Starter Batteries

Greg Johnson · Jan 9, 2021

Been out of the sport for awhile and my 12v gel sealed batteries finally died. What is everyone using for their electric starters now?

Walt Barney · Jan 9, 2021

Greg Johnson said:
Been out of the sport for awhile and my 12v gel sealed batteries finally died. What is everyone using for their electric starters now?

Lipo 6 s 5000 amp
Walt Barney

RaceMechaniX · Jan 9, 2021

A 4 cell lipo is equivalent to 12V gel cell. A 6 cell lipo is equivalent to a 24V system. You can also run 5 cells too for something in between.
3300-5000mAh is usually enough for a full weekend of nitro boat starting. You don't need a high discharge battery. A decent 25C to 45C battery is all that's needed. If you are not comfortable with the higher risks of Lipo batteries there are several LiFe batteries available that would be sufficient.

Wasted wages · Jan 9, 2021

Battery stuff sure has changed since I last ran boats!! So what kind of charger does it take to charge a 6 cell 5000 mAh pack ?

Overall I think it would still be cheaper to use two 12 volt gel cells ?
Is cost justification there ?

Terry Keeley · Jan 9, 2021

Been using these, put them on the charger and don't worry about the house burning down, lol.

https://www.dewalt.com/product-repository/products-dewalt/2016/09/02/01/43/dc9280

Mike Starrett · Jan 9, 2021

If you want gel cells they're available on Amazon

john v · Jan 9, 2021

a finer edge mfg makes a kit that you can use a makita cordless drill battery to power your starter, i have 2 and they work well for not that much money if you already have the batterys

Greg Johnson · Jan 10, 2021

Thanks for the input! Things have changed in battery technology. Just trying to catch up and keep up.

RaceMechaniX · Jan 10, 2021

Lipo's are nice if you want a cordless starter like Boris Mazor produced where weight is a factor. If you are still using a starter box and the batteries are mounted in the box you have a little more freedom to choose the batteries. Power tool batteries are nice if you are already have the charger and batteries. Take a look online as people are 3D printing battery adapters to connect a Dewalt/Milwaukee/Bauer battery to 4mm banana jacks.

3D printed battery adapters for power tools

Greg Johnson · Jan 10, 2021

RaceMechaniX said:
Lipo's are nice if you want a cordless starter like Boris Mazor produced where weight is a factor. If you are still using a starter box and the batteries are mounted in the box you have a little more freedom to choose the batteries. Power tool batteries are nice if you are already have the charger and batteries. Take a look online as people are 3D printing battery adapters to connect a Dewalt/Milwaukee/Bauer battery to 4mm banana jacks.

3D printed battery adapters for power tools

Just saw one on line and am placing an order for it now. Thanks!

Mike Cathey · Jan 10, 2021

Had to replace my gel cells a couple of months ago. I suppose they were perhaps 8 years old or so. $34 for a pair of 7ampers from Amazon. I also got one of the Gizmo starters and a 5000ma 3C battery that works really well. I like the double pulley so I can use it on nitro and a slower speed for gas. Sometimes my grandson races with me so it's nice to have two starters.

Hydro Junkie · Jun 21, 2021

Has anyone seen an adapter for the Ryobi 18 volt universal, Craftsman 20 volt or Cobalt 24 volt pack? I have all three types of battery packs available and am to the point I don't really want to have to carry 12 volt batteries that I have no other use for. Thanks all

Mark Anderson · Jun 21, 2021

I took an old dead tool and cut the battery holder off. Mounted it to the starter and use my Milwaukee batteries. Should be able to do the same with any brand.

Hydro Junkie · Jun 21, 2021

I could, if I had a tool that was dead. All three of the battery types I have are all new within the past couple of years

rhomodel · Jun 22, 2021

I prefer 4 or 5 cell LiFePo4: they are not as burn dangerous as the LiPo cells, that you have to treat very carfull when charging.

Mike Hughes · Jun 22, 2021

Hydro Junkie said:
I could, if I had a tool that was dead. All three of the battery types I have are all new within the past couple of years

Then buy the cheapest tool you can and gut it for the adapter. I was gonna do this with a usb adapter for the dewalt. It cost me like 25 at the time. The project got stalled and then when I was going to start it up again, they were selling them.
Mike

Hydro Junkie · Jun 22, 2021

I got lucky. I found this site by accident and they had just what I was looking for:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/895914...MIx6KX-Ler8QIVJA_nCh0oBQPsEAQYBSABEgJmj_D_BwE https://www.etsy.com/listing/867747...er-mount?ref=pla_sameshop_listing_top-1&frs=1Now, the only question is can the smaller Sullivan 601 handle 18 to 20 volts? I know it's only made to take 12 while the Dynatron can handle up to 24

Mark Anderson · Jun 23, 2021

Ran them for years on 24

Mike Hughes · Jun 23, 2021

Me too. My setup right now is running on 6s 22.2V

Wasted wages · Jun 23, 2021

just make sure the rotor/armature wire is wound tightly and epoxied or tied in the slots.

I had one spit the guts out on 24 volts.

Starter Batteries

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