Charger location for new to me boat.

[MaineBassFishin]

Hey there! Just upgraded from my decked over 14 footer, to a 2000 tracker pro team 185 in very clean shape. Boats is underpowered with only a 50 horse but it's still a huge upgrade from what I had!

 

Now onto my question, I was going to swap my 3 battery's in my old boat with the ones in the new boat because they are matching and have same use.

I am also transferring my minn kota 3 bank charger onto the new boat, the bilge is too crowded to put it, but I think I may be able to use the shallow storage compartment under the seats. I figured if heats an issue I can just leave it open when charging, and with this being connected to the wiring channel in the back it will be easy to fish the the wire to the bilge. 

 

Also going to swap my 70lb maxxum over, and have to choose between my lowrance elite 9 to with totalscan, or the  Garmin 9sv that came with the boat!

 

 

 

 

 

[Jig Man]

I think your charger idea will work.

[RoLo]

 

Batteries located midship is a good choice.

In the stern, batteries undergo the least abuse, but don't help getting on plane.

In the bow, batteries help getting out of the hole, but take a beating.

Lots of talk about voltage loss due to cable length, but the accessories are your main concern.

 

Roger

[MaineBassFishin]

12 hours ago, Jig Man said:

I think your charger idea will work.

Thank you! Is it really a bad idea to extend the leads? I notice that Minn Kota says not to but as an electrician, I really don't see what proper connections would hurt.

[Jig Man]

If that is what they say, I would call them and ask why.

[WIGuide]

Under the seats could be a good options, another location you might consider is against the front wall under the console. I've seen some boats with it mounted there and if the layout is right (doesn't take away too much leg room) it works well. 

[MaineBassFishin]

1 hour ago, WIGuide said:

Under the seats could be a good options, another location you might consider is against the front wall under the console. I've seen some boats with it mounted there and if the layout is right (doesn't take away too much leg room) it works well. 

That's a good idea, that might be a better option. Thank you!

3 hours ago, Jig Man said:

If that is what they say, I would call them and ask why.

Just called them the woman said it basically a CYA for them, if you know what you're doing and make proper connections, it won't be a problem she said, as I was assuming.

[Goldstar225]

The charger for my Tracker 190 is located under the seats (and was that way from the factory) with batteries in the stern.  I lift the seat up when charging for heat dissipation. 

 

Congratulations on the new boat.

[MaineBassFishin]

44 minutes ago, Goldstar225 said:

The charger for my Tracker 190 is located under the seats (and was that way from the factory) with batteries in the stern.  I lift the seat up when charging for heat dissipation. 

 

Congratulations on the new boat.

Thank you! Super excited to get it out on the water in a real boat now!

[WRB]

Where you locate the battery charger doesn't extend the battery wire length.

Battery charging wire is usaully caring less then 15 amps @ 12-14 VDC. If you are concerned with heat from resistance use 6 gage stranded wire.

Tom

[FishinBuck07]

Not to change the subject but for a 2000 that boat is in great shape!  I thought my 07 was nice but wow man!  Congrats!

[MaineBassFishin]

21 hours ago, WRB said:

Where you locate the battery charger doesn't extend the battery wire length.

Battery charging wire is usaully caring less then 15 amps @ 12-14 VDC. If you are concerned with heat from resistance use 6 gage stranded wire.

Tom

The factory length cords ended up working, but I was worried the way I was going to route the wire, they wouldn't reach.