Bass Boat Battery Hookup: A Step-By-Step Guide

Bass boat batteries are an essential component of your vessel, providing power to the engine, electronics, and navigation systems. There are several options for battery setups, including single, dual, or multiple battery configurations, each serving different purposes and offering varying levels of power and longevity. Understanding the principles behind how these batteries work and their unique characteristics is crucial for bass boat owners to ensure optimal performance and avoid costly repairs. This knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions about your bass boat's power source and potentially save you money by performing maintenance tasks yourself.

Dual battery setup

A dual battery setup is ideal for a bass fishing boat as it allows for separate power sources, providing the most efficient energy level needed for starting the boat and operating tools.

Firstly, ensure you have the right tools and supplies. For a dual battery setup, you will need two lithium batteries, cables, cable cutters, an adjustable wrench, grease, a swagging tool, and possibly a circuit breaker.

The two batteries in a dual setup serve different functions. One battery acts as the starter battery, which starts the engine. This is usually a deep cycle battery, designed to provide sustained power over a long period and can be discharged up to 80% of its capacity. It is important to note that this type of battery should not be discharged below 50% to extend its life.

The second battery is used to power all the tools needed on the boat, such as fish finders, GPS systems, appliances, lights, and navigational instruments. This battery should be a starting battery, meant to give momentary high-power bursts to energize the starting motors. It has a large number of thin plates designed for maximum surface area and maximum current output.

When installing the batteries, always connect the neutral (black) wires first to prevent shock or explosion. Attach the existing house battery to the new battery by connecting the neutral (black) port to the positive (red) port. This creates a series to provide additional power.

Additionally, consider installing a battery switch. This allows you to keep one battery charged at all times for starting the boat while you use the other battery for other purposes. A battery isolator can also be installed to prevent accidental draining of the starter battery.

For bass boat owners, some specific recommendations have been made by users. One suggestion is to use three 50ah ionic batteries, with one 125ah battery for the starter, graphs, live wells, and nav lights. Another setup includes a Group 31 AGM battery for the cranking application and an AMPED 100ah lithium battery for electronics.

Battery selection

The first step in setting up your bass boat batteries is to choose the right type of battery for your boat. There are several factors to consider when selecting a battery, including the battery type, size, and compatibility with your boat's electrical system.

Firstly, it is important to choose a marine battery specifically designed for boats, as they are built to withstand the pounding from waves, constant shifting, and higher electrical demands compared to car batteries. Within marine batteries, there are three main functional battery types: Starting, Deep Cycle, and Dual Purpose.

Starting batteries deliver momentary high-power bursts to energize the starting motors. They have many thin plates designed for maximum surface area and high current output. However, they can be easily damaged by deep discharge, and repeated deep discharges will result in capacity loss and premature failure.

Deep Cycle batteries, on the other hand, are designed to provide sustained power over a long period and can be discharged up to 80% of their capacity. Most manufacturers recommend not discharging below 50% to prolong their life. These batteries are ideal for marine house applications that require more than a quick start.

Dual-Purpose batteries are hybrid options that serve both starting and deep-cycle functions. They are useful when only one battery can be installed or as an additional power source. They typically have higher marine cranking amps than a deep-cycle battery and more cycling ability than a starter battery.

Additionally, battery technology can be categorized into four types: Flooded Cell Lead Acid, Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM), Gel, and Lithium/Iron. Flooded Cell Lead Acid batteries have been a popular choice for boaters due to their dependability and cost-effectiveness. However, they are heavy and less durable than lithium-based systems when deep cycled. AGM batteries offer up to twice the effective lifecycle of flooded lead acid batteries and provide better protection against wave pounding. They also have a sealed, no-spill design, higher freeze resistance, and a lower discharge rate during periods of infrequent use. Gel batteries are typically sealed and maintenance-free, as they use a thickening agent to reduce movement and flow inside the battery case. Lithium-Iron batteries, although more expensive, deliver higher power during cranking and hold a higher voltage during discharge. They are also lighter than their lead-acid counterparts.

When selecting a battery, it is crucial to consider the cold cranking amps (CCA), which refer to the number of amps a battery can provide in freezing temperatures (0 degrees Fahrenheit) for over 30 seconds. This value should exceed your engine's requirements for starting in harsh, cold conditions. Additionally, pay attention to the battery's amp-hours (AH) rating, which indicates how many amps the battery can deliver under specified conditions such as temperature and rate of discharge.

