Moving Battery

[jaymasta]

I am going to move my battery to the front of my 14ft boat, it is currently at the back, I use it to start my engine a 1994 johnson 60hp and run a fish finder and bilge pump. It is just a basic marine starting battery, there isn't a fuse on it now but running this length of wire I feel I should fuse it, so I am wondering how large of a fuse I should use on it and what gauge wire, it will be about a 13FT run. I was thinking 8 gauge wire and a 50amp fuse would be ok but would like some other opinions. My friend says I should buy jumper cables and just cut the clamps off and use that wire, when they go on sale they work out much cheaper then buying straight bulk 8 gauge wire, I wanted to get your opinions on this as well.
Thanks.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Moving Battery

Minimum 4 gauge for the main battery cables.
You do not fuse the main battery cable. The starter draws more than 100 amps. Could be as high as 300 amps.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Moving Battery

just be aware...being in the bow, the battery will take much more of a pounding on rough water, than if it's in the stern. Probably won't last as long.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Moving Battery

Minimum 4 gauge for the main battery cables.
You do not fuse the main battery cable. The starter draws more than 100 amps. Could be as high as 300 amps.

And, the motor and the fishfinder already have their own fuses. You could always add one in line for the bilge pump it if doesn't already have one. Also, like jtex says, it will get more abuse in the bow, so hopefully you're using a true marine battery.

 

[jaymasta]

Re: Moving Battery

It is a "marine" battery, should I not move it to the bow? I am just trying to move a bit of weight forward and thought the battery would be the easiest way to go. I was going to move the fuel tank but there isn't enough room in the bow for it to sit properly, I could move the battery to under one of the seats, would that be better then in the bow?

 

[lncoop]

Re: Moving Battery

It will be fine in the bow. Perform your surgery.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Moving Battery

It is a "marine" battery, should I not move it to the bow? I am just trying to move a bit of weight forward and thought the battery would be the easiest way to go. I was going to move the fuel tank but there isn't enough room in the bow for it to sit properly, I could move the battery to under one of the seats, would that be better then in the bow?

I'm not saying it "belongs" in the stern -- if available space or weight & balance require it in the bow, let it ride there. Just be aware, wear & tear might be a bit worse up front.