Motorcycle Battery for H23?

[Bill Leathen]

Some of you are going to two batteries, while I am trying to reduce the weight for that extra milisecond of boat speed. Has anyone tried to use a motorcycl battery on the H23? Is this even legal per the class rules? The only time I need the battery is to run the navigation lights if the club race ends past dusk. Maximum time out is about an hour at the most. Any thoughts on this will be welcome.Bill L

 

[Tom]

Yes, should work...

It is a 12 volt battery and should work fine. If you have a charger connected (from an outboard), make sure that it is not going to cook the smaller battery.I've heard of racing boats doing this to reduce weight though I am not familiar with the rules. Fair winds, Tom

 

[John Schaub]

Lawn & Garden battery

Wal-mart sells a lawn & garden tractor battery that is pretty darn small and light for $14.99

 

[Ross Terry]

You could also use a battery

for a UPS for a computer. They are typically 7 amp hour 12volt batteries. they are used in UPS's, alarm systems, emergency lights, etc. They are true deep cucle AGM type batteries. If you know of anyone that operates alot of computers or an alarm company youo might be able to get one that they are rotating out. Motorcycle and garden tractor batteries will work, but they are starting batteries not designed for deep cycling.

 

[Rick Webb]

Wheelchair Battery

Check at Sears next time you are there. How about the flashlight type lights?

 

[Rick Webb]

Just Occured to Me

Under 7 meters or 23 (actually 22.96587926509186) feet all you need is a flash light to meet the regulations. That would save the weight of the lights, wire, and battery.