How many batteries do you use?

I was wondering how many batteries you use on a typical kayak fishing trip?
I use all rechargeable AA batteries. The breakdown is as follows:

10 - Fish Finder
6  - VHF Radio
4  - Handheld GPS
2  - Camera
2  - Camera back up batteries

That is 24.....24!!!!!! batteries in all!!
Fortunately I have enough chargers to accommodate them all.
I cannot even imagine having to buy fresh batteries for everytime out. Thank goodness for rechargeables.

8 AA's for FF, 2 for GPS.  I've been buy the bulk Kirkland alkalines from Costco because I haven't been satisfied with the performance of rechargeables.


Any recommendations for the best rechargeable AA's and charger to use???

Why not use a rechargeable 12v for your ff?

I use.. 1 rechargeable 12v for ff
1 rechargeable for the camera (sometimes 1 backup)
1 rechargeable for the vhf
4 for bait tank, but I'm thinking about upgrading to a better tank and a rechargreable 12v this season

1

It's a 12V 7A gel cell for the FF/GPS. My VHF uses a rechargable lithium power pack. I can use the same 12V chargers to recharge both. In fact, I have a wall charger, and a car charger.

Just remembered - If I bring a camera, it uses a Canon power pack. The recharger for this power pack is also 12V. And I can use the same wall and car chargers as above.

Not that it matters, but I have two streamlite flashlights that use rechargable lithium cells. Guess which rechargers I can use

I think my life is good, when it comes to batteries.

Regards,
Scott

Fishfinder:  one 12V 5Ah rechargeable gel battery.

GPS:  2 AA's and 2 backup AA's (Like Chuck, I've not been satisfied with reliability of rechargeables for the GPS).

VHF:  Internal rechargeable battery... only charged about every 4 or 5 trips.

Camera:  Internal rechargeable battery.

Bait Tank (when used):  one 12V 5 Ah rechargeable Gel battery.

Bubbler (when used):  two D batteries.

10 AAs for the ff and 2 AAs for the Optio.  Chuck the 2500 mAh rechargable work great, but you need to remember they can take up to 5 or 6 charge/discharge cycles to achieve full mojo.

I use the Eveready and Energizer 2500mAh rechargeables and they work GREAT!.
I use the AA's for the fishfinder because they are substantially lighter than anything else.
The chargers I use came from Uniden when I bought my person to person radios. I sent the radios back after they failed due to water ( supposed to be JIS 7 ) and got more chargers with the new units. They plug directly into the wall, the same way a night light does, and hold 4 AA's each.

Chuck get a good charger. One that will deep cycle them AND quick charge them. When they start not holding a charge deep cycle them and it seems to bring them back to life.

I've had great luck with Maha 2700mAh batteries that I bought through Thomas Distributing.  I use 12 for the FF, 4 in the GPS, 2 in the camera (can't remember what's in the VHF... just got a new one).  They're kind of expensive, but you get what you pay for (in this case).  I also use them in things like remotes, wireless keyboards/mice and some kids' toys.  The key is to get yourself a quality charger.

Backslider

Fishfinder: 8 AA
Camera 1: 4 AA
Camera 2: its own charger
GPS: 2 AA
Radio: its own charger
Assorted flashlights: 4 AA
Video camera: its own charger

I use the 8 AA charger available from Kayak Fishing Stuff. It has LED lights that show when the battery is charged. It also has a car lighter attachment. I use 2400-rated Titanium batteries.

Fishfinder 10 AA ala Sean, but using the Costco AAs last about 5 trips.
VHF internal rechargeable 3-4 trips per charge unless I'm fishing with Mooch then 1/2 day.
GPS rechargable 10-12 trips.
Bubbler 1C per trip

1 12v battery from radioshack (lasts for ever on a charge).

2 AA for camera.

No radio

Leave GPS at home (takes 2 AA)

Leave headlamp at home (takes 2 AAA)