Portable 12V power

[Two Peas]

There have been many questions on CSR about how to use your 12V engine hatch lift when you don't have 12V power. Last summer, I was working under my helm and inadvertently let the stripped part of a wire I was working on touch the 12V distribution bar, tripping the main 12V breaker (which is super-conveniently located UNDER THE HATCH).

I simply plugged the 12V plug from my portable 12V power source into the helm 12V lighter outlet, and voila, the engine hatch worked.

I took a photo of it today while I was checking on the boat and thought I'd post it to see if anyone else keeps one of these babies on board. I won't leave the pier without it...

It has a compass, emergency nav lights, spotlight, air compressor, and 120V outlet and inverter too...

 

[northern]

We have 4 start batteries and 10 six volt golf cart batteries hooked to a 2,600 watt inverter. Never ran out power but I do have a 12 volt car starter like you. Never used it but it is a nice to know it is there. When we got the boat it had 2 start batteries and a smaller one for the generator. One morning we got up and the main engines would not turn over. There was just enough power to start the generator. We were 30 miles to the nearest marina. Did not have my car starter at that time got it shortly after.