BoatBanter.com - View Single Post - How many voltage do i need to start my engine?

On 24 Mar 2005 06:46:37 -0800, (Mvd) wrote:
Hi,

I am planning to make a device that gives a signal (beep) when my
voltage drops at a level that i cant start my boat engine. I have to
know aproximaly what voltage is the minium to start.

I have an 4.3l V6 mercruiser inboard. What will be a save voltage to
program in the device?

===================================

Like everyone else has said, it depends. I'll throw some numbers in
the air however just to give you a starting point and provide target
practice for everyone else:

Battery under load is about 50% discharged at 11.5 volts, and the no
load 50% point is around 12 volts. Your engine should still start at
50% charged if you don't have to crank it for too long and
temperatures are not too low.

It's not good practice to let your battery go below 50% in any case.