Saxe Point
Well-Known Member
I finally sprung for an electric downrigger and am wondering whether a second battery in my boat is really necessary. I know this has been covered a bit before, but I would be grateful for the wisdom and experience of the forum members. Here are the details.
16 Double Eagle with 90 Johnson and T8 hp Yamaha High Thrust kicker (2008, pull start). Both motors have regulator/rectifiers connected to my battery. When trolling I run a Garmin GPSMAP 421 chartplotter and Lowrance X-4 Pro fishfinder, as well as a Standard Horizon VHF. According to the specification sheets, each of these draws minimal current and I have never even experienced a hint of a stutter when starting my main motor. The used electric rigger I just got is not an HP, but the regular Depth Power. I plan on getting a second one down the road.
I'll say first off that there is no question that a second battery offers peace of mind. But I wonder if it is necessary as my current electrical load is inconsequential and although I have no experience with electric riggers, I suspect that even with a fair bit of "up & down" on 2 riggers, my kicker will be able to keep the battery charged. I also keep a portable jump starter/power pack in my boat anyway, to get my main motor started if the battery dies.
Does anyone else in a situation like mine just go with a single battery and a back up power pack? For bigger boats with lots more electrical accessories and HP riggers, 2 batteries for sure, but my situation seems different.
Again, experience and advice of members would be most appreciated.
16 Double Eagle with 90 Johnson and T8 hp Yamaha High Thrust kicker (2008, pull start). Both motors have regulator/rectifiers connected to my battery. When trolling I run a Garmin GPSMAP 421 chartplotter and Lowrance X-4 Pro fishfinder, as well as a Standard Horizon VHF. According to the specification sheets, each of these draws minimal current and I have never even experienced a hint of a stutter when starting my main motor. The used electric rigger I just got is not an HP, but the regular Depth Power. I plan on getting a second one down the road.
I'll say first off that there is no question that a second battery offers peace of mind. But I wonder if it is necessary as my current electrical load is inconsequential and although I have no experience with electric riggers, I suspect that even with a fair bit of "up & down" on 2 riggers, my kicker will be able to keep the battery charged. I also keep a portable jump starter/power pack in my boat anyway, to get my main motor started if the battery dies.
Does anyone else in a situation like mine just go with a single battery and a back up power pack? For bigger boats with lots more electrical accessories and HP riggers, 2 batteries for sure, but my situation seems different.
Again, experience and advice of members would be most appreciated.