Advice on aux battery placement in an SS160

[dozerII]

Hi Everyone. I am about ready to install my Minnkota bow mount trolling motor and would like some advice on where to place the battery. I use a sealed gel-mat deep cycle battery that weights 75lbs and can be place in any position (ie on its side, bottom, or upside down). I had two of them in my last boat a 16 ft Marlin placed just in front of and under the step up onto the bow, it didn't seem to hurt the performance any, but I didn't use the trolling motor that much so I think one will do the job in the SS. Will it be okay to put it in the compartment just ahead of the consoles under the casting deck? See photo below


P.S. These batteries are the best you can get for deep cycle, but out of most of our price range new. $350.to $400. cdn A very good friend of mine own a large battery shop and gets these as scrape quite often. They are used in Hospitals and other building in the backup power systems and have to be replaced every three to four years. Some of them never seeing use. When he bids the job part of the bid is he gets the old batteries. Most of these have a 7 to 10 year life span when looked after properly ie on board multibank charger, maintainer. I paid $20.00 each for mine I think he charges the average Joe $40.00. So if you have a large Battery shop check them out.

Glen

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Advice on aux battery placement in an SS160

That bow hatch seems like a decent place to keep a battery, should stay dry in there and out of the way nicely. I'm considering doing the same if I can find a bow-mount Minn Kota used for a decent price

That bow casting deck looks pretty nice, good work

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Advice on aux battery placement in an SS160

That's pretty much where I intend to put mine!

 

[dozerII]

Re: Advice on aux battery placement in an SS160

Thanks HA, How will the weight effect the bow? I have two compartments in the casting deck, one in front of the seat and the one behind, would it make a whole lot of difference if I moved it to the front of the seat.
My new to me 90 Johnson is on the truck and should arrive Monday or Tuesday, can hardly wait.
Glen

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Advice on aux battery placement in an SS160

Thanks HA, How will the weight effect the bow? I have two compartments in the casting deck, one in front of the seat and the one behind, would it make a whole lot of difference if I moved it to the front of the seat.
My new to me 90 Johnson is on the truck and should arrive Monday or Tuesday, can hardly wait.
Glen

Having a little weight in the bow helps it from bouncing as much when running in some chop so it can be a good thing.

Are you asking if moving the battery even more forward would be ok?

I'd keep it in that larger hatch more in the middle of the bow, but if your glass mat deep cycles don't mind being jarred around it wouldn't matter.

What year is the Johnson? Should be a good size OB for the rig

 

[dozerII]

Re: Advice on aux battery placement in an SS160

HA Thanks for the replys. That is what I was asking, is how much difference it would make if I moved the battery into the front compartment. The only reason I want to is, the front one is smaller and it would allow me full access to the back one. The Johnson is a 1993 90 HP with T/T. It was just completly rebuild top to bottom from a Marine shop in Winnipeg.
Glen