I first heard about the KBi KSM Supercapacitors a few years back. After talking with Comar Sales based out of Rhode Island, I was eager to give it a chance. At the time, I owned a 1985 BHM Downeast boat that was powered with a John Deere 6081 375HP. At the time, I was using , four 8D AGM Batteries weighing in at around 158lbs each. After talking with James Oburke at KBI, we decided on which model would be the perfect fit.
We ended up installing the MKSM101200.
The Install went well, only thing that took the longest was making the 4/0 wires. The best part was that, the KSM Supercapacitor only needed a Group 31 AGM Battery to power the unit. I was able to eliminate two of the 8D batteries, thus removing over 300lbs of weight. The best advice, is to take your time when wiring everything up and follow the directions , this made the install easy to do.
After I had everything wired up, it was time to start the motor, The power that was delivered from the capacitor was unbelievable. It cranked my motor up faster than other battery has in the past. The best part, was the group 31 supplied enough power to recharge the capacitor in 30 seconds. The capacitor would hold that charge for the next start up. This is a peace of mind when off show, knowing that my vessel would start right up if my batteries drained down .
The KSM can withstand upwards of one million start cycles without losing cranking power, our typical life span of 8D batteries is just a few years, by removing the 8DS, we are saving thousands of dollars every few years not replacing them when they go bad.
Whichever vessel I own, I can guarantee that it will have the KBi KSM Supercapacitors installed. It’s a game changer for anyone with Downeast boat !!
Captain Mike Littlefield
