Charging battery from 12v outlet

[richster]

I will be having an external bow thruster installed on my Maxum 2300SCR in exactly one month (Side-Shift SS230). The battery that powers the thruster will be installed in the v-berth near the bow, since running cables to the batteries in the engine compartment is problematic. This battery in the v-berth will be charged with a battery charger when I am connected to shore power BUT how do I charge this stand alone battery while cruising? On the web I have seen 12v male to alligator clip adapters, does anyone know if I can use this to charge that battery? Will it work? Any problems?

[mmwjr]

So you are suggesting charging the battery through a 12V power connector? If the thruster battery is to low the wire will fuse from a high current draw.

Why do you feel the thruster battery will need to be charged under way. The thruster is only used for very short periods when docking. Seems to me charging at berth will be fine.

[richster]

yeah, i am a novice when it comes to battery/power etc..I was told the Side-Shift should be good for 15 or so 'bursts' on the stand alone battery. This is a starter type battery which has high cranking amps needed for the thruster 'burts'
In my region (Ottawa, Canada) there is one flight of locks that are 8 locks, so in/out of all 8 would be approx 16 bursts, then I would hit another set of locks once or twice an hour..so lots of bursts. In my trip down the canal system I don't plan to dock overnight/access shore power, was hoping to anchor in bays etc. So i am wondering what options there are to top up this battery. I don't have a generator on-board. I am guessing some boats that have a trolling motor as well must need to keep their battery topped up as well? Wondering what ideas are out there..

[mmwjr]

I would think a deep cycle battery would be better as it is designed for deep discharges and they are rated for starting as well.

You need to calculate the real power. How many amps the thruster draws per hour and divide that into amp hour rating of the battery. So far your just guessing.

Running two wires from the engine compartment to have the alternator should not be as difficult as you think and may want to just have a marine electrician do it.

[bman440440]

I would use this ----> https://www.bluesea.com/products/760..._12_24V_DC_65A

I'm not sure of the layout of the 2300 but I presume you have a 12vdc/120ac distribution / breaker panel in the cabin... run an appropriate size wire from the panel 12v side with an 80 amp breaker to the ACR then from that to your battery under the V birth... that way when the engine is running it will keep that battery charged and it will automatically disconnect when you shut down the engine

[Marty87]

How about solar panel to leave on trickle charge and when u go onto the boat disconnect and store away then when boats tied up out back on again till you return


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/302262706953

[mmwjr]

Again you need to calculate the amp hour draw of the thruster vs the battery size.

[mmwjr]

The max current on that solar panel is .57 amps. If the thruster draws 10 amps an hour it will take 10/.57 or about 20 hours to recharge. This is max current so the panel must be clean and a clear sunny day at 12 o'clock high for those 20 hours.

Not going to happen.

[Foxy 01]

Is it possible to draw the power for your thruster directly from the anchor winch? I have seen this done on other boats so doing away with the need for another battery. After all you are no going to be using them both at the same time.I really don't know about your size boat or the setup so this may be a silly suggestion.

[shrew]

The 12V outlet and wiring will more then likely not be sufficient for the draw you're going to put on that circuit. Besides cannibalizing the 12V from another 12v battery is simply a horrible idea.

[richster]

Great ideas guys, keep them coming. No there is NO winless, but great idea tho! So far I am liking Bman's idea, though I have to do more research re: getting into the power panel and connecting wires/cables. Counting the days till launch, hopefully T-Minus 25 days!

[Kevlar7r]

Holy crap that's an expensive toy! Why do you need that?

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[speedysprocket]

Yeah, why a bow thruster on a 23' boat...?

[richster]

Yeah, i have issues docking at my particular marina..97% of the time I am on my own, so no one to jump out and grab the ropes. My marina is at a point of the river where the current picks up and the winds pick up. Many $$ boats and yachts around me make what SHOULD be a pleasant boating day very stressful when docking. Also we have a lock system nearby where they 'strongly' recommend minimum 2 people on-board to manage the locks (I managed ok last few years BUT there were some close calls that make me wince when I think back). In fact I just found out some bad news in that I cannot go thru the St Lawrence Lock system solo! Which greatly affects where I planned to go this summer. My slip has about 2' to the boat next to me, and I always find the last few few before I am in, where the wind picks up and slams me one way or the other. This SideShift is a SS230 - single prop, about $3900. I'll do that for piece of mind and ease of movement within my (and many other) marinas.

[Kevlar7r]

Originally Posted by richster

Yeah, i have issues docking at my particular marina..97% of the time I am on my own, so no one to jump out and grab the ropes. My marina is at a point of the river where the current picks up and the winds pick up. Many $$ boats and yachts around me make what SHOULD be a pleasant boating day very stressful when docking. Also we have a lock system nearby where they 'strongly' recommend minimum 2 people on-board to manage the locks (I managed ok last few years BUT there were some close calls that make me wince when I think back). In fact I just found out some bad news in that I cannot go thru the St Lawrence Lock system solo! Which greatly affects where I planned to go this summer. My slip has about 2' to the boat next to me, and I always find the last few few before I am in, where the wind picks up and slams me one way or the other. This SideShift is a SS230 - single prop, about $3900. I'll do that for piece of mind and ease of movement within my (and many other) marinas.

Given that explanation, go for it! $3900 is WAY cheaper than a wife or girlfriend!

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[mmwjr]

Originally Posted by Kevlar7r

Given that explanation, go for it! $3900 is WAY cheaper than a wife or girlfriend!

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Yet you recently got remarried.

[Kevlar7r]

Apparently I'm not as smart as Richster.

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[mmwjr]

Originally Posted by Kevlar7r

Apparently I'm not as smart as Richster.

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Now now you know your happy with the new bride and she has benefits well beyond a bow thruster.