Hi Bobbie, Since I don't have any built-in power on my M15, I have a portable power pack with built in air pump, 12 volt outlet and emergency light from Costco that I always wedge into the under V-berth storage along with some bottled water. I must confess that I have never needed to use it on the boat, although it is nice to consider it as a back up to the VHF and GPS units as well as to power a 12 volt anchor light I could run up the mast on a halyard as needed. Mostly it is carried as forward ballast to help counteract the considerable weight carried aft (me!). It is not difficult to horse into or out of the storage compartment and has become part of my sailing equipment. What has surprised me is how useful the thing is at home. I have jump- started my wife's vehicle several times and even lugged it over to a neighbors house to help start his car. The pump is quicker and easier than kicking on my big, noisy air compressor for small jobs like blowing up the kid's soccer balls, bicycle tires and the like. I have not taken it on any camping expeditions. I am not sure how long it will work without being recharged with AC power. Hope this helps. George Burmeyer 1986 M15 #385 On Mar 5, 2006, at 8:30 AM, Bobbie Mayer wrote:

I'll confess I'm thinking more of camping right now than sailing, but you guys are a well-spring of information so it is worth asking. Has anyone used one of those portable "Jump Start" type power packs that you recharge at home and then carry?

Bobbie

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I use an "Everstart" Jump Starter.........great for small 12 volt fan to cool off at night and power for GPS and floresent light. I can run the fan for about 5 hours continously without drawing it completely down and still have enough for light and GPS..........plugs into car to recharge or you can rig up a small solar panel to recharge it during the day. I've used mine for about a year and wouldn't be without it now. Bill M15 #158 Petite Fluer T C Boats.com B & L Associated Industries Bill Tosh Rt 1 Box 118-B Rusk TX. 75785 903-743-5555 http://www.tcboats.com ----- Original Message ----- From: Bobbie Mayer To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Sent: Sunday, March 05, 2006 10:30 AM Subject: M_Boats: Portable power packs... I'll confess I'm thinking more of camping right now than sailing, but you guys are a well-spring of information so it is worth asking. Has anyone used one of those portable "Jump Start" type power packs that you recharge at home and then carry? Bobbie _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats