Anyone use a solar trickle charger? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Caffeind · 08-31-2010, 08:20 AM

For those long days on the water with the FF and bait pump running. Hoping to keep the juice up longer to use the nav/deck lights into the eve if necessary.

Its a pain to swap batteries on the water with my setup.

Found this one I could strap on the crate or bait tank and wire into the system, but no idea what kind of wattage would be good for this application. This is a 1.8 Watt. They get bigger as the wattage increases.
http://www.amazon.com/Sunforce-50012...ef=pd_sim_ol_2

Thoughts or suggestions? I'm not too savy with electrical crap.

Thanks.

Bob Madore · 08-31-2010, 08:47 AM

Use a portable diesel generator. They are more reliable.

Caffeind · 08-31-2010, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Madore

Use a portable diesel generator. They are more reliable.

I'm sure my X could handle it...but I might not hear them sporties and PBrs comin my way

467echo · 08-31-2010, 11:38 AM

what about a switch for 2 batteries? Install 2 batteries and a switch that goes from one to the other so they are not hooked up at the same time.

Dan · 08-31-2010, 11:43 AM

i've used one for charging off the water....i would change your setup so you can access your battery and just pack two.

dfroggy54 · 08-31-2010, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 467echo

what about a switch for 2 batteries? Install 2 batteries and a switch that goes from one to the other so they are not hooked up at the same time.

X2

Maybe if you use the diesel generator you'd be able to generate 1.21 Jigawatts haha

roadx · 08-31-2010, 04:12 PM

i believe a rule 360 pump uses 2.1 amps per hour at 12v, the solar panel 1.8 watts would only put out 0.15 amps per hour at 12v

so..... it would help but you would need a few panels or a bigger panel to make a big difference

TheBentRod · 08-31-2010, 07:20 PM

Unfortunately the ad mentions it is not weatherproof.

Caffeind · 09-01-2010, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 467echo

what about a switch for 2 batteries? Install 2 batteries and a switch that goes from one to the other so they are not hooked up at the same time.

That's probably what I'll do. I'm thinking of taking it in for a re-wire already anyways to get the switches off the deck, might be the time to do that. Thanks for the tip.

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadx

i believe a rule 360 pump uses 2.1 amps per hour at 12v, the solar panel 1.8 watts would only put out 0.15 amps per hour at 12v

so..... it would help but you would need a few panels or a bigger panel to make a big difference

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBentRod

Unfortunately the ad mentions it is not weatherproof.

Well, that about answers it too. Guess I'll file this one away with all those other lame brain ideas and revert to the fact that if it worked, everybody would already be doing it, eh? Thanks guys.

08-31-2010, 08:20 AM	#1
Caffeind Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: OC Posts: 146	Anyone use a solar trickle charger? For those long days on the water with the FF and bait pump running. Hoping to keep the juice up longer to use the nav/deck lights into the eve if necessary. Its a pain to swap batteries on the water with my setup. Found this one I could strap on the crate or bait tank and wire into the system, but no idea what kind of wattage would be good for this application. This is a 1.8 Watt. They get bigger as the wattage increases. http://www.amazon.com/Sunforce-50012...ef=pd_sim_ol_2 Thoughts or suggestions? I'm not too savy with electrical crap. Thanks.

08-31-2010, 11:38 AM	#4
467echo Rookie of the Month Club Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Mira Mesa Posts: 483	what about a switch for 2 batteries? Install 2 batteries and a switch that goes from one to the other so they are not hooked up at the same time. __________________ they are getting bigger....

08-31-2010, 04:12 PM	#7
roadx . Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 1,155	i believe a rule 360 pump uses 2.1 amps per hour at 12v, the solar panel 1.8 watts would only put out 0.15 amps per hour at 12v so..... it would help but you would need a few panels or a bigger panel to make a big difference __________________ Last edited by roadx; 08-31-2010 at 04:25 PM.

08-31-2010, 08:47 AM	#2
Bob Madore Junior Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 12	Use a portable diesel generator. They are more reliable.

08-31-2010, 11:43 AM	#5
Dan Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 1,053	i've used one for charging off the water....i would change your setup so you can access your battery and just pack two.

08-31-2010, 07:20 PM	#8
TheBentRod Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Murrieta, CA and Bonney Lake, WA Posts: 424	Unfortunately the ad mentions it is not weatherproof.