So I went out to Houston County Lake a few weeks ago for some late night fishing. After a few hours of fishing in the dark cold rain, I noticed my lights starting to dim. I didn't really think much of it but a few seconds later the screen to my depth finder went black. Super. I had launched at the dam but was fishing by the marina when the battery died. I tried jumping the cranking battery off the trolling motor battery as I had done previously in similar situations, but to no avail. Luckily i was close enough to troll over to the marina to get out of the rain to switch batteries from cranking to trolling. Nothing. Well [censored]. It was 2 AM, 45 degrees and raining pretty steadily. It was about a 7 mile hike that felt like 100 miles. So, that being said, I don't want to be in that situation again, but luckily I wasn't on Toledo 20 miles across the lake when it happened. I figured I'd just get a portable jump starter to keep in the boat at all times. Smaller would definitely be better, but I want something reliable. I've seen those small lithium ion packs but not sold on em yet. Anyone have any experience with these kits on their boat? I've got a 150 Merc. Thanks for any valuable info, you can never be too prepared.

Dude that really sucks, I run 4 batteries in mine so I have never crossed that path and never hope to. But Having one of them jumpers sounds like a solid plan.

Last year around Christmas time NOCO put theirs on sale. I don't have one but almost pulled the trigger. They were discounted almost 1/2 for a short time. You might want to sign up for notices on their web site. From my online research they have a very good one and does not take up a lot of space.
http://www.geniuschargers.com/boost/

I think they were $80 when they were on sale.

I have one of the lithium packs and when my cranking battery went dead it would not jump it off can't remember the name of it though.

They work very well if you get a good one. the cheap one i bought smoked and the neg cable melted.

Yep. Been there before. I had to pull the trolling batteries out, just to remove the starting battery. Then move a trolling battery into the starting battery location. Then hit the key. Vroom. Haha. So, I decided to keep fishing. Then went even further away. And then click click click. I was cussing myself.

Got home later that day. Checked the starting battery. It was 12.78 volts. Looked at the terminals. They were horrid nasty looking. Cleaned them really well. Re-rearranged the batteries. Again. Charged them no problems since.

I do feel your pain. My wife even said," why don't you take the jump box with you ?"

My response? I have four batteries in a boat with a 12 volt engine and a 12 volt TM. I SHOULD NOT need a jump box. I need to maintain the batteries and cables better.

Tackle warehouse has a compact jumper called a weego. three models to choose from. Check them out.

I've had the same problem running lights all night. My solution was to get some suction cup navigation lights that run on D cell battery's. And I also turned on my low voltage alarm on DF set for 10 volts.

weego- got one have not use it yet

I've got the little NOCO, haven't used it on the boat yet, but I did jump a 3/4-ton Ford V8 gas engine that was real dead. Took a couple of minutes. I don't think it would be a problem to jump start the Pro XS.

Yes they work. Worth every penny. I have carried a jumper box in my boat the last 15yrs. They keep getting smaller every time i replace one.

I chose different approach than above posts. I prefer to prevent an overly discharged battery in the 1st place rather than just later try to jump it.....dead batteries are damaged batteries and too expensive to have to replace, Installed a 'Marine Priority Start' and so I'll never over discharge a battery and need a jump...

Use code DC10 at batterymart.com and get $10 0ff many Prioritystart models. Not sure how long that code will work, but works for now.

do your research on these because as I recall they are not powerful enough to jump start a pro xs and there have been several issues with these. They will work on vehicles but not strong enough for a pro xs. I bought a jump starter that is rated high enough for my outboard and charge it monthly. Batteries never go bad at a good time so I have a battery jump starter as well as cables in my boat. In my opinion a jump starter is nothing to go cheap on.

Best thing I have ever used and it will work. Not cheap but I have started my pickup with it. Check it out before you make a decision. I have the XP-1 kit.

Micro-Start Personal Power Supply http://themicrostart.com/