RedSoxNation

Been itching to get out lately, and went to charge the battery only to find out it's dead. I need to pick up a new one, and I was wondering what kind you all are using, and how many hours/how much life are you getting out of them. I was using a Stowaway dual purpose from Academy, but the thing is HEAVY!! Just wondering if you guys are having any luck with the smaller deep cycles, like those for personal watercraft or lawnmowers. I'm running the Starfire lights with 100W halogens instead of the 50W bulbs that come with them. Just want a few opinions before I spend the bucks. Thanks.

banjovie

I am not sure how long they last for the little batteries. It is the amp hour rating you are looking for. I know a wheelchair battery is about 34 AH but weighs about 30 pounds. Do-able for a backpack but does get heavy after a while. The 100 watt bulbs in the starfire lights should draw about 6-7amps should last around 4 hrs. have that if you have a double bulb set up like i got. I run 2 starfire II 50 watt bulbs. With 2 people with my setup on 1 group 27 deep cycle battery doesnt even make a dent on the charge for a couple three hour night. I know some of the smaller batteries are expensive.I float the deep cycle behind me on a PVC float. To be honest i don't even notice it behind me.

RedSoxNation

Banjovie, I'm only running single bulbs, but I usually go with somebody and they borrow my other light, so we're running 2 lights total. I also float my battery behind me, but in a washtub. It's not pulling it along all night that makes it heavy, it's carrying it from the truck to the water and vice versa. I'd rather have the bigger battery if it lasts considerably longer than the little ones. What brand/size/model are you using, if you don't mind me asking? I think I'm gonna try and get out one night this week. Thanks.

banjovie

I am running a Wal Mart Everstart Group 27 deep cycle it cost 70 bucks. It is a 115 Amp Hour rating. I have run 4 people with lights onit for a hole night 4+ hours and lights never dimed. I know the walk to the water sucks, but i normaly split the load with who goes with me. I have self deployed 100 yards but it sucks. The group 27 batteries weigh about 65 lbs.

Fishermon

what about rigging your pier cart wth 4"pvc pipe around it... the tire tubes will help float the cart too...balancing the thing is the trick though....that way you can put more beer in a bigger cooler...hell maybe you can even sit/stand on that thing and get across the bay.....good luck... be careful...

RedSoxNation

OK, I'll check those Walmart batteries out. Thanks.