aquasport 170 chartplotter/fishfinder

[TooLoose]

Bat21 - I don't think you will be able to utilize functionalities in the Simrad Chartplotter like autopilot unless you have it synced with your motor through the drive units.
Maybe something to think about if that is weighing your decision.

[Bat21]

Definitely won't be using the autopilot. The go7 has a lot of features that I will not use. I like the simplicity of the garmin as of now. Still researching more before buying.

[Bat21]

ok went to boat show and got a look at all the boats i cant afford , lol, i did buy the garmin echomap uhd 74sv with the gt54uhd transducer, i should be receiving it late this week, im excited,  had a question.  the boat has only one battery i was wondering what the battery drain is when drifting with the motor off, my son uses the boat and im concerned hes going to kill the battery and be stuck, im going to install new battery and im going to buy the most powerful i can get but still concerned, i really dont want to install two batteries im trying to keep this boat as simple as possible.

[mshugg]

For a depth finder/plotter or VHF there isn’t much draw at all.  Baitwell pump can draw a bit more.  You can look up the amp draw of each unit, and calculate amps per hour and compare to amp hours capacityof Battery.  I doubt you’re cutting into capacity of battery much even with a couple of hours drifting.  This assumes you’re starting with a fully charged good battery with good connections. 

[GoneFission]

For a depth finder/plotter or VHF there isn’t much draw at all.  B

 

Actually a VHF uses quite a bit of power when transmitting - 5 to 10 amps depending on model.  I've seen many cases when someone undersized the wire to the VHF and then wondered why the radio did not transmit well.  Don't run dinky wire to your VHF! 

[mshugg]

For a depth finder/plotter or VHF there isn’t much draw at all.  B

 

Actually a VHF uses quite a bit of power when transmitting - 5 to 10 amps depending on model.  I've seen many cases when someone undersized the wire to the VHF and then wondered why the radio did not transmit well.  Don't run dinky wire to your VHF!

Couldn’t agree more.  Minimum of 14 gauge.  The only thing I use less for is LED lights.  Of course, the question was about drawing down the battery, and most people spend little time transmitting by