My battery will be completely discharged after leaving the mast and running lights on when I am on the water overnight. Is this the norm? Bought a new, marine battery and had the same results after one overnight. Any ideas or is this the norm?
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Danny
What size of Battery
What size of battery do you have. I have a huge house battery which will run the lights for two days and still work the anchor windlass with no problem.
What size of battery do you have. I have a huge house battery which will run the lights for two days and still work the anchor windlass with no problem.
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R. S. Weiser
Marine-RV Deep Cycle
I cannot tell how big it is. It says Marine-RV Deep Cycle. Boat dealer said that was what I needed and it is the same battery as the one I replaced.
I cannot tell how big it is. It says Marine-RV Deep Cycle. Boat dealer said that was what I needed and it is the same battery as the one I replaced.
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Randy
sounds quick to me
When I bought my boat I sinced the battery was on it way out. So I purchased a group 27 dual purpose battery and replaced the original. I've had the boat on the lake for close to 6 weeks and still haven't had to recharge the battery. I use my motor going in and out of the slip and also when putting the main sail up or down. So I would assume that alone is enough to keep her charged, it's a honda 9.9 electric start and has an alternator. Does your outboard have an alternator? and do you run it much? I don't use the mast lights an extreme amount but I do use the cabin lights frequently.
When I bought my boat I sinced the battery was on it way out. So I purchased a group 27 dual purpose battery and replaced the original. I've had the boat on the lake for close to 6 weeks and still haven't had to recharge the battery. I use my motor going in and out of the slip and also when putting the main sail up or down. So I would assume that alone is enough to keep her charged, it's a honda 9.9 electric start and has an alternator. Does your outboard have an alternator? and do you run it much? I don't use the mast lights an extreme amount but I do use the cabin lights frequently.
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Douglas Miles
Similar experience
I have added a second battery to allow me to sleep a little easier at night on the boat. The second battery is larger with more storage capacity. It keeps me from having to start the outboard up in the middle of the night to recharge for the lights. Also considering switching to more efficient LED lights to prolong operating life.
I have added a second battery to allow me to sleep a little easier at night on the boat. The second battery is larger with more storage capacity. It keeps me from having to start the outboard up in the middle of the night to recharge for the lights. Also considering switching to more efficient LED lights to prolong operating life.
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Jim Schaff
2 Things
First off -- why do you leave your running lights on at night? The mast light is all that is required. Second -- You might need to do a little research and see if you have a short someplace. Jim Schaff s/v Savanah
First off -- why do you leave your running lights on at night? The mast light is all that is required. Second -- You might need to do a little research and see if you have a short someplace. Jim Schaff s/v Savanah
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Ron Mehringer
Running lights
Does anyone know how many watts the running lights are? On my '97 H26 the anchor light is actually two 10W festoon bulbs (only the forward on comes on in the "steam" position. If the white stern light and the front combined port/starboard lights are 10W each, then you'd be running 40W. 40W/12V=3.5A. If all those lights were on for 10hrs you would have use 35AH, which is about half the capacity of a group 24 battery (general rule is that you should avoid draining the batt below half). If interior lights were also on, along with radio, VHF, etc., then you might have put a fairly substantial drain on the battery. Was it at full charge before you started? According to the rules, you actually shouldn't have the running lights on while anchored, though I can understand how it would help you feel safer. Inland boaters are mostly in danger of being run over by some idiot driving a powerboat too fast at night and they don't see the anchor light 40' in the air. Masthead anchors make more sense in areas where commercial vessels are the threat. Ron Mehringer H26 Hydro-Therapy
Does anyone know how many watts the running lights are? On my '97 H26 the anchor light is actually two 10W festoon bulbs (only the forward on comes on in the "steam" position. If the white stern light and the front combined port/starboard lights are 10W each, then you'd be running 40W. 40W/12V=3.5A. If all those lights were on for 10hrs you would have use 35AH, which is about half the capacity of a group 24 battery (general rule is that you should avoid draining the batt below half). If interior lights were also on, along with radio, VHF, etc., then you might have put a fairly substantial drain on the battery. Was it at full charge before you started? According to the rules, you actually shouldn't have the running lights on while anchored, though I can understand how it would help you feel safer. Inland boaters are mostly in danger of being run over by some idiot driving a powerboat too fast at night and they don't see the anchor light 40' in the air. Masthead anchors make more sense in areas where commercial vessels are the threat. Ron Mehringer H26 Hydro-Therapy
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Chris
mega light
I sail on an inland lake and anchor out most Fri and Sat nights. To quell my concerns of people not seeing my anchor light 40ft up, I purchased a Davis Mega light and just hang it under the boom. it has an added advantage when the Bimini is up it provides a nice soft light.
I sail on an inland lake and anchor out most Fri and Sat nights. To quell my concerns of people not seeing my anchor light 40ft up, I purchased a Davis Mega light and just hang it under the boom. it has an added advantage when the Bimini is up it provides a nice soft light.
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