I just bought my first boat, a 2008 Lund Rebel 1625 XL SS. I didn't inquire about a charger install during my price negotiation and now I'm looking to put one in myself. I'm fairly "handy", so I'm confident I can do this without it turning into a major issue. I plan to install a 2-bank charger.
The Rebel is a 16' center console boat. I have it rigged with a Motorguide trolling motor on the bow and a 60hp EFI Merc 4-stroke hanging on the rear. The two batteries are located in two storage areas with hinged lids under the rear deck just afore the transom. (And by the way, I pick up the boat in two weeks so I'm going from memory on the location of everything.) The trolling/accessory battery is in the starboard side storage area and the starting battery is to port. The "storage" where the trolling battery is located is about the size of two batteries side-by-side. The battery of course, takes up one side, the other space for now is open.
I've googled and read threads for hours. Many indicate installing a charger "is easy" and "the best thing I ever did", but I can't determine from my reading where would be the best place to put the charger. Would it be okay to install the charger in the storage area with the trolling battery? Once done, I'd lift the hatches to the batteries and plug in the charger leaving the doors open for air circulation. I'd mount the charger on the starboard wall. There would be about 6 inches space between the charger and the battery once this is done. I'd prefer not to drill or cut any holes to add access panels. Here's a link to the Rebel, then click on floorplan to see the storage areas I'm refering to. http://www.lundboats.com/rebel_2008.html
Anyone have any other ideas where to put the charger. The layout is very similar to the Alumacraft 165 CS. But Alumacraft puts the trolling battery under the front deck. The Lund has both batteries within about a foot of each other aft.
The Rebel is a 16' center console boat. I have it rigged with a Motorguide trolling motor on the bow and a 60hp EFI Merc 4-stroke hanging on the rear. The two batteries are located in two storage areas with hinged lids under the rear deck just afore the transom. (And by the way, I pick up the boat in two weeks so I'm going from memory on the location of everything.) The trolling/accessory battery is in the starboard side storage area and the starting battery is to port. The "storage" where the trolling battery is located is about the size of two batteries side-by-side. The battery of course, takes up one side, the other space for now is open.
I've googled and read threads for hours. Many indicate installing a charger "is easy" and "the best thing I ever did", but I can't determine from my reading where would be the best place to put the charger. Would it be okay to install the charger in the storage area with the trolling battery? Once done, I'd lift the hatches to the batteries and plug in the charger leaving the doors open for air circulation. I'd mount the charger on the starboard wall. There would be about 6 inches space between the charger and the battery once this is done. I'd prefer not to drill or cut any holes to add access panels. Here's a link to the Rebel, then click on floorplan to see the storage areas I'm refering to. http://www.lundboats.com/rebel_2008.html
Anyone have any other ideas where to put the charger. The layout is very similar to the Alumacraft 165 CS. But Alumacraft puts the trolling battery under the front deck. The Lund has both batteries within about a foot of each other aft.
