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catdude28.I’m running a Helix 12 gen 2,a Helix 12 gen 3, a Helix 9 gen 3 with a mega 360 & I-Pilot Link all networked together on the starter/accessories battery. What battery would be recomended to run all day?
The heaviest AGM battery you can find, weight is power and check the Reserve Capacity. The AGM battery we use standard has 245 RC. Also a graph harness in 6 gauges, dedicated only to the electronics will help.
I am currently running a Lynx with Merc250 4-stroke and I am rigged with 4 Helix units, 360, Mega live and 2 Raptors. I am using the huge AGM supplied by BassCat and have never had a problem with power, even when running the livewells all day.
I did add a supplemental harness to power the 360 and the Mega live, but that was probably overkill.
Since about 2015 Bass Cat has had a separate harness for graphs and power. The older boats had 6 gauge to the console where a brass terminal block exists, and we connect 10 gauge to the bow. All connections in that harness are soldered with fine high grade tinned wire to reduce corrosion.
About 2021 we shifted to 6 gauge and 6 gauge with terminal blocks at both the front and console.
On Newer 2023 boats we upgraded those connections and corrected a terminal issue we found.
Voltage Drop when starting:
We have one to add, if you are finding the ignition (starting) knocks power too low for graph operation, then we suggest a small copper washer (2023 standard item) on both terminal posts bases. Apparently over time the terminal lugs become incompatible with the Mercury bronze buss bar all the wires gather on at both terminal posts. The small copper washers against the terminal lugs resolved this issue.
Thanks for the responces. I currenty have an X2 AGM. I just added the 360. I didn’t have any issues before.
As the toys get bigger the demands on the battery increases.
The big draw on the battery is starting the motor. Those who run and gun all day are hardest on the main battery. Then add the livewll pumps radio and bilge pump when it rains.
Yes we are asking a lot from the main battery. It may be something to consider upgrading to a “tractor type” battery that weighs over 100lbs. Yes the more weight the more power it can store.
Upgrades such as tinning the wire leads and running large low resistance wires help more than one would think.
Something to consider as we add more and more electronics
Cadmoving, if the X2 doesn’t cut it after you add the 360, then you should consider a large lithium battery like the Ionic 125 ah. It will crank your outboard and run everything. Or simply add a separate battery for your electronics.
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