Good Buy on PowerStation Jump Start Unit at Costco

Pat Anderson

With all the trouble I have had with my batteries (ahem) recently, I thought it would be a very good idea to always have a big jump start unit on-board. Got the PowerStation brand at Costco. It has an 18 amp hour sealed lead-acid battery, a built in 110 volt charger with overcharge protection (they recommend leaving it plugged in whenever it is not in use), two 12 volt outlets, a 400 watt inverter with one 110 volt outlet, a lamp, and an air compressor, in addition to the jump starter cables, which have a switch you leave in the off position until you are ready to actually jump start something, so the cables don't short out while they are flopping around. All this for $79. A Black and Decker with virtually identical specs on the battery was $139. The Xantrex one with a 20 amp hour battery is $179. Time will tell, but this looks like a pretty darn decent buy. They were also selling Xantrex 1000 watt inverters for $58 - I paid more for my 400 watt inverter a year or two ago. This was at the Issaquah, WA Costco...

Sea Wolf · Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2008 6:12 pm Post subject:

Pat-

That sounds like a very good deal!

I keep one of these units in the compartment under the helm footrest in my CD-22.

I have it plugged into the shore power system so it gets charged whenever we're plugged in or have the generator running.

Great peace of mind to have such a back up on board all the time, even though I've got four group 27's on board and a generator (usually).

Never had to use it yet, but still worth the effort and expense.

Would be perfect to jump start another stranded boat.

It's also available anytime I'm on the road with the boat on the trailer.

The light, compressor, and 12 and 110 volt outlets are further assurance you'll make it home alive.

What's next to add to the unit's capabilities? Mini-microwave? GPS unit? Foot massager? Electric Toothbrush/Water Pik? Emergency X-Ray machine? Karaoke unit? EPRIB Beacon? WeatherFax? Loudhailer? Sabuki Knife?

Joe. Thumbs Up

dotnmarty · Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2008 8:13 pm Post subject:

I carry one in each vehicle. An easy way to do a good deed. (jumping a dead battery, not as a defibrillator Joe)

Doryman · Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2008 8:33 pm Post subject:

I got one of those Costco units about 6 months ago. Was surprised then (and still am) about how much cheaper it is than elsewhere.

tpbrady · Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2008 9:02 pm Post subject:

Joe,

Do you need a permit to carry that much lead on a boat? Also do you have to placard the boat with high voltage warnings? Finally, if fishing is slow can you discharge some your batteries through the inverter into the water to make finding the fish easier?

See you in Seattle.

Tom

Sea Wolf · Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2008 11:27 pm Post subject:

Marty-

Damn! I didn't think of the defibrillator ! That could be a real money maker! How much could you charge to give a "charge" to someone who was dying of a heart attack? Kinda like not being able to argue about the price of a pint of blood (or several) when your bleeding to death! That's leverage in the marketplace! Yeah, baby!

Tom-

The EPA did make me put on a sign

"WARNING: LEAD MINE: TOXIC RESIDUES PRESENT/ HAZMAT SUITS REQUIRED"

(Good Outcome: The sign and suits keep other boats away so you can have the fishing Honey Hole to yourself!)

Also, I do have a sign borrowed from Don's (Sneaks) Navy days on the transom that reads-

GENERAL DYNAMICS/ELECTRIC BOAT DIVISION

though I turned down his offer of a periscope to accompany the sign.

Good idea about electrifying the fish! The Department of Fish and Game does that in streams to do fish count surveys. About 440 volts AC between the downrigger cables ought to bring 'em right to the surface, belly up! A volleyball net towed about 40 yards behind the boat ought to pay for that fishing license quickly! It's just economics, you know. Gotta justify the cost! Sportsmanship what?

See ya' in Seattle!

Joe. Thumbs Up

chromer · Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2008 11:47 pm Post subject:

I have one of these rigs too. What's the life expectancy? 3 years like any other battery???

breausaw · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 2:02 am Post subject:

Yea gotta love Costso.. Love

Pat Anderson · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 10:33 am Post subject:

I know it seems like a bit of overkill! But who knows, all the stuff it has may come in useful, and they didn't cost anything extra! It has one other function I failed to mention - arm stretcher! With the 18 amp hour battery, this is one HEAVY sucker! I will pass your additional suggestions on to PowerStation!

Pat Anderson · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 10:41 am Post subject:

A very good question - the PowerStation manual says keep it charged and it will give you "many" years of service. I also have a little one, a Coleman Powermate bought at Schucks Auto Parts for $29 five or more years ago, and it is still going strong. I just use it to power a little 2 meter radio, and keep it fully charged all the time. I did wonder though whether you could replace the internal battery, or if not, how in the heck you would properly dispose of one of these puppies...