Charge ePropulsion using 12V outlets

[bsaitz]

Hi all,

I have Spirit Plus ePropulsion motor and it works great. The problem is charging. I have a 12V charger for the battery in the motor and it works fine in my car but none of the 12V lighter outlets on the boat will get it a charge.

They do charge USB adapters, so I know they are hot. I'll use a multi-meter to ensure they are driving 12V but any other tips welcome

Thanks,

 

[GaylesFaerie]

I have the same motor. Why don't you use the 120V charger that comes with the ePropulsion? Gary

 

[bsaitz]

the AC one? i can and will but if I was at anchor that would be very inefficient

 

[dbsea]

Ben, those 12v outlets might not be putting out enough amps to charge your outboard battery. You should check the specs of the outlet brand to see. It will take a LONG time to charge that battery on 12 volt fwiw.

 

[CruisingElvinRay]

If you really want to use the DC charger, you should connect it directly to your house bank either with clamps (temporary) or ring terminals to a quick disconnect. That will be the most efficient (less voltage drop) way to do it.


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[Submariner]

A Spirit Plus ePropulsion battery is 1276 watt-hours. That's 106amp-hours.
An RT31 comes with 4 110ah deep cycle batteries that provide 198 usable amp-hours.

To fully charge a completely empty Spirt Plus battery will consume 1/2 of the boat's house battery bank. Just something to consider.

 

[Hamster]

Do you have Downrigger plugs wired? If so, I made a cord to power my high speed inflatable pump. Those outlets are 30-40 amps. Get a Scotty Marinco plug and create a cord to plug into. But, as mentioned, beware of your house bank supply if you use it much.

Here is the part. Your local fishing store may have it or you can order from Amazon. https://scotty.com/product/2127-12v-downrigger-plug/

 

[bsaitz]

Thanks. my plan is to use it on shore power, primarily. just looking for a backup to charge when underway. from my research, it looks like max draw is 10 amps on 12 volt. So the charge ports in cockpit lockers have at least 20 amp fuses so you should be able to use those ports.

and I do have a scotty plug! that might work, again, sparingly.

 

[Submariner]

Thanks. my plan is to use it on shore power, primarily. just looking for a backup to charge when underway. from my research, it looks like max draw is 10 amps on 12 volt. So the charge ports in cockpit lockers have at least 20 amp fuses so you should be able to use those ports.

and I do have a scotty plug! that might work, again, sparingly.

70 watts is what the data sheet for 12volt charger says it'll use. That's just shy of 6amps at 12 volts. At this rate, it would take about 18 hours to fully recharge a 1276wh battery from completely empty to completely full.

https://www.epropulsion.com/product-page/spirit-1-0-dc-charger-12v-24v/

 

[johnbenj]

I successfully charge my ePropulsion battery from the 12v cigarette adapter in the cave of my 27OB. I had a difficult time getting the adapter to seat so to get power but it works now every time.

I have only tested this while on shore power btw with battery charger on.

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[knotflying]

I usually charged my Torqeedo battery using the 110 v charger with the inverter on and cruising. Usually a much faster charge that way.

 

[fishheadbarandgrill]

When cruising and in-between anchorages I charge my 1000W Torqeedo battery using the 12V outlets with no problems. Typically the battery is no lower than 50 percent and easily charges during a day of motoring. Torqeedo offers a 12V charging cord for a 12V outlet.