Battery Placement

[pugbro]

I have a 1989 20ft Tracker pontoon that I have "almost" rebuilt from the tube up. I would like to put the batteries under the aft seat..However the wires that go to the motor from the starting battery are too short to route them the way I want to.

Question #1..Will it hurt to splice another section of similar wire to make it longer?

Question #2..Will it be a safety factor if I put the battery between the top side fuel tank and the motor..(There would be approximately 6 inches space between the tank and the battery)?

Thanks

KEEP IT FUN..KEEP IT SAFE!

 

[chrisg]

Re: Battery Placement

regarding question 1, I did splice my starter wire to make it reach where I re-positioned the battery. I bought a split nut and wrapped it with LOTS of electrical tape ( also its inside, so the splice was not under the deck.)

As for #2, Ive seen people put the tank on one side, and the battery on the other side. I would not put both together. ( perhaps it the battery is in a container, but still, you feel'in lucky!?

I stuck mine under a seat, and as I said extended the starter cable with a splice. I hear that you can get the cable ( any length), and just add the ends.

But after saying all this, I have not put my boat in the water yet!

 

[drpeeb]

Re: Battery Placement

Question #1: It won't hurt to splice the wire as long as you consider all this: If you want to do it right, i.e. to be safe, and I strongly recommend it, you need to do the math to determine what size wire you need to use (or get someone to do it for you). That formula includes the distance between the battery terminal and the starter, and the power draw (amps). i.e. A wire size needs to be increased as the distance is increased. It could be that you're moving the battery far enough to need a larger diameter wire. Now, if you're only adding a foot, or maybe two, you will probably be OK just splicing in another piece of the same size wire; To know for sure you need to do the math, otherwise you're gambling. I'd use heat shrink tubing to cover the splice. Maybe even two layers of it. You should make your splice covering at least as think as the wire's own covering; And thicker is better/ safer/ can't hurt.

Question #2: You want the battery and fuel as far apart as possible and/ or separated by something solid. Batteries can spark. Sparks explode fuel! Keep them separated!

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Battery Placement

Question #1: Yes you can splice in a new wire. If you only need two or three feet, then the original wire size will be fine.

Question #2: Never place the battery in the fuel compartment. If you place the battery under a seat, make sure you provide for venting. Explosive gases can be present during recharging.