I want to move my batteries- what do you think?

Johnshan · 02-02-2007, 04:13 PM

Well I did a search and read a lot- but still have a couple questions.

I currently have 2 batteries in the rear of the boat, and would like to get the weight out of the back to help with the scuppers. My thought is to move them here (1 per side):

They would go inside the hatch area, again one per side. Now my question is- how much venting do I need to do since they will be closed in when the hatch is shut?

Also I just bought a Guest 2611A today:

So I need to stick to lead acid or gel cell batteries- is there a battery out there that will not produce gases when charged/used that will allow me to keep them in this closed in area?

Thanks for any ideas.

-John

fishingfun · 02-02-2007, 04:28 PM

Do you think that going through all the work to move the batteries will make that big of a difference? That is only moving 40 to 50 pounds up some. I have a problem with water coming in while fishing and a few people fishing off the back of the boat. What I do is my boat drains into the splash well then out of the boat. The drain holes going from the boat to the splash well is the size of rubber boat plug. If needed I plug them while fishing and remove them when not needed.

Johnshan · 02-02-2007, 04:28 PM

Okay I did a google search and came back with this statement:

"Virtually no gassing under normal operating conditions: Unlike flooded cells, gel cells and AGMs are hermetically sealed and operate under pressure to recombine the oxygen and hydrogen produced during the charge process back into water. You find VRLAs in the bilges of high end yachts such as Hinckley, Hans Christian, Island Packet, etc.. Every boat benefits from a low center of gravity over the keel (good for righting purposes) and the minimal venting requirements make it possible."

So it sounds like an AGM or a Gel battery would be the ticket.....

Johnshan · 02-02-2007, 04:31 PM

Quote:

fishingfun - 2/2/2007 4:28 PM

Do you think that going through all the work to move the batteries will make that big of a difference? That is only moving 40 to 50 pounds up some. I have a problem with water coming in while fishing and a few people fishing off the back of the boat. What I do is my boat drains into the splash well then out of the boat. The drain holes going from the boat to the splash well is the size of rubber boat plug. If needed I plug them while fishing and remove them when not needed.

Well its more like 100 lbs from the rear of the boat, and I just added a 50 lb kicker to the back. I have heard it makes a difference. Can anyone confirm? The plus is that if I move the batteries forward I will gain 2 compartments in the rear, one of which will be the fuel tank for the kicker- allowing me to move the 3 gallon tank off the deck.

ken2 · 02-02-2007, 04:37 PM

We moved the batteries on my buddies boat. from the back to the console.
The scuppers were low, and it did make a difference. about 1.5 inches.
Strap them down good and tight.

I'd lauch the boat and have the batteries where you want them to see if it makes enough difference to bother with it.
Before you go through the hassle of rewiring everthing and mounting the batteries.

Johnshan · 02-02-2007, 04:38 PM

Thanks ken. I am actually in the middle of a total re-wire, so it is not a big deal at all to do it now.

oceansmasher · 02-02-2007, 04:41 PM

i moved my batteries from the rear and installed them in the center console. It made enough of a difference that I was glad I did it

Johnshan · 02-02-2007, 04:45 PM

Good to hear! I will be trying it then, now I need to find a good deal on Gel or AGM batteries.

Glen E · 02-02-2007, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Johnshan - 2/2/2007 5:45 PM

Good to hear! I will be trying it then, now I need to find a good deal on Gel or AGM batteries.

the best bang for your buck:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...equestid=44971

Tom73 · 02-02-2007, 04:51 PM

If the problem is with your scuppers you should look up flow- max ball scupper it might help.

sharkbait1 · 02-02-2007, 04:53 PM

If you have a combiner or bat switch you will want to move it to the forwarc area too. But, to crank your motor , you will need ([probably) two No.2 bat cables from the forward compartment switch location, to the engine roo. Measure the distance, then double it for the return. Look up cranking amps for the starter and get out you West Marine calbe guide. Bet ya a small wager it will work out to a #2 cable. them cables can cost ya a hundred bucks easy. But if its part of a total rewire, you're already spending a bucket o money anyways.

fishingfun · 02-02-2007, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Johnshan - 2/2/2007 4:31 PM

Quote:

fishingfun - 2/2/2007 4:28 PM

Do you think that going through all the work to move the batteries will make that big of a difference? That is only moving 40 to 50 pounds up some. I have a problem with water coming in while fishing and a few people fishing off the back of the boat. What I do is my boat drains into the splash well then out of the boat. The drain holes going from the boat to the splash well is the size of rubber boat plug. If needed I plug them while fishing and remove them when not needed.

Well its more like 100 lbs from the rear of the boat, and I just added a 50 lb kicker to the back. I have heard it makes a difference. Can anyone confirm? The plus is that if I move the batteries forward I will gain 2 compartments in the rear, one of which will be the fuel tank for the kicker- allowing me to move the 3 gallon tank off the deck.

Well it does sound as it make a difference. Is there anything made so you could just run you kicker off your boats gas tank or is the oil gas mixing stuff a problem?

Johnshan · 02-02-2007, 05:19 PM

Thanks guys- Glen, I saw those at cabelas, they are the best price around I take it eh?

The main engine is an oil injection and the kicker is pre-mix, so im kinda screwed there. Gotta use another tank.

Crabpot Man · 02-02-2007, 05:32 PM

If the batteries weigh 100 pounds, there is actually a 200 pound difference if you move them from back to front. Less of course as you get further from the front.

oneill469 · 02-02-2007, 06:40 PM

I moved 2 batteries from the back to the front (all the way under the forward deck) and it makes an amazing difference. #2 cables is a very good idea. The distance from the front to the motor puts a lot of hardship on the main power lines when starting up. The nice thing is that the batteries are easy for me to get to and it changed the way the boat handles at slow trolling and it sits better at anchor. Good luck

Bigger Hammer · 02-02-2007, 07:13 PM

One of your original questions was about venting, and the AGM's or GEL's will solve that problem. I would recommend that, whether you get the GEL/AGM's or not, make sure that any switches, chargers, or any other electrical devices installed in the compartment are ignition protected. Most battery switches will be, I don't know about the charger. I'm adding an inverter with a non-ignition protected solenoid on my boat, and chose to install it in a separate compartment from the batteries because I haven't purchased VRLA's yet, and don't want to be responsible if I sell the boat to someone who chooses to go back to conventional batteries.

Rod H · 02-02-2007, 08:15 PM

Quote:

oceansmasher - 2/2/2007 3:41 PM i moved my batteries from the rear and installed them in the center console. It made enough of a difference that I was glad I did it

Did it in a 17' HydraSport years ago, what a difference..... would do it again in a sec!

Johnshan · 02-03-2007, 11:24 AM

$200 bucks for the cables I need!!!!!! Thats 70' of #2 wire! I am going to have to figure something else out. Right now I figured the battery switch would be in the cuddy, but I think that adds a lot to my wire total.

Flot · 02-03-2007, 12:19 PM

On a related note - I have a battery I would like to relocate and "recess" a few inches into the deck inside my center console. Console has a decent amount of room, but I figure while I'm moving the batt I might as well put it low in the hull if possible.

Does anyone have any suggetsions on a battery box where I could basically cut a perfect hole in the floor, recess the box into it (IE box must have a sturdy lip) and then drop the battery into the box?

Johnshan · 02-03-2007, 08:04 PM

Well, I am not going to move them, the cable alone is $200- then I would need to buy AGM or Gel batteries, to much money. I am going to just use the factory location. I went to Hamilton Marine today and found some wire spools that only had a few feet left on each, got them for over 30% off, and got exactly what I needed. I was happy.