Batteries for GPS

[SpyderMatt]

I’m just thinking about getting a fish finder / GPS for the Honwave and Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 With 83/200 HDI Transducer seems a good bet. Can anyone advise what battery would be compatible, and how long it would last per charge approx.
And I’m assuming its a straightforward red/black connection, if not what ?

Thanks

[harrison]

Our smaller Garmin 45cv would run for around 20hrs on a cheap £15 12v 7ah lead acid battery. Even with the slightly larger screen Lowrance you should still be good for around 15hrs.

If feeling flush, for around £70 you could go for something like a Poover 12v 20ah Li-ion battery which has three times the capacity and at 1.3kg at half the weight. This will power our Garmin for over 60hrs on a single charge.

Of course then you have to cobble together the obligatory ‘sarnie box under seat’ power centre.

[SpyderMatt]

Thanks, love your sarnie box set-up, looks professional !
Might be a bit advanced for my electrical skills but where did you source the voltmeter/USB etc inputs and how are they wired up ?

[SpyderMatt]

actually just seen 'em on Amazon. And from a quick read of the product info you just connect them all directly to red/black, is that right (even I could do that!) ?

[CRF999]

My experience with a GPS / FF and a 7ah lead acid battery gets me 3 - 4 hrs at best.
The brochure states 1 amp draw so it sort of stacks up.
When my new boat turns up the 7 ah WILL be ditched, I will try a 26 Ah i have lying around and use the charge coil on the outboard for top up.
If i did not have that stuff already and was starting from scratch , despite the expense, I would go for the poover bigger capacity plus lighter weight. Its the only way these days IMO.

The poovers have an in built battery management system so it is a simple charger and still just a black / red connection from your point of view.
The power ports you saw on the sandwich box will all just be connected to the black red on the battery ( probably ) depends how clever the guy building it wanted to be.

Good luck whatever you decide to do.

Regards Clive

[harrison]

@SpyderMatt yes cheapo switch panel off fleaBay and even cheaper sarnie box from Wilko’s.

Zero sparky skills here so basic black/red wiring throughout. Switched accessory sockets individually fused. Separate dedicated fused supply direct off battery for plotter just in case cheapo switchgear ain’t as waterproof as claimed. Make doubly sure battery is securely held in place inside whatever box you use as it’s a roller coaster ride slung under a sibs seat.

Not a pretty sight inside but seems to have have survived 3 years abuse so far.

Bit of a rats nest in here I’m afraid

PS: The typical current draw of our little plotter is less than 0.5A, so run times better than above poster, but if funds allow would also recommend going for the lighter/larger capacity Li-ion batteries.

[SpyderMatt]

Thanks both really useful. I’m going to quite enjoy all these little projects getting the Honwave fitted out for the season. Just finished making the outboard stand thanks to a great YouTube video, will varnish this weekend.
Just hope MrsH isn’t watching the current account debits at the moment..

Thanks again

Matt

[Sibfisher]

Hi SpyderMatt
If it helps the photos below is the battery box I made last year using a Ammo Box and a 12v 9amp Battery.