Portable Generator & 12v Batteries

[Beardog]

Does anyone use a portable generator to charge their batteries while fishing/camping ?
Im thinking about getting a 1500W or 2000W generator with a built in invertor that is small
enough to keep in the boat . I dont want to spend much more than $500, as I have not got
a trolling motor yet. Which brings me to my next question . What is the differance between
the I-Pilot Co-pilot and the Autopilot that Minn-Kota has for sale. Minn-Kota's web site does'nt
realy say, or am I missing something.
Thanks for the help. Beardog

[Big D]

Hey Beardog,
Here's some info from the Minn Kota site:
i-Pilot
The i-Pilot wireless GPS trolling system allows you to control and steer your boat, record productive fishing paths, lock onto a fishing spot, and obtain optimal bait presentation by setting your speed and staying there.
CoPilot
Available as an accessory on electric steer motors – delivers fingertip control of speed, steering and on/off. And on Terrova and Riptide ST motors, you can hit maximum speed in an instant and activate AutoPilot. Upgrade your motor with the innovative, intuitive CoPilot wireless remote.
AutoPilot
Upgrade your Terrova or Riptide ST motor with the AutoPilot plug-in module. This patented navigation system keeps you headed in the right direction by intelligently and automatically steering your boat. Just point the motor head in the direction you want to travel, and let AutoPilot's patented compass lock onto the heading to deliver you there while correcting against wind, waves and current.

[Rich McVey]

I have the Co-pilot (wireless controls) with Auto-Pilot (keeps my heading).

I want the I-Pilot with GPS and route tracking to replace the Auto-Pilot as an upgrade.

The I-Pilot has the features of the Co and Auto Pilots... and more.

[BentRod]

I don't know anything about the trolling motor, but I do know something about your generator question.
Using a generator to recharge batteries can take a while, especially if you run them down very far. There is no fast way to recharge a battery. The best method is low and slow. It can take 3-6 hours to recharge a battery (depending on your charging system and how discharged the battery is). ie. if you hope to just run the generator for an hour, then you'll not be putting a whole lot of juice back in your battery. Get some specifics on the generator you're looking to buy and then research "recharging deep cycle batteries" and you might be able to calculate how long it will take. RVer's deal with this problem too, so there is a lot of info out there. Good luck.

[FishingFool]

I got a new Terrova with the i-Pilot for xmas. Cant wait until Spring to use it. Suppose to be the cats meow.

And generator, I dont think you'll find a quality 1500-2000W generator for $500. Also, you may need to start thinking about just how big they are and if you have the room to lug them around.

Supposely, the little Honda gennies are suppose to be awesome. Efficient and super quiet. I see the 1000W model on Craigslist for ~$600 once in a while. But I dont know if that's enough for a battery charger.

Here is a 2200W gen from Harborfreights..... and it's only $300.
http://www.harborfreight.com/55-hp-2200 ... 95189.html

It's 100lbs. Has good reviews. But it is from HF, lol.