12V main battery vs RENEWAL -RAB's

SolarFry@aol.com
Thu, 7 Oct 1999 11:33:16 EDT


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West Wight Potter Website at URL
http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
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Last summer (98'), right after receiving P19 from IM, we connected with other
P19 owners in Florida keys for a "Gathering". At time I had only a portable
VHF operating off NiCads. The NiCads puked and died on me after 4 hrs use. I
tried to get them replaced and got a hazzle from Radio Shack (RS). I had to
go to another RS to return them. I had yet to make additions or install 12V
battery in boat. We followed that trip with a stay at E G. Simmons park
(Tampa Area) and at that time did not have enough 12V plugs for all the
"equipment" we dragged along (TV, Mixer, etc.). At that time I acquired some
RENEWALS RAB's and got such good use out of them I acquired more for my
portable Boom Box. When I acquired the Garmin GPS 12 I went and got more.
After that I installed a series 29 (45lb - 125AMP) battery under bow berths
and 12V sockets everywhere. I also added an Alternator to my 6HP Nissan.
Since I also use a powerboat and an electric boat I have found the RAB
powered units adequate for my needs as i can transfer equipment from one
vessel to another and I have no sockets on my electric boat.

I am also a night time boater. I need power for running/cabin lights. So I
worry about sucking too much power off 12V main battery. In the electric boat
I need all the juice from 12V series 29 battery for my Minn Kota Endura 50.

I have considered getting adaptors for units. But, neither VHF nor Boom Box
have a socket for 12V power. The GPS seems to work for 10 hours straight off
RAB's and they want 30 bucks for adaptor, so I've lost motivation to hook to
12V..

I have no illusion of crossing oceans on my P19. It really is mostly a
coastal cruiser. Although I've toyed with idea of crossing Gulf Stream to
Bahama's in winter (never in summer.)

Best
SF
reaching limit of typing ability..

In a message dated 10/7/99 10:52:29 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
thomasw@vanion.com writes:

<< I try to do as much with onboard power as possible. I bought an inverter
so I could run wall adapters off the big 12v onboard battery and have long
terms without worrying if my AA size batteries would hold out. I run a 12v
plug to my GPS for the same reason--so I never have to worry about battery
run down on a trip. My 12v onboard has always had more than what was
needed power duration for all the trips I have taken and that includes the
night light use, and use of tv/vcr 12v system for entertainment at night.
>>

Last summer (98') right after receiving P19 from IM we connected with other
P19 owners in Florida keys. At time I had only a portable VHF operating off
NiCads. The NiCads puked and died on me after 4 hrs use. I tried to get them
replaced and got a hazzle for Radio Shack. I had yet to make additions or
install 12V battery in boat. We followed that trip with a stay at E G.
Simmons park (Tampa Area) and at that time did not have enough 12V plugs for
all the "equipment" we dragged along. At that time I had RENEWALS RAB's and
got such good use out of them I acquired more for my portable Boom Box. When
I acquired the GPS I went and got more. After that I installed a series 29
(45lb - 125AMP) battery under bow berths and 12V sockets everywhere. I also
added an Alternator to my 6HP Nissan.