Solar Chargers

[Evil Sports]

who has positive experience with these? I often run my music for long periods of time without starting the boat. I have never had a problem but it only makes sense to have a solar charger on board if they really actually work. Links are appreciated

 

[jcyamaharider]

My boat came with them and I have not put my boat on the charger yet. We cove out for about 4-5 hours at a time running my stereo ( 4 amps ) at about 1/4-to 1/2 volume. 2 group 29 batteries together for the stereo and a group 24 for starting.

 

[Gym]

who has positive experience with these? I often run my music for long periods of time without starting the boat. I have never had a problem but it only makes sense to have a solar charger on board if they really actually work. Links are appreciated

Solar chargers are fine for long term charging but if you run your batteries too low to start a jump box would be the best way to get going again. This box can reside in your boat during the summer and your car/truck during the rest of the year. I have rescued as many drivers as boaters/jet skiers with mine.
Solar panels are ok for long term charging.

 

[jcyamaharider]

^^^^^^ I have a jump pack on my boat also.

 

[Zizzou 192]

We use a 15w battery tender solar panel charge controller all in one unit wired through the 12v outlet, roped on top of the cover to the center cleat. Theoretically this should provide a 1.5A trickle charge during daylight hours.

Left boat alone in wet slip for a month (June) with bilge on

Started up with no delay two days ago

 

[Matt Phillips]

I set up a solar charger for my 09 232 that always kept the house battery charged when wet slipped at the lake. Here's the write up I did a few years back on it: https://jetboaters.net/threads/solar-battery-charger-install-w-pics.3414/#post-60050.

As others have said, the 15w chargers will provide a good trickle, but not necessarily enough juice to overcome music going for hours.

 

[Jgorm]

I use 110v smart chargers where i have power, but solar where i don't. Even the cheap hf ones work well.

 

[props2you]

My boat came with them and I have not put my boat on the charger yet. We cove out for about 4-5 hours at a time running my stereo ( 4 amps ) at about 1/4-to 1/2 volume. 2 group 29 batteries together for the stereo and a group 24 for starting.

@jcyamaharider I have the 2 stock batteries and curious how you added the 3rd battery, we do the same thing and often find the batteries pretty low near the end of the 4-5 hour mooring stint running the radio constantly with the sound system. Is the 3rd battery worth it? I also keep a antigravity jumper pack in the boat.

 

[Evil Sports]

How many amps does it take to turn our 1.8s, or more important how many amp jump pack is needed

 

[jcyamaharider]

@jcyamaharider I have the 2 stock batteries and curious how you added the 3rd battery, we do the same thing and often find the batteries pretty low near the end of the 4-5 hour mooring stint running the radio constantly with the sound system. Is the 3rd battery worth it? I also keep a antigravity jumper pack in the boat.

I will snap a pic tonight. They are shoe horned in there. Absolutely worth the hassle if you are primary music boat of the group.

 

[props2you]

I will snap a pic tonight. They are shoe horned in there. Absolutely worth the hassle if you are primary music boat of the group.

A pic would be fantastic!! Thank you @jcyamaharider You just run the second house battery parallel to original and be done? (mount the battery etc. of course)

 

[jcyamaharider]

yep

 

[jcyamaharider]

@sofakingbig So here is the battery compartment. I had to pull out the battery trays to make room. I found an oil spill mat that was rubber coated on one side and cut it into an "L" shape and then put new battery tie downs over the new batteries. I wanted to make sure I was protected in case the batteries did boil over. 2 group 29's are the Stereo and group 24 for starting.

 

[props2you]

@jcyamaharider Perfect, thanks! Yeah I have a bit more room since I do not have the ballasts.

 

[Zizzou 192]

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong here, but this is what I seem to remember from lurking on various boat, waverunner, and automotive forums to figure out how the stock 1.8L charging system works:

Some guy measured 70A peak current draw for about 5 seconds to start a waverunner, which I assumed to be the 1.8L.

The starting circuit is not fused and is activated by a solenoid which is fused.

There is a generator not an alternator that the 1.8L uses to recharge the battery...at 40A! I assume this is unfused as well.

 

[Jgorm]

Sounds accurate. Car starters can pull 100s of amps. Diesel maybe double 400+. They are never fused. Alternator wires are rarely fused.