battery location

[Dangergravy]

I have a 14' jonboat and I want a trolling motor where is the best place to store the battery?

I have a chrysler 7.5 hp motor on the boat

[Long Mike]

Regardless of where you intend to install the trolling motor, put the battery in the bow.  It will help balance the load.

[Wayne P.]

Do, NOT put the battery near the bow. Using it there with an outboard will subject it to unnessary and maybe damaging jostling. Your boat will run better under power with the most weight towards the transom. For the best boat control put a trolling motor on the bow.

[surfer]

Two conflicting ideas.  Lets see how this plays out.

[Tin]

It is a 14' so it should be able to handle more weight in the back.

But if you do decide to put it up front strap in down.

[fishingfourfun]

I have a 14 foot jon and I would recommend putting it near the bow. My boat has a 9.9 hp and the bow rode high with the batteries near the transom.

[alumacraftjoe]

I agree with towards the bow... I also agree strap it down.  You should have no problems.

[CGH]

Both are good locations for the battery, I would try both locations and put he batter where your boat best ridees/fishes with it  I have two 14's one has it's battery in the back while the other has it battery in the front.

[Team_Dougherty]

Both are good locations for the battery, I would try both locations and put he batter where your boat best ridees/fishes with it  I have two 14's one has it's battery in the back while the other has it battery in the front.

I agree try it in both places to see how your boat handles the load. My guess is it will be the front. Most important make sure it is secure. Also of importance, if the battery is in the back and your electric motor is in the front make sure your wires are big enough to handle the current.

[surfer]

Both are good locations for the battery, I would try both locations and put he batter where your boat best ridees/fishes with it I have two 14's one has it's battery in the back while the other has it battery in the front.

we have a winner!   ;D

[tntitans21399]

It also depends on what kind of batteries you are using.  A lot of batteries it isn't good for them to have a lot of vibrations, so those the transom mount is better because it doesn't bounce as much.  But other batteries the vibration doesn't hurt them and those are better for the bow.  Then also if you mount a battery in the front you will have more wires to run to the back which doesn't look great, when you could just put a fin on the motor to make the boat ride higher.

[Wayne P.]

Dangergravy,

Let us know which location you decided on and how it worked for you while on the water.

[Branuss04]

It also depends on what kind of batteries you are using. A lot of batteries it isn't good for them to have a lot of vibrations, so those the transom mount is better because it doesn't bounce as much. But other batteries the vibration doesn't hurt them and those are better for the bow.

Just curious what kind of batteries can be hurt by vibrations and what kind can't???

[Team_Dougherty]

They say the optima line of batteries, they look like a 6 pack, are very vibration resistant.

[Daniel My Brother]

I keep mine next to the transom. I fish alone most of the time and I always fish from the bow. I have a deck, plenty of gear and my trolling motor up front on my 1436 jon. I don't want anymore weight on the bow, and space is already limited.

No problems yet getting the boat on plane...even with my little 9.8 merc.

[surfer]

Marine batteries are designed to take more vibration than regular batteries.  

[George Welcome]

What battery is anyone aware of that will not handle vibration. Unless you are connecting it to your recliner in your living room it is going to be subject to all kinds of vibration, no matter who makes it or what kind it is. To my knowledge, the only use of automotive/marine batteries in in boats, and automotive type vehicles, and both vibrate like crazy.

[Crestliner2008]

I don't remember the supplier, but I think it is Cabelas; they offer "shock buttons" to put under your battery to help allieviate jostling and bouncing. Of course you definitely do need to strap those batteries/batt boxes down.