Battery Relocation

[cbaarestad]

well heres a different maybe partally dumb idea, has anyone stuck one under the port seats say next to the built in cooler? Using a yellow top sealed battery of course

[jmvotto]

I have seen a couple on other brands. You would just have to check the depth when the optima is flipped on its side. I would suggest under the spotters seat. I have the obv 07 . I pushed mine up against. the bow seats to create room. I had two with a vsr. Not alot of room up there.

[zabooda]

Two things to think about is 1) the batteries need to be isolated from any potential gas fumes since there is a potential spark source 2) the batteries need to be ventilated as they generate hydrogen gas. So the batteries need to be isolated from the engine compartment and be ventilated.

[mmandley]

I've tried several ideas to get the batteries where you want and none have panned out very well. Your best option is forward of the dash under the bow seating. Lift the bow seats and there a section half covered by fiberglass. Unless your sub is there this makes a lot of sence. If that doesn't work I'd Contact Newty by PM he moved his battered forward if the drivers side hump.

[sandm]

Two things to think about is 1) the batteries need to be isolated from any potential gas fumes since there is a potential spark source 2) the batteries need to be ventilated as they generate hydrogen gas. So the batteries need to be isolated from the engine compartment and be ventilated.

devils advocate as I've seen towboats with batteries in the engine compartment before. what's the difference in a boat engine compartment with a blower running and your car's engine compartment? I know that cars are "open" from the bottom, but in my last eclipse, there was so much plastic under the front of that compartment to divert air under the car it might as well have been sealed and had the battery a couple of feet from the exhaust manifold/turbo which when pushing the car hard, glow bright red from the heat.

I do agree with mmandley on the locations. I wouldn't place anything permanent in the compartment when using bags for ballast...

[bergermaister]

My batteries were in the rear compartments (from the factory), one on each side, and I really hated it. Especially when it came to ballast bags laying over or bunching up on them. They were easy to get to but how often do you really need to get to your batteries?

And like Razz said it was a long run of wire up to my distro blocks and amp rack. I think I used 40-50' of 0/2 wire just for that. Last spring I gutted everything and moved the batteries up under the glovebox like everyone else has them. I too had thought of adding a second 12" sub on that side, had the box already built and ready to squeeze in but from what I've read/heard, the sub in the enclosed compartment doesn't really produce like one would hope (like one facing out under the drivers cockpit does).

I've seen the sealed optimas sitting on their side and tucked up front as well so that would be an option. I'd just be real careful that the terminals are protected from accidentally arcing from gear being pushed up against them.

[cbaarestad]

See this is why I ask these questions.... to get honest opinions which is awesome thanks! What do you all think average runtime of a 250w amp and hu would last off a plain interstate battery single deep cell? before I could go hours with it turn to a soft rocking decibel, I just don't want to get stuck out on the sand bar after laying around for a few hours relaxing and do the humiliating call for a tow by the pontoon!!!! The more I think about batteries in the rear lockers the mroe i think it would be better hidden under seats somewhere. I do like the idea of up in the bow since that is sort of wasted space on the one side.

[EarmarkMarine]

Okay, how long of a run time with a standard group 24 deep cycle battery with a 250 watt ampliifer?
It can vary by a large degree. Lets say you have a lead acid deep cycle battery with 65 amp/hours.
Is the battery in new condition and fully charged?
Is the amplifier Class AB, G/H or D? It can make for a 60 percent swing.
What load is the amplifier running? The lower the load including bridging the greater the current draw.
Is it just below full volume so the amplifier isn't clipping? Backing off wide open just a bit could double the playtime.
What kind of music? A steady and heavy bass beat or softer stuff? Bass will draw a little more.
How are the tone controls, bass boost or EQ set? Crossover settings and system set-up can make a pretty big difference.
You should get at least a solid two hours play time, just a rough estimate, and perhaps double that if the music is at conversation levels.
Keep in mind that the deeper you cycle a battery (even a deep cycle battery) the fewer cycles you will get. So a little more battery capacity can save you in the long run as long as you have a good restoration/charging plan. Sometimes the alternator is not enough.

David
Earmark Marine