Can I MOUNT on-board battery charger on CANOE?

[asb4uk]

Just bought an XPS 5 amp on-board battery charger -Is it possible to mount it to my canoe? It's a Pelican - Colorado canoe - 15.5 ft long. Just not sure where would be the best place or if it will crack the boat if screwed in. I will be using it with a Minn Kota 30 lb thrust motor. PLEASE HELP! Thanks in advance.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Can I MOUNT on-board battery charger on CANOE?

usually the only reason to put an onboard charger on is if you intend to charge at various hotels or at dock.... in a canoe you should generally remove the battery and motor to transport anyway.... canoes are not generally left in the water.

If you want to use this charger at home I would suggest some alligator clips. If you really do have a reason to hard mount then I'd think that under a seat would be a pretty safe place.... then adress the batt mount.... a partial floor with tiedowns for the batt

 

[asb4uk]

Re: Can I MOUNT on-board battery charger on CANOE?

this is what I thought?? the guy at bass pro shops said this would work best though - not sure why? Can i still use this as a battery charger even if i don't mount it to the boat? i need all the help i can get. Im an avid fisherman who recently received this canoe after years of bank fishing. also, will 2 boards on the sides of the canoe work to mount a 30 lb thrust minn kota (30 in)??

ps, I'm in Louisville. Can use all the help/opinions i can get.

 

[John_S]

Re: Can I MOUNT on-board battery charger on CANOE?

this is what I thought?? the guy at bass pro shops said this would work best though - not sure why? Can i still use this as a battery charger even if i don't mount it to the boat? i need all the help i can get. Im an avid fisherman who recently received this canoe after years of bank fishing. also, will 2 boards on the sides of the canoe work to mount a 30 lb thrust minn kota (30 in)??

ps, I'm in Louisville. Can use all the help/opinions i can get.

I wouldn't mount one in a canoe, either.

Yes, you should be able to still use that charger if it is unmounted. Just make sure it is not geting hot. I have a spare Guest 5/5 that I use like that. Some day I will get around to putting aligator clips on it to make it easier.

The boards can work but could deform you hull, aluminum? That would put the handle close to your body and will probably be more awkward to use. i don't think the mounts are that expensive.

If you are canoeing by yourself, consider adding cable length to get the heavy battery toward the front, or middle if with two people. Use a battery box and tiedowns. A heavy battery will still shift and move, and could contribute to a capsize.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Can I MOUNT on-board battery charger on CANOE?

well HOWDY neighbor, You can but I would take it back and buy a normal batt charger elsewhere (for less money)..... Then you can charge up your car too if the lights get left on..... There are alot of threads on here about mounting motors on canoes ..... I would recomend a more solid mount.... if you have it clamped on the side it will be hard to get it straight and if it shifts at all you can find yourself upside down quick.... I'm setting up a canoe myself... I am going to use a 1.5 hp cruise'n carry gas engine to cover distance and a paddle while fishing

 

[asb4uk]

Re: Can I MOUNT on-board battery charger on CANOE?

the canoe is not aluminum. i THINK it's polyurethane? IF i were to still use this battery charger, what is the best way? is there any surface i should/shouldn't lay it on while charging?

 

[John_S]

Re: Can I MOUNT on-board battery charger on CANOE?

the canoe is not aluminum. i THINK it's polyurethane? IF i were to still use this battery charger, what is the best way? is there any surface i should/shouldn't lay it on while charging?

The few poly canoes I have been in, I wouldn't use the sandwich approach. I would think that will flex back and forth.

Mine is fully encapsulated, so I am not careful with what I set it on. As the poster mentioned above, you would probably be better returning and buying a multi-purpose smart charger. You would be able to use it for the canoe, car, lawntractor, etc. Mine became a spare after installing a 5/10.

 

[asb4uk]

Re: Can I MOUNT on-board battery charger on CANOE?

The few poly canoes I have been in, I wouldn't use the sandwich approach. I would think that will flex back and forth.

Mine is fully encapsulated, so I am not careful with what I set it on. As the poster mentioned above, you would probably be better returning and buying a multi-purpose smart charger. You would be able to use it for the canoe, car, lawntractor, etc. Mine became a spare after installing a 5/10.

This one is also fully encapsualted.. Just can't figure out why in the world the sales rep. would have told me to use this when I clearly said it was for a canoe/trolling set-up?

Oh well. Guess I'll return it. Any other suggestions to make my canoe/trolling/fishing more enjoyable?? Thanks for all the feedback

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Can I MOUNT on-board battery charger on CANOE?

There are many motor mounts made specifically for canoes. Google "canoe motor mount". Doesn't matter if its gas or electric. Both motors use a screw/clamp arrangement. The charger you have can be used on any flooded battery whether it's for your car, boat, canoe, fish finder, or lawnmower. It is automatic and will not get any hotter sitting on the fender of your car than it would sitting on the seat of your canoe. Connecting it is as simple as connecting the POS wire to the POS post on the battery. NEG wire to NEG post on the battery. Plug it into AC house power. If you are using it in portable fashion you might want to replace the ring terminals with alligator clamps for quick connection.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Can I MOUNT on-board battery charger on CANOE?

all true.... the reason I suggest returning it is because it is only 5 amps and you can likely get a 5/10/50 or similar for the same money as ANYTHING from bass pro and it will come with alligator clamps already on it.... It also will likely have cord wrap hooks and just be all around more practical