What brand / where to buy battery / charger ?

Hey all, first off I tried the search feature but came up short of an answer. Just ordered an Elite-5 HDI and want to start with a fresh battery and new charger. I don't know if there is brands I should / should not get ? Would love some intel on good or bad products and where they came from....

Thanks,
T.L. Tim

I'd recommend using a LiFePO4 battery for the long haul if you have the money.  I don't have this brand but I like the fact that it has a battery power capacity indicator.   

http://www.batteryspace.com/LiFePO4-Battery-12V-9Ah-108Wh-18A-rate-with-LED-Indicator.aspx

I've been using Cabelas 12V 8amp battery for 2.5 years on my Lowrance Elite 5 and very happy with it. Used it for 15 hours without a problem. The charger included is not that great.  I got a better charger at my local Ace Hardware. 
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Rechargeable-Volt-Battery/700551.uts

Just get a $20-30 7ah battery from many sources and a 1.5 amp charger for another $20-30 or so and you are set.

I had to buy a fresh battery before the last tourney because my 5-year-old Cabelas 12v was only lasting ~4hrs with my Elite 5 dsi. Since I was short on time, I just went to Home Depot and bought another 12v 7a brick battery for $20. If it designed to be used in Mighty Mule brand gate openers. It works great. Now I just need to get a better charger that won't screw up the battery's capacity when left plugged in overnight.

Here's the charger I've been using. It's a damn fine unit for the price.
http://mobile.walmart.com/m/phoenix;jsessionid=40D049C1E0FE2F239A004EC2A18E9311#ip/15140193

Batteries Plus over by Target has the 12v, 7amp bricks for like $20.  I'm actually heading over there at lunch to grab a few, want me to snag you one?

I had to buy a fresh battery before the last tourney because my 5-year-old Cabelas 12v was only lasting ~4hrs with my Elite 5 dsi. Since I was short on time, I just went to Home Depot and bought another 12v 7a brick battery for $20. If it designed to be used in Mighty Mule brand gate openers. It works great. Now I just need to get a better charger that won't screw up the battery's capacity when left plugged in overnight.

I bought the same.  was a pain in the butt to find at HD.  it was next to the garage door opener remotes.  but pretty decent price.

I have the same one from HD for the Mighty Mule.  They also have various size bricks used for emergency lighting & exit signs in the lighting department (near the flour. light fixtures).  I went with the Mighty Mule because it fit the exact size I needed & cost me $15 after a $5 off coupon.

   One 'Red Flag' I noticed when looking at all the H.D. batteries ..... CHECK THE DATE!  Some of the ones in the lighting section were over 2-years old.  They aparently didn;t have a high turn over rate of them.  The Mightly Mule I bought was only 1 month old.

~Bill

P.S.  There is a "trick" for saving money at H.D.  It has a little something to do with them taking competitor coupons (except Harbor Freight).  ACE Hardware ALWAYS has good coupons that H.D. will honor.  My savings this year is averaging 25% with purchases almost daily there.

While we're on the battery topic, what are you guys running for an in-line fuse?  My last unit was a cheapie piranahmax so I never bothered to put one in, but with my new Elite 4 I have spliced in a simple in-line fuse holder w/ a 3A fuse, which isn't waterproof at all.  Any better recommendation, maybe a waterproof blade style?

Waterproof blade style is best, IMHO.  I think the suggested is 3amp.

Bill

I thought the Elite 5 came with an inline fuse pre-wired? I not, then yeah blade style waterproof 3a is fine. I've bought them from WM for about $10 in the past.

Good lookin out Mike! I'm gonna buy that charger now.
And thanks for the tip Bill--that's a great idea.

I like the water proof blade style from west marine. Just remember to keep a spare fuse on your kayak at all times i usally use a 3 Amp
http://content.westmarine.com/images/catalog/large/11975901.jpg

Sweet, thanks guys.
Jeff I'll see ya in a few to grab that RAM mount.

I thought the Elite 5 came with an inline fuse pre-wired? I not, then yeah blade style waterproof 3a is fine. I've bought them from WM for about $10 in the past.

Good lookin out Mike! I'm gonna buy that charger now.
And thanks for the tip Bill--that's a great idea.

There's a FREE paper that comes out in San Juan Bautista called the 'San Juan Star'.  Every month they have coupons for ACE Hardware in there; $5 off $20 & $10 off $40 purchase.  Found that these coupons are honored at Home Depot as well    Shhhh.....  it's a secret though.