How Much Juice Do I Need? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

tima597 · 03-28-2012, 03:35 PM

Well I’ve decided that I’m going to throw some electrical stuff in the yak. Too used to fishing from a boat I guess

. Fishfiner, bait tank, and bilge pump most likely. Stern and navigation lights will probably come a little later as well. Couple questions regarding batteries. What battery would you suggest to run all of this or would you run a separate battery for the bilge pump? Any input would be great!

Iceman · 03-28-2012, 03:39 PM

12 volt 5 ah battery will run your fish finder all day, 6 volt 12 ah will run your live well all day. Lights use an led set up all around white light with aa batteries, no vav lights unless you are under power. bilge pump, use a hand pump.

tima597 · 03-28-2012, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iceman

12 volt 5 ah battery will run your fish finder all day, 6 volt 12 ah will run your live well all day. Lights use an led set up all around white light with aa batteries, no vav lights unless you are under power. bilge pump, use a hand pump.

So you would you run two separate batteries for the fish finder and live well? Also, is there any downside to installing a bilge pump other than cost? This thread got me thinking!
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/s...ght=bilge+pump

jorluivil · 03-28-2012, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iceman

12 volt 5 ah battery will run your fish finder all day, 6 volt 12 ah will run your live well all day. Lights use an led set up all around white light with aa batteries, no vav lights unless you are under power. bilge pump, use a hand pump.

He knows what he's talking about.

And his shop offers outstanding service!!!

bus kid · 03-28-2012, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jorluivil

He knows what he's talking about.

And his shop offers outstanding service!!!

Yeah might be a good idea to listen to the guy that lives on kayaks alone.

Papa drew · 03-28-2012, 06:06 PM

I am new to all this but from what I have read and seen Andy knows his stuff. He just did my bait tank and next month I will get me that mark 4 ff. look out bait fish here I come. Do you all hold any tournaments on the biggest mackerel caught?

Papa Drew

03-28-2012, 07:20 PM

Damn Andy, you might as well have a throne for you to sit in at the shop!

I ran my Live well and fish finder on 1 battery on my Stealth and it lasted me pretty much all day, sometimes two trips totaling 6-7hours each. Keep in mind, you only need to keep the live well running when you actually have bait! Duh.

Second, regarding the bilge pump. I would go with the hand pump because it will require you NOT to have to penetrate the hull and the only reason it won't work is user error. What happen if in an emergency you take on water and your connections are messed up, or your battery is dead or for whatever other reason, the pump doesn't come on? Also, if your bilge pump is set up aft, and you go bow heavy, your pump is doing you no favors.

It's also must more cost effective and takes up almost no space. If you're concerned about space, a bilge SPONGE is another good option. It's not as effective but can save you in a squeeze.

03-28-2012, 03:35 PM	#1
tima597 Junior Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Trabuco Canyon, CA Posts: 20	How Much Juice Do I Need? Well I’ve decided that I’m going to throw some electrical stuff in the yak. Too used to fishing from a boat I guess . Fishfiner, bait tank, and bilge pump most likely. Stern and navigation lights will probably come a little later as well. Couple questions regarding batteries. What battery would you suggest to run all of this or would you run a separate battery for the bilge pump? Any input would be great!

03-28-2012, 03:39 PM	#2
Iceman Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 1-2 miles off the point Posts: 6,943	12 volt 5 ah battery will run your fish finder all day, 6 volt 12 ah will run your live well all day. Lights use an led set up all around white light with aa batteries, no vav lights unless you are under power. bilge pump, use a hand pump. __________________

03-28-2012, 06:06 PM	#6
Papa drew Junior Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 28	I am new to all this but from what I have read and seen Andy knows his stuff. He just did my bait tank and next month I will get me that mark 4 ff. look out bait fish here I come. Do you all hold any tournaments on the biggest mackerel caught? Papa Drew

03-28-2012, 07:20 PM	#7
Drake Guest Posts: n/a	Damn Andy, you might as well have a throne for you to sit in at the shop! I ran my Live well and fish finder on 1 battery on my Stealth and it lasted me pretty much all day, sometimes two trips totaling 6-7hours each. Keep in mind, you only need to keep the live well running when you actually have bait! Duh. Second, regarding the bilge pump. I would go with the hand pump because it will require you NOT to have to penetrate the hull and the only reason it won't work is user error. What happen if in an emergency you take on water and your connections are messed up, or your battery is dead or for whatever other reason, the pump doesn't come on? Also, if your bilge pump is set up aft, and you go bow heavy, your pump is doing you no favors. It's also must more cost effective and takes up almost no space. If you're concerned about space, a bilge SPONGE is another good option. It's not as effective but can save you in a squeeze.