Horizon 190: Add second battery or go with a "jump starter"?

usje141 · **Joined:** Sat Apr 24, 2010 9:22 am **Posts:** 78

We have a H190 and spend quite a bit of time on the hook with a stereo/amp cranking the toons and have never had a problem. However, I find myself worrying none the less that one day we'll be stranded. In order to reduce some of my stress this summer, my first thought was to add a second battery using a Perko switch, figuring the total cost of everything to be $250-$300 and a little bit of time to install.

However, while looking for the necessary components I came across an interesting alternative for about half the cost (http://www.amazon.com/Clore-Automotive- ... auto_img_y). Basically, this Jump-N-Carry provides up to 1700 peak ampere for jump starting, weighs less than 20lbs and holds a charge for up to three months, all for $130.

So, I’m wondering if anyone has any thoughts about a second battery vs. a jump starter? The cost difference is only secondary for me. Does anyone use a jump starter for a back-up? If so, how has it worked out?

Not sure if it’s true but one thing that I read was that having two batteries does not necessarily eliminate the “dead battery” problem because apparently having two of them requires that much more time for the alternator to recharge them. True? Obviously, a jump starter unit also needs to be kept charged in order for it to work, but because I don’t live right on the lake, my boat is garage stored when not in use so recharging would not be a big deal.

After seeing the Jump-N-Carry I’m suddenly on the fence and am looking for some feedback from my fellow boaters. Thanks in advance for your comments!

steve

230 Mike · **Posted:** Sun Apr 14, 2013 1:36 pm

I do both. The jumper pack serves as "belt and suspenders" for myself, as well as giving me the ability to help out a fellow boater and prevent me from having to tow them in. IMO any boat that has the physical space for a dual battery setup ought to have it. Of course that means spending $200-250 every 5 years on new batteries.

Unfortunately, all the tows I've had to do so far weren't the result of dead batteries.

rpengr · **Posted:** Sun Apr 14, 2013 2:24 pm

The Jump starter should work for the scenario where your battery is drained while engine is off (stereo, etc). Would also come in handy for your other vehicles.

It would not help as much as a spare battery in the case of a dead alternator. You might be able to cruise with no alternator for 30 minutes on a spare battery, and only 5 minutes on the jump starter. (these are only guesses, and depends on carb vs F.I., battery size, etc). However, alternator failures are pretty rare. My last boat still had original alternator at 25 years old.

Also, consider the type of boating you do. If you are often hanging out with other friendly boaters, you could be safe without a second battery.

I have dual batteries, and hope to keep alternating their replacement, so that one is newer and one is older.

EvilZ · **Posted:** Sun Apr 14, 2013 2:55 pm

rpengr wrote:

I have dual batteries, and hope to keep alternating their replacement, so that one is newer and one is older.

+1

Walt · **Posted:** Sun Apr 14, 2013 4:30 pm

If you have the room, I recommend dual batts, as I have them. Once a battery starts acting flakey, it'll be OK until more convenient to replace, but great to have an installed spare. However, I also have a similar batt pack (w/ 2x 12V outlets, air pump, and 200w inverter) for camping, which is kept in the car while the boat is out... after all, it's great to have two batts in the boat, unless the car won't start!

LouC · **Posted:** Sun Apr 14, 2013 4:35 pm

I did carry a jump pack back when I first got this boat and it had only a single battery. I have found that the jump packs are not as powerful as advertised, several I have had, were barely powerful enough to crank a vehicle with a discharged battery. A dual battery system (properly installed and maintained) is a much better back up. On a boat that size you could go with 2 group 24 or group 27 dual purpose batteries if you have the room. You can use the simple switch and alternate the use of the batteries, I have done that and had them last at least 5 years. I usually buy Deka gp 27 dual purpose batteries and the last time I don't think I spent more than $80 each on them (sale at a local marine supply shop). Since I have had the dual batt system in I have never gotten stuck not able to start, and this boat sits in salt water half the year.

pickledboater · **Posted:** Sun Apr 14, 2013 5:29 pm

I have carried a jump starter for years and have never had to use it on my boat (knock on wood). Used it quite a bit to help out others, especially on the ramp. Much more convenient than jumper cables.
We do a lot of the same thing, chillin with the stereo playing. One recommendation is when you are, turn off anything that isn't needed (fish finder, GPS, Etc.). I wonder if there is a voltage alarm that one could install to give a little warning???

