Add 3rd battery to G3 PF175

I have a 2006 G3 PF175 and need to add a 3rd battery. There is not room left in the battery/fuel bay of the boat (2 batterys & 12gal tank). Does anyone have any good ideas on how/where to add a battery in this situation?

Are you wanting to go to a 24V TM or adding a battery to give more 12V run time?

I'm looking for more run time. Will wire in parallel. Mainly interested in how/where to physical mount battery so as not to miminize loss of floor space.

djack if i get time i will take a pic how i installed them on my boat,may take a day or two

I had a G3 1756 that I recently sold. Had the same issue.

Here's what I did:


Wannabe...

the g3 pics wannabe posted will probally help you but if ur boat is like mine in the rear this might help
http://i45.tinypic.com/30uwfns.jpg

Thanks for the reply guys......I was wondering if there wasn't some way to mount the new battery over the bilge pump. That gives me some ideas to play with.

I've had a local guy suggest doing away with my 24 type cranking battery. Then adding a 31 type to wire in parallel with my existing 27 type trolling motor battery. He thinks there should be enough amps to troll all day and still start the big motor (Yamaha 60). If this would work it would save me going to a three bank charger.

I'm not sure if I'm comfortable with not having a dedicated starting motor. This wasn't a problem when longline trolling (slower speed) but since I've started experimenting with trolling cranks (1.5-2.0mph) I can only get about 5 hours of battery life from a new 27 type Interstate battery. Any thoughts? Maybe have to consider two type 31s.

use trolling motor when going with the wind and use big motor when going into the wind and battery wil last longer.i went with the 12 parrallel on my setup and some days it last and some it don`t,according to how much wind.this weekend went on a guided trip to missippi and he always used his big motor when heading into the wind and we trolled for around 9hours no trouble at all

I wouldn't mix brands, size or age. The older, worse or smaller battery will basically fight the bigger, newer better battery at all times and rob the both of them life and amperage. Also, if you go 12V with 2 batteries, the charge time will be doubled without upgrading the charger. Might not be a problem depending on how you fish, but back to back trips might be an issue.

On my boat, I mounted the 24 cranker on top of that shelf and mounted the troller right and left of the braces. Worked fine, but it was a close fit on the deck lid. Worried about a fatty standing on it and bowing it down to make contact, but never became an issue. If you're any good with aluminum, that would thin it down some and give more clearance.

Past that idea, you're looking at mounting a battery in one of the forward compartments. For some, that wouldn't be an issue and might actually be a good thing with weight forward (less movement in the wind, sitting lower in the water) but it will probably be a speed killer and handling issue at speed.....well, with a 17' boat and a 60, that's a relative term, but top end will probably slip 1 mph or more for each battery moved forward. I didn't want that as my top end light was only 38 and loaded more like 35.

Wannabe...

wannabe is correct djack ,listen to what he says

Good information.........I didn't know about not mixing sizes or brands. Both of my current batteries (24 & 27) are new from May 2010. I guess I'll either have to get another 27 or two 31s to run a matched set parallel. I'm going to get the tape measure out but I don't think my battery compartment has enough clearance at the transom braces to mount the battery like Wannabe's. The gas tank may be too close.

blueball - Do you know what speed you were trolling at with the big motor into the wind? I haven't tried my big motor into the wind but the slowest I can run in the calm is 2.5mph. I thought this might be too fast for trolling cranks.

Thanks for the good information!!!

I moved my 24 between the braces and put the 27s on either side. Don't think the 27 would fit between them if memory serves. Had trouble with my bilge lines on the port side too. Your design is probably different because I'm certain G-3 fired the idjit that designed mine before he hosed up another model. :)

For big motor, I started out dragging 2 5 gallon buckets and now have drift socks. Works like a charm except that you have to fool with them.

Wannabe...

it will depend on how much the wind it blowing,you could always add a troll a matic trolling plate instead on dragging buckets.