Jump leads

[Stewy]

Having had to jump and be jump started over the years.

Boat batteries can be a pain to access sometimes, in boxes or deep in a console.

Has anyone fitted an anderson style connector in an easy to reach place?

[jonp]

I had a set of 175amp leads made up a couple of years ago but the Auto electrician warned me they could be dangerous to use as the cranking amps needed for may engines will be above 400 amps. An instant start might be ok but turning over and over could melt the leads. Not sure how true this is, Ive never used mine.

[willk]

Originally Posted by jonp

An instant start might be ok but turning over and over could melt the leads. Not sure how true this is, Ive never used mine.

AFAIK you're spot on - certainly about the melting bit. I had a long set of heavy duty cables made up for jumping lorry engines and even then was warned no long cranking. As they heat, resistance should increase and so on.

I don't carry leads any more - no use if alone. I pack a starter pack instead, works for other boats too. The battery shouldn't be THAT difficult to access!

[smallribber]

Yup I have 2 starter packs. I did a thread about one of them somewhere on here. They work very well

[User name]

I've used the same Anderson plugs for years without any problems. They come wired into lots of tow trucks for use with plug-in jump leads. I've started some big diesel engines with them so you should have no issues starting an outboard in the same manor. They aren't as water resistant as the alternative Deutsche connectors, but they're ubiquitous and that has its benefits. Some cheaper ones have steel terminals, so they aren't as good when it comes to carrying current as the copper/tin plated terminals, but even then, they'll be fine for your use-case.

[Pikey Dave]

I don’t think it was the use of Anderson plugs per se that was cause for concern. It was the size that the OP linked to. Anderson plugs come in sizes rated from 30-500A iirc. The op linked to a 175A set. They are great bits of kit, I have them on the van for the electric boat winch. You just need to get the correct size & appropriate cable.

[CJL]

I have just added these CTEK connectors to our batteries. They just hang outside the box and allow you to see the battery state and enable connection for charging.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B015352M...roduct_details

I would be careful with Anderson connectors as they are very open to water shorting them on a boat. I am sure that there most be a more waterproof connector that does the job.

Chris

[willk]

Originally Posted by CJL

I have just added these CTEK connectors to our batteries. They just hang outside the box and allow you to see the battery state and enable connection for charging.

As an FYI on those units - CTEK supplied the onboard charging for Husqvarna ride-ons. My dealer advised me that the monitor uses power, enough to deplete the battery over the winter period. They actually suggested charging and then disconnecting the monitor at the internal connector, which IMO was a ballz. I can confirm that the charge levels do drop over time, but probably not enough to affect your application with a larger battery reserve.

[User name]

Originally Posted by CJL

I have just added these CTEK connectors to our batteries. They just hang outside the box and allow you to see the battery state and enable connection for charging.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B015352M...roduct_details

I would be careful with Anderson connectors as they are very open to water shorting them on a boat. I am sure that there most be a more waterproof connector that does the job.

Chris

I picked up an alternative one to try out. It uses bluetooth and has a really small current draw so it can sit idle for a long time. I've had it in my classic car for a few months so far and it's been great. It's a no-name Chinese device but they're resold under loads of brand names. I think Sealey sell them.

[Stewy]

Thanks guys, the picture i posted was Just a generic one to show what I meant. But I will look into bigger amp version if I go ahead and fit them.

[Peter_C]

I use the 50amp Anderson style connectors on my battery chargers, so the boat, and both tractors have receptacles. In the boat it is good for my tube pump too as it is in the console.

As mentioned tow trucks use the larger size many times every day, jump starting folks.