Thread: Small battery for HB798?

You're taking the right steps by calculating the power requirements before buying anything. I used a single 7.5 Ah SLA battery for my previous finder (HB575) and expected to continue this setup after upgrading to a HB1197. Running the 575, my battery lasted all day, but the 1197 (much larger screen, color, SI, GPS) ate 4 of this size battery in a single day, so I had to hook up to the starter battery.

Using .615 Ah as the current draw for a HB798 (you should confirm that this is the maximum draw under all operating conditions), I'd say you need battery capacity of at least 10 Ah. Here's the math:

.615 Ah draw X 8 hr. trip = 4.92 Ah

Following NeonMoon's advice, you should avoid drawing a battery down more than 50%, so that means you'd need twice the 4.92 Ah. Result: 4.92 X 2 = 9.84 Ah.

Two of the 7.5 SLA batteries would be a good choice. The extra capacity would allow for those days when the bite gets going 8 hrs. into the trip & you keep fishing until it's too dark to see! The extra capacity would also prevent drawdowns of > 50% and would keep you going for many months (years) after the SLA start showing signs of old age.

For about the same cost of two 7.5 Ah batteries, this 12 Ah SLA (with charger) would be a good option.

Corker,
Can you charge these with a battery charger like for regular 12v charger for cars or marine batteries? or do you need to buy the small charger like on the website for $20?
Bassky

Corker,
This is what I bought, 12Ah SLA, thanks for the info.
Bassky

Corker,
This is what I bought, 12Ah SLA, thanks for the info.
Bassky