Jdpber · **Posted:** Sun Apr 14, 2013 7:29 pm

Over the years I have had to use jumper cables, jump boxes, and have been towed and towed many times. I have had to swim and tow the boat to shore out of the channel at night when I picked up water out of a bad Jerry tank. With this said. I have dual battery setup. Cables, a jump box, spare belts, couple spark plugs, assorted tools. Every time I ever need something I am alone or it is night.

Being too prepared there is no such thing.

schoolsOut · **Posted:** Sun Apr 14, 2013 8:11 pm

Any truth to the limited ability for the alternator to charge both batteries? I too plan to add a second battery to my 2005 210. I was going to add a switch and a blue seas isolator so that it could automatically isolate when not charging and combine when charging. One other question to add to the discussion: does it really matter if both batteries are on same side of the boat?

pickledboater · **Posted:** Sun Apr 14, 2013 9:19 pm

You are correct in saying that you can never be too prepared!!!! Its always a bit of a crap shoot each time we take the boats out, but maybe that is part of the adventure.
As far as placement of multiple batteries, it falls into weight displacement and balance just like any other cargo.

Walt · **Posted:** Sun Apr 14, 2013 9:23 pm

schoolsOut wrote:

Any truth to the limited ability for the alternator to charge both batteries? I too plan to add a second battery to my 2005 210. I was going to add a switch and a blue seas isolator so that it could automatically isolate when not charging and combine when charging. One other question to add to the discussion: does it really matter if both batteries are on same side of the boat?

My alt has never had issues, but am normally set to only 1 batt, and rotate each week or outing. As far as location, both of my batts are on the stbd side to have the shortest wiring run, and have a slight list when running with just me in the boat. Thus, I would recommend one port and one stbd.

Jdpber · **Posted:** Sun Apr 14, 2013 9:33 pm

To clarify the Blue Sea ACR it does not combine the batteries unless you flip the switch to both. It takes a voltage reading from each battery and when one dropped it charges that battery. If it were to combine both while charging they would equalize and drain off of to charge the other. Now this said when you flip switch to both, if spare is full then main will only be half and you could drain to bright battery is powerful enough. Best way is all electrical is off a house battery bank and the start battery only starts.

rpengr · **Posted:** Sun Apr 14, 2013 9:54 pm

schoolsOut wrote:

Any truth to the limited ability for the alternator to charge both batteries?

No. You can charge a battery fine with 10 amps. Your alternator is probably 70 amps.

schoolsOut wrote:

I was going to add a switch and a blue seas isolator so that it could automatically isolate when not charging and combine when charging.

Blue Seas isolator is a nice addition for convenience to make sure you charge both batteries, but not necessary if you don't mind using the 1-both-2 switch manually.

schoolsOut wrote:

One other question to add to the discussion: does it really matter if both batteries are on same side of the boat?

Mine are both on Starboard, and Water Tank on Port. Balance is great. Other Models/years are different. Best thing to do is try the weight of the battery on each side before committing. Test while sitting still and cruising.

ric · **Posted:** Sun Apr 14, 2013 10:04 pm

I run a second battery wired in series no switches needed. Made jumpers out of tinned marine wire for $20. 70 amp hours of available power off hook! Run the stereo for 17 hours at full blast and still start the motor no problem. I have a second 225ah house bank totally isolated for A/C and TV that will eventually get its own alternator.

230 Mike · **Posted:** Mon Apr 15, 2013 2:16 am

schoolsOut wrote:

Any truth to the limited ability for the alternator to charge both batteries?

Nope.

schoolsOut wrote:

One other question to add to the discussion: does it really matter if both batteries are on same side of the boat?

With some boats, yes. An example is the 230/240 from 2004 thru about 2009. With one captain (or an unbalanced people load) and the water tank both on the starboard side, and two batteries installed on the same side (and directly over the steepest area of deadrise which exacerbates the problem), many of these boats list. But if the two batteries are moved to the port side, proper balance is restored. So you just have to take a look at where everything is installed in your boat and do some rough calculations. When doing so, remember that if you have two batteries on one side and you move them both to the other side, the net change isn't the weight of the two batteries; it's twice that amount.

www.iFourWinns.com

Horizon 190: Add second battery or go with a "jump starter"?

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