Eric - yours is a very generic question so I'll offer a very generic answer. I'd look for a place with the following characteristics:
It's not likely there is one spot that meets all of the above criteria, so you'll have to decide based on your particular boat configuration what takes precedence.
- Dry and out of the way
- Conveniently located for charging when the engine is running and use when powering the trolling motor
- Located where they improve the boats balance (e.g., toward the front and opposite where people and the fuel are)
Ok. I was thinking about putting them in the storage compartment in the front bench seats.
Lead acid batteries need to be in a well vented location. So if the compartment is well vented you OK
Not sure what you mean by well vented. For those that use deep cycle batteries on pontoons, where did you mount yours? If I mount them in the back where the starting battery is at then I will need long cables to get to the front of the boat where the trolling motor is mounted.
Ok, I have the battery thing figured out but now I'm second guessing even adding the triller to the boat. The only place I can mount it is to the front deck and I really hate how it sticks up. Then if I lay it back it takes up so much room. Do most people even carry a backup motor on their pontoon?