im looking for a battery jumper box just in case, any recommendation

if your engines are fuel injected I would really try one of the newer android sized miracle lithium-ion (IIRC) jumper boxes, they really work and can pretty much fit in your pocket!!
 
There is a huge difference in max amp output between the lithium power packs at 200-400 amps and the Jump Pack at 1700 amps. The power packs are a versatile tool to have but for jump starting a boat V8 I would will stick with the Jump Pack
 
JimT said:
There is a huge difference in max amp output between the lithium power packs at 200-400 amps and the Jump Pack at 1700 amps. The power packs are a versatile tool to have but for jump starting a boat V8 I would will stick with the Jump Pack
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I couldn't agree more, EXCEPT the peak amp of the jump box that has 1700 peak amps means that the jump box can, maybe in a controlled environment in a test group can, maybe exert 1700 peak amp for a couple of milliseconds. The starter of the average V8 engine with 8.5 compression will draw only 250 - 300 amps at start up for preferably no more than 10-12 seconds at a time. A high performance high compression V8 engine's starter can draw 400 - 500 amps at start up (most boats do not have high compression engines). If your starter suffers from heat soak it will require higher amperage draw than normal at hot start up

The key concept is that the starter will draw only what the starter will draw to turn over the engine.

If your starter was able to draw 1700 amps through it for any measurable period of time it would overload heat up and self destruct

Normally if an individual has battery issues they turn off all accessories before trying to boost the weak battery.

The lithium-ion battery packs work better on fuel injected engines, the limitation on them is actually the cables, they are not very heavy gauge and can over heat if overloaded (cranking for extended periods like more than 10-12 seconds at a time), that is one of the reasons it works better on a fuel injected motor, they tend to crank for a shorter period of time (much higher fuel pressure) compared to cranking time on a carbureted engine (low fuel pressure) before starting

When it comes to batteries CCA are King and most jump boxes whether conventional or lithium ion advertise approx. 400 cranking amps
 
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You generally pay for what you get. We have a craftsman unit and although I have never used for our boat. We have lent it out quite a few times each summer to boaters who's batteries just did not last the day. Buy what you can afford!
 
Escapade said:
You generally pay for what you get. We have a craftsman unit and although I have never used for our boat. We have lent it out quite a few times each summer to boaters who's batteries just did not last the day. Buy what you can afford!
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Please, please, please, DO NOT just "buy what you can afford", do some research, educate yourself get some real world preferably 1st hand experiences, ask people that you trust that have some expertise or experience in the matter (like you are doing/about to do) and then buy the best product that suits your needs and fits into your budget.
 
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+1 on the Craftsman jump box. I use mine for camping, charging phones, jump starts, etc. Works like a charm every time. With a USB, 12 volt, and 120 VAC outputs, it's very versatile! Also has air compressor for tires and low pressure pump for inflatables built in, and a trouble light.
 
SloBurn said:
+1 on the Craftsman jump box. I use mine for camping, charging phones, jump starts, etc. Works like a charm every time. With a USB, 12 volt, and 120 VAC outputs, it's very versatile! Also has air compressor for tires and low pressure pump for inflatables built in, and a trouble light.
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Sorry to threadjack but, are you going to the Jones beach gala this weekend??
 
one thing you may want to consider is getting a jumper box that can be left plugged into a 110VAC outlet all the time when not being used...that way when you need it the battery will have a full charge...these type jumpers have a smart charger in them that will automatically switch to trickle charge mode once the battery reaches full charge thus eliminating the chance of overcharging the battery....they will maintain a full charge at all times...on some other models you have to monitor the battery charge level while the battery is charging and unplug the unit from the 110VAC wall outlet or you run the risk of overcharging the battery....then if you don't need the jumper for several weeks after you unplug the jumper the battery charge could have been depleted to the point it will not start the engine being jumped...

cliff
 
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