Another Battery: question jumping a battery

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by bbfan33

4 Fun

Thanks

Is the jumper pack you use idenitical to ones used for car batteries, or does it need to have special specs?

Not sure about his, but mine is the same as I use for the car, golf cart, lawn tractor, etc.

I have never seen a "marine specific" booster pack, but given the ability to charge a premium for all things marine-grade, I'm sure you could find one

The biggest issue, as others have noted, is the risk of spark in an enclosed bilge (likely not a problem on a 'toon). When/if you are going to connect ANYTHING to your battery (charger, jump pack, jumper cables, or even the battery itself in the spring) make sure the bilge is well ventilated. If you cannot run the blower, open the compartment and smell for fumes, give it a few minutes to let fresh air circulate if it has been closed up.

[DesertDweller]

The biggest issue, as others have noted, is the risk of spark in an enclosed bilge (likely not a problem on a 'toon). When/if you are going to connect ANYTHING to your battery (charger, jump pack, jumper cables, or even the battery itself in the spring) make sure the bilge is well ventilated. If you cannot run the blower, open the compartment and smell for fumes, give it a few minutes to let fresh air circulate if it has been closed up.[/QUOTE]

The other potential concern I would have is on the electronics.

I am real conservative when it comes to batteries. If it were me, I would take the extra time to remove it, put it on a charger, and reinstall it.

[jbolty]

Personally I would remove it and charge, as already mentioned. Or, if you jump it in place make the final connection to the jumper battery outside so any connecting spark happens in the open air.

[Rich]

I'd be sure to sniff (with your nose) the bilge and be sure you are not smelling any gasoline fumes. If no fumes, then it's safe.

Next, I would shut off the battery switch (if you have it) before connecting the jumper cables.

Be sure that every load on the boat is turned off, this is all lights, radios, electronics; basically every electrical load should bed turned off.

Connect the dead battery to the jumper cables from the good battery. Be sure the good battery's engine is running now to charge the 'bad' battery.

Then let the charging system run for a short time while connected to the bad battery.

Next turn on the battery switch, this should keep electronics from seeing a surge or noise from a 'spark' type of connection.

Then attempt to start the engine. If it runs, let it run for a bit.

If it won't crank, wait a while and try again. If it still won't crank, you need more help than a quick jump.

Be careful removing the cables, don't allow them to short to each other or to anything on either boat.

Basically, this is the same you would do on a car, but you need to be extra vigilant to be sure there are no gasoline fumes around. Remember gas fumes will be at the bottom of the bilge as they are heavier than air.

[SIKSUKR]

If you using a 120 volt charger vs a jump pack then simply attach to the battery before plugging into ac power.You wont get any spark.