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Has anyone tried moving the trolling motor batteries to one of the front compartments in a Tracker, Lowe or other of the modified V boats? With 3 batteries on that back right corner, you don't have much free board with someone fishing from the back deck.
You could also take your fat fishing buddy along and make him set on the left front. Lots of people do it but you might try sitting a 100 lb bag of sand up there to see the results before doing the work. It can impact ride, planing, and how wet the ride is in a big way, more sometimes than one might imagine. If you do be sure and use 6 gauge for leads.
I did on a 1756 g3. Alone 95% of the time. Keeps the bow down in rough water, planes a little quicker also. Extended the deck, put them under extension. Left the start batt in back.
After I posted the question, I started to wonder if the extra bouncing in the front would cause battery damage or maybe acid forced out the caps.
Good points.Quote:
Originally Posted by DOFC
I have two batteries in front and one in back.....works well.
If you don't have hair.Quote:
Originally Posted by vic n
[QUOTE=kazualobzerver;2902175]You could also take your fat fishing buddy along and make him set on the left front. Lots of people do it but you might try sitting a 100 lb bag of sand up there to see the results before doing the work. It can impact ride, planing, and how wet the ride is in a big way, more sometimes than one might imagine. If you do be sure and use 6 gauge for leads.[/QUOTENow I know why you have me sit there in your boat:yikes
Batteries up front works well war eagle sets up there roger gant series like that. Makes even draft and less wind interference. Great for side pulling or just all round IMO
DOFC...I had a 2011 Bass Tracker PT165 which I put 2 trolling motor batteries in the front storage area under the seat. It definitely helped the balance of the boat, quicker to plan also (such that it was with a 40 Merc). I had that set up for 2 years before I traded the boat in...no issues with acid or damaged batteries...and Mark Twain lake can get VERY rough so you're going to get bounced around pretty good.
Make sure your batteries are well secured on battery trays...you won't have any problems.Attachment 190322Attachment 190323
By the way.. theses pictures were taken right before I sold the boat, not when I first installed the batteries. So you can see there was no acid leakage.
Thanks, ibcamn,Quote:
Originally Posted by ibcamn
I can't get much better testimony than that. And that's exactly where I thought I might put the batteries. I'm guessing that relocating the 100# plus or minus will help bring the deck down to a more level state and be more comfortable to fish from.
I am considering doing this when my TM battery dies. I have a Tracker Pro Team 16.5 and I can't get the larger series battery in the existing space under the back deck, plus it is a pain to get to when I check the water level. Only issue is I have a 2 bank charger also and it connects to both batteries. I am thinking I could use new wiring up front and use the existing wiring from the back to extend the charger leads to the front deck.
I would have to place mine in the front deck storage area.
I may go with a gel cell and not have to worry about the acid leaking or getting low.
You are correct sir. I also installed a MinnKota 3 bank charger in front of drivers console. So it really helped the balance of the boat.Quote:
Originally Posted by DOFC
Be sure it is a vented storage area. Battery gas and spark equal explosion.:yikes
Is that an issue with the sealed gel batteries also, or just the acid fill ones??Quote:
Originally Posted by ripnlips
Since you can turn the sealed ones sideways I had assumed that would not be a problem??
I've moved my trolling batteries up front after having some porpoising issues. I've never had a problem, works great just make sure they are strapped down good.
I'd check the existing battery area for how that's vented, and copy that in the front storage area. I doubt you'll find any venting...but I could be wrong. Tight connections, tight tie downs, correct wiring....no worries.
Did it .....no drama what so ever.
Pretty simple to drill out a couple holes and install snap in vents just in case. As with my boat my gas tank is in the front and fumes from a problem there could also cause problems. Not saying you have to just thinking what if. Better to error on the side of caution think it was last year a guy died from an explosion at the boat ramp.
Had batteries upfront on my alumacraft for 12 years. no problems. make sure they are tied down well. I did vent mine. Have a war eagle predator now. batteries in the back. Not a problem with this boat as it is wide and deep and can take lots of weight in the back and still stay high and dry.
I run two batteries out of the front of my 17ft grizzley semi v jon boat. Since the boat is so light, wind is a constant problem...the extra weight certainly helps.
Thanks to everyone for the great input. Ya' gotta love CDC forums.
If it ever warms up enough, I have everything ready to make the move. Wire, grommets, connectors, vent and battery tie-downs. Maybe today.
I don't have a livewell in my boat, so I put my 100 qt cooler and battery up on the front deck of my 1756 Xpress and it planes out better, smoother ride and even gives me a foot stool when relaxing eating lunch. Plus for some reason my finder will work when WOT.
Be sure to NOT splice the cables (positive and negative) from the battery to the motor. Have a new harness made. Motors get real fussy when the current varies. Having mine done as we speak. Getting new harness made to avoid any of these issues. I am also having Styrofoam put under the batteries and THEN having them secured tightly. Can't wait to try it out next week at Enid. Hoping for a better balance and less wind issues when trolling. I am also having a Silent Stalker made. Really make the waves against the boat quite when trying to slip up on those elusive little critters.
I've been 3 times since I moved the batteries to the front, and so far I am satisfied with the move. Absolutely accomplished the purpose of lowering bow and raising stern. Boat comes up nicely and still able to trim the nose up while running. I am curious to see how it affects fishing the stumps at Truman. I'm hoping that the more level boat will result in fewer hang ups, but that remains to be seen.
I am extremely satisfied with the result of the battery transition to the front compartment. The boat sits really level in the water making it more comfortable to fish out of, and I'm still able to bring the nose up with the trim while running. So far it seems to come over the Truman stumps better too. Win, win, win situation. Thanks for all the input and suggestions.
I'm glad it worked out for you....don't forget to vent!!!!!!!:biggrin
Yep, got 'er done. Pulled out the extra seat base that was in the lid and put in one of the 4 in floor drains. Worked out great.Quote:
Originally Posted by ibcamn
Glad to hear it worked so well.
Thanks for following up with the results of your personal experiment. Sounds like it worked out well for you, and now others will benefit. well done!
Thanks for the report. Glad it worked out well. That extra weight will have to help while fishing out of it. Should sit a little lower and make the wind affect it a little less also.