Guides

Straight answers to the questions behind the calculators, organized by category.

5guides to read now
1more on the way
4categories
Sourcedevery fact links to its source

Plain-English answers to the questions behind the calculators, checked against manufacturer specs and marine standards, with every source linked.

Boat & Trolling Motor

Batteries, run time and power management on the water.
3 guides
Guide · 9 min readHow Many Batteries Does a Trolling Motor Need?
The count for every motor size, how big each battery should be and how long it lasts. What’s inside
  • Battery count by motor voltage
  • Battery size for your day
  • Run-time tables for AGM and lithium
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Guide · 10 min readHow to Manage Your Boat’s Power All Day
Check, plan, stretch and recharge your batteries so the engine starts and the trolling motor runs until the last cast. What’s inside
  • Checking batteries before you launch
  • Getting more from the trolling motor
  • Charging, cold weather and warning signs
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Guide · 11 min readFish Finders: When to Run Them and How to Save Power
How much power your fish finder uses, when each kind of sonar is worth running, and how to make the battery last. What’s inside
  • Power draw by unit and screen size
  • When to switch sonar off
  • Wiring, interference and cold weather
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Camping Power

Power stations, solar panels and running gear at camp.
1 guide
Guide · 13 min readGet More From Your Solar Panels and Power Station
Where to put your panels for the most power, plus the basics to know before you buy a power station. What’s inside
  • Aiming and tilting panels
  • Connecting panels to your station
  • Cold weather, storage and battery life
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Batteries & Charging

Choosing, charging and caring for batteries.
1 guide
Guide · 10 min readLithium vs AGM: Is a Lithium Battery Worth It?
Usable power, weight, cost over time, cold weather and charging, and whether lithium pays off for the way you fish and camp. What’s inside
  • Side-by-side comparison
  • Cost per usable amp-hour
  • Checklist for switching to lithium
Read the guide →

12-Volt Wiring

Wire size, fuses and safe connections.
Coming soon
Coming soonWire Size for a Boat, Explained