check out some generators this weekend. Thanks for the idea guys. I know it seems obvious but I never really thought of it. I wouldn't mind spending the extra coin on something I'll keep for ever.

That would also lead me to this question. What kind of battery charger should I pair with a smaller generator? I don't know enough about amps/watts/volts to really understand. If you could point me in a direction on where to learn about some of that I would appreciate it. That way you won't have to take too much time trying to explain it.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

 

[Captain Ahab]

You could also get a solar powered trickle charger - will not charge the batteries very fast but if you were to alternate batteries each day it might be enough to keep you fishing

Again, they will not give a fast charge but they are inexpensive and lightweight

The Generator is the really the best way to get a full charge quickly


OR A reallllllllly long extension cord :mrgreen:

 

[JMichael]

I agree that one of the new line of honda generators would be my first choice if cost wasn't a concern. They are whisper quiet compared to other generators and they're extremely reliable. Cost will be around $600 for the Honda or $200 for the cheap 2 cycle models that come from China. Something like the EU1000i would be perfect for running a charger or other small items.

As far as chargers go, I'd want something like this one. It's got 10/6/2 amp charge rates and it automatically lowers the charge rate as the battery nears peek charge. I like to charge my batteries at the lowest rate that will have it fully charged before morning or whenever I plan to go out fishing again. You wouldn't have that ability since you would be limited to generator power and it wouldn't be realistic to try to run the generator all night. That's the reason I'd go with a charger that had a 10 amp rate.
https://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/product.jsp?productId=prod862838

 

[Jdholmes]

I don't know the specific ins and outs of it, but I read somewhere that those solar charger deals will only give you like ten seconds of juice off an overnight charge.

I think you need like a full size panel to get any actual effectiveness. And that ain't cheap.

 

[scecil]

I don't know the specific ins and outs of it, but I read somewhere that those solar charger deals will only give you like ten seconds of juice off an overnight charge.

I think you need like a full size panel to get any actual effectiveness. And that ain't cheap.

I feel like I read something similar. That they may be used to maintain a battery but not to charge necessarily.

I'll probably end up with a lightweight Honda. I feel like it would have more uses and obviously be more dependable than a Chinese copy.

I'll try and get pictures and start my own build thread once the weather warms up a little.

 

[TNtroller]

how long it takes for the generator/charger to re-charge the boat batts is going to depend on how low the batts are dis-charged from use. I would research how many amps the generator of choice can put out, and then find a charger that is under the max amp output of the generator as you don't overload anything.

 

[Captain Ahab]

I don't know the specific ins and outs of it, but I read somewhere that those solar charger deals will only give you like ten seconds of juice off an overnight charge.

I think you need like a full size panel to get any actual effectiveness. And that ain't cheap.

I was talking about solar not lunar panels :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:


I have read that the do not give a quick charge - i took a look and there are some that will give a 10 or 15 amp charge and should be able to top off a battery - they will take several days to fully charge a battery if not longer

Also, you best hope for sunny days or you are "dead" in the water!


Again, this would be a second choice at best - the generator is the only way you are gonna get a quick charge up