How long can you run the radio without motor?

[Sikiguya]

We were anchor along the beach and the kids waded down to play. The wife settle down to a book while I skim through the radio. I am curious as to how long can I run the radio before I am in trouble? I plan to add another battery...but am waiting until the boat goes in for service to do so.

 

[rookie101]

It depends on the size and condition of the battery. Of course the volume plays a part as well. With a good battery you should be good for about an hour, but I get nervous after a half hour.

I'd wait until you get the second battery before you accidentally find out how long you can go before the battery is dead.:ack:


Aaron:cheers:

 

[Sikiguya]

Wow!

Holy schnikies! I would have thought it would be at least a hour and a half or so. We were out for about 45 minutes...guess it is a good thing it is all charged up!....

 

[jords]

I reccomend getting a battery guard, it will shutoff your radio before the battery dies and will beep when it does. Plus you can use it as a security device cause you can turn it off remotely with a key fob

 

[Sikiguya]

More info..

Jord,

Thanks for the device. Best place for this?? Is this a user friendly install device or should I wait until I take the boat in?

 

[RFoster130]

I thought about installing one. You can find them at batterybuddy.com for $70. Looks like it attaches right in line easily with the battery.

 

[jords]

yea im in canada so no idea where to get it in the states, I paid about 70bucks for mine. Its a very easy install it connects between your boat and batteries, basically all it does is isolate your battery when it reaches a certain level and leaves enough juice to start your rig. here is a link of mine


http://reviews.canadiantire.ca/9045/0113002P/reviews.htm

 

[Gunsrunner]

I agree you need some kind of insurance because its a boat, and nobody likes a flat battery on a boat.
But to give you an idea of how long it will last.
Head unit and speakers 50x4 peak output about 15 watts rms x 4 = 60w divided by 12volts equals 5 amps current draw.

Head unit, 4ch amp, speakers. Amp 50x4 watts rms 200watts devided by 12volts = 16.6 amps current draw

So a battery with 100 amp hrs will last between 6 to 20 hours in theory, this is also with the volume all the way up, but this changes the whole time. ie changing volume, lights, battery condition, amps needed to start motor.
I have a 2000watts rms system in my car and at full volume i can flatten the battery in 15 minutes but at low volume it can last up to and past 5 hours.

 

[Jesse68]

I went and bought a Jump Starter from Home Depot for like 50 bucks just in case I run the radio to long. I haven't jump my boat but ive used it to jump a few other boats on the lake. Talking about being the hero when ya have a Jump Starter on board LOL