what is the difference in the watt load on econolight 150w 6x9 and 9x9. says the 9x9 has built in caps?

Caps help take the load off the genny. Don't remember, but I want to say they'll draw about half the current of the lights that don't use caps. It's a significant number for sure, just don't remember what it is.

You can add caps to the smaller housing or do a separate box with all the caps and ballasts. Lots of people do that to move the weight away from the deck or if they're using custom housings.

Bowfishingcountry is probably the best place to read up on lights.

the 9x9 that already have the caps though would i need to do anything else or just plug them in and they won't pull as many watts?

Yes, the 9x9s will draw less current.

The caps only help on startup though right?

wow! so it is definitely worth paying the extra $20 for the 9x9 to take a huge load off the generator

why is the watt and starting amps higher? i thought they would be lower?

I'm honestly not sure if that's correct, but if it is, it's because the capacitors require a little extra power to charge. Once they're charged, total system draw is decreased dramatically. If the startup current is a problem for your setup...turn the lights on one or two at a time if needed.

I haven't done the research on this stuff in several years so it's not fresh in my head at all. If you want to read up and do your own research, visit bfc. More info than you will want to read on the subject.

yea I'm trying to get on there but i've been waiting for them to "activate" my account before i can post. I'm basically trying to run 8 150w HPS lights with a PM3-55 converter for the trolling motor on a 3500w generator and trying to make sure it will power that?

if you have the time, i put another post up under "bow fishing build" that explains in a lot more detail what I'm trying to do, maybe that would help

thanks a lot btw for the time and responses cb5331 it is all much appreciated!!

3500 should be sufficient.

The 55a converter will draw about 1000 watts, little more if it's over driven.

8 lights with caps should draw in the 1500 watt range once at operating temp.