Using "power pack" for electric power on CP-16

[Cevin c Taylor]

Hello:
I have yet to really use any of the lights or anything else electric on my '83 CP16.  However, I might at some point need to do so, and would like to know that I have power for lights should I need them.  It seems like a waste to buy another car battery or something like that, not to mention the hassle of lugging something that heavy onto the boat, stowing it inside, etc.  I was wondering if anyone has used one of the "power pack" type devices that are mainly sold as emergency jump starters for vehicles.  In case you're not familiar with what I'm talking about, below is a link to one from Harbor Freight.  The avantage I see is that they have a built in battery meter, are easily portable, easy to recharge, and have some other features that might be handy (mine has a built in air compressor, built in light, etc.).  Besides the two leads for jumping a car, it has a cigarette style plug in it.   I imagine that would be the way to hook up the power supply to the boat.  Also, I carry it in my truck anyway, so it's readily available, not something else I have to think of bringing.  I don't think this would be great for any extended trip, but it seems like it would be OK to throw in the boat for an overnight sail or something like that.  Anyone tried it?
http://www.harborfreight.com/5-in-1-portable-power-pack-96157.html

[capt_nemo]

Carried one on a large boat as an emergency back-up for engine starting. Carried it on a Motorhome for the same purpose. Did not use it regularly to power anything but don't see why it could not be used as you described on a small boat. Just remember to keep it charged up and don't subject it to large current drains over a long period of time.

And, together with a small inexpensive Inverter (around 300 Watts) the combo serves as a source of AC Power for a variety of useful small appliances.

capt_nemo

[NateD]

There was a guy who used a couple jump packs for power on his 15' potter, so it has been done before. I don't see any reason not to.

http://svbluepeter.com/tetra-mods2009.htm

[rwdsr]

I've got a Sears Diehard that my wife bought me for Christmas one year.  I used it last year on my 16, and this year to run a fan and the depthfinder on my Catalina.  I ran a 12v fan all night for two nights on it this summer and it worked just fine.  I also charge up my GPS and cell phone with it.  I wouldn't go out without it.

BobD

[ontarioSuncat]

I use a power pack from zantrex for my suncat. I think it is the 600 model, works great for VHF radio (standby with aprox 5 minutes tx a day), and GPS (garmin 76CSx-5 hrs day) and some led lights(2Hr /day). I use a 5 Watt solar to keep it charged. I ran it for three weeks without charging it from 120V and it said it was at 100% at the end of the trip.

[DaveE]

As a trailer sailor, a  lawnmower battery plus a small trickle charger works for me in my 16. They are placed where the portapotty was located. When I get home I just hang the cord over the side and plug 'er in.  Haven't needed it but I'm sure a solar charger would work for  trips. The down side would be the need to run the sump pump for an extended period of time.

[MKBLK]

Wolverine - That looks like a really neat (and useful) piece of equipment. I haven't used the lights on my CP16 yet (only had it since July), but plan on over-nighting some time next spring. I do use a car battery to power my MinnKota which I use just for leaving and returning to the ramp, but didn't want to run wiring from the stern to the panel forward to power the lights. I have a "Rally" Boost It that I picked up from Pep Boys for about $20.00, but it doesn't seem to have much pep. I did use it once to start my car, however, that was in summer. I have my doubts about winter use. I'm going to seriously consider the Harbor Freight offering. I really like that it has a voltmeter on it to determine how much life is left. It'll be great for the lights, air compressor (for air mattress and tender) and charging my PDA, etc.

Marty K.

BTW - If you have a copy of "Sailing" magazine, you may find a Harbor Freight coupon worth 20 percent off!