Redistributing existing weight

[Fishin' Jeff]

Okay my friends, a few questions for ya.<br /><br />The Plan: Construct or buy a plastic battery box and attach it to the 2x4 hatch support. I plan to utilize the wingnut posts on the battery for that connection. Extra garden hose ran beneath the middle and rear seat will provide a water proof conduit and allow for any water that needs to drain. <br /><br />My questions are: How do I create the posts at the stern of my boat so I can just use the clips that are already on my trolling motor, and what type/gauge of wire should I use?<br /><br />Here are some pics to give y'all a better perspective. I appreciate all suggestions, and Thanks for any advise.<br /><br />

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[Terry Olson]

Re: Redistributing existing weight

How about a trolling motor plug? I've seen a couple of configurations. One is circular and mounted through a hole drilled into a vertical surface. The other is a bit like a heavy-duty 2 pronged version of a flat trailer wiring connector. Either would work - just depends on how and where you want the mount to be I suppose.<br /><br />You could rig a corresponding connector for your battery charger too so all you have to do to charge is plug the charger in where the motor plugs in if you want to get fancy with it.

 

[Fishin' Jeff]

Re: Redistributing existing weight

Thanks, Terry<br />The more I think of it, I'll eventually need a jack for a fishfinder back there too. Do most units plug into a standard ciggarette lighter? I would just be running the trolling motor and an unpurchased fishfinder. Don't need to worry about the charging as I remove the battery to discourage theft. I must add I am very electrically ignorant but willing to learn. I like the plug idea. Would it be cool to install such a plug and a cig. lighter jack in a small wood box and attach it to the transom? In what order/sequence would I wire them?

 

[jtexas]

Re: Redistributing existing weight

jeff, your fishfinder will have a recepticle on the unit and a plug on the cord where it plugs in to the monitor - you can put ring terminals on the battery end.<br /><br />I agree with Terry on the troller - here's a plug & recepticle from iboats - you'd have to splice the plug end where the trolling motor clamps are now. You could easily fabricate a box for the plug out of wood. You could add a cigarette lighter for your GPS or cellphone or whatever - get a marine-quality one.<br /><br />If you move that motor from boat to boat, you'd have to get an extra recepticle and splice the clamps onto it.<br /><br />But a couple things to think about - the battery really needs to sit upright, looks like the floor of your bow compartment isn't level - and in the bow it'll take a pounding - might shorten its life. would it go under the middle bench? Have you thought about relocating the gas tank in front of the middle bench? Just a thought.

 

[Fishin' Jeff]

Re: Redistributing existing weight

Thanks for the advice, jtexas. I was thinking of suspending the batt box from the hatch supports. I have thought about moving the fuel tank as well.