Finally, ensure that you purchase the appropriate size battery wires for your boat. Battery wires are the largest wires on a boat and provide power to the circuit breaker and engine. Consult your boat's manufacturer to determine the proper size required for electrical installations.

Circuit breaker sizing

Circuit breakers are an essential safety feature on boats, protecting against short circuits and electrical fires. When it comes to sizing a circuit breaker for a bass boat battery, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind.

Firstly, it's important to understand that the purpose of a circuit breaker is to protect the wiring in the event of a short circuit. Therefore, the breaker should be sized based on the wire size and length, rather than the amperage rating of the equipment. This is because, in the event of a short circuit, the wiring is what's at risk of melting down, not the equipment.

When determining the appropriate wire size, it's crucial to consider the gauge of the wire, as well as the length of the wire run. For example, a longer wire run will result in greater voltage drop, and may require a larger wire size to compensate. Additionally, the wire size should be compatible with the battery size to avoid safety hazards associated with maximum amp draws.

In terms of specific breaker sizes, a few examples can be provided as a guide. For instance, a 30-amp breaker is typically sufficient for an 8-gauge wire running to a fuse panel. However, it's worth noting that breaker size can also depend on the combined amp draw of the equipment connected to the line. If there are multiple devices drawing power, a larger breaker may be necessary.

When in doubt, it's always best to consult a professional marine electrician or refer to online charts and calculators to determine the appropriate wire size and breaker rating for your specific setup. Additionally, it's worth mentioning that circuit breakers should be placed as close as possible to the source of power, typically within 7 inches, to ensure effective protection.

By following these guidelines and sizing the circuit breaker appropriately, you can help ensure the safety and integrity of your bass boat's electrical system during your outings.

Wiring options

There are two wiring options for your bass boat batteries: series or parallel. The series wiring option is used for high-powered applications, such as large boats with high voltage. This setup typically uses 2 to 4 batteries, with all batteries being similar in age, size, type and manufacturer. The batteries are connected by linking the negative terminal of one battery to the positive terminal of another.

The parallel wiring option is used when you require increased total battery capacity and longer battery life, while the voltage remains the same. This setup also requires that all batteries are similar in age, size, type and manufacturer. To wire batteries in parallel, connect the positive terminal of one battery to the positive terminal of another, and the negative terminal of one battery to the negative terminal of another.

For bass boats, it is recommended to use a combination of lithium and AGM batteries. Lithium batteries are ideal for running graphs and other high-power applications, while AGM batteries can be used as starter batteries. It is important to note that some engine manufacturers, such as Yamaha and Mercury, advise against using lithium batteries as starter batteries.

When wiring your bass boat batteries, always follow safety precautions and refer to the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation and maintenance.

Battery types

Choosing the right battery for your bass boat can be a daunting task, especially for first-time buyers. There are two basic types of 12-volt batteries: cranking or starting batteries, and deep-cycle batteries.

Cranking Batteries

Cranking batteries are designed to start your main engine. Engine cranking requires a lot of power in a short burst. Therefore, cranking batteries are made with thinner, more numerous lead plates to deliver more fast power. When the engine is running, the battery is quickly replenished by the alternator. The marine cranking amp (MCA) or cranking amp (CA) rating on the battery indicates its starting power. Before purchasing a cranking battery, check your engine's manual for its recommended MCA/CA rating and select a battery with a rating equal to or greater than the recommended value.

Deep-Cycle Batteries

Deep-cycle batteries are used to power electrical accessories such as trolling motors, fish finders, and radios. Trolling motors and other accessories consume power at a slower rate over extended periods. Batteries that power these accessories are usually recharged at the end of the day. Deep-cycle batteries, such as the Bass Pro Shops XPS 12-Volt Deep Cycle Marine Battery, have fewer but thicker lead plates than cranking batteries and are built to withstand deep cycling.

A deep-cycle battery's reserve capacity (RC) rating indicates how long it can power a specific load before needing recharging. Typically, a deep-cycle battery will have two to three times the RC of a cranking battery. Additionally, a deep-cycle battery can withstand several hundred discharge/recharge cycles, whereas a cranking battery is not designed to be totally discharged.

Dual-Purpose Batteries

If your bass boat is small and has limited space or weight capacity, you may opt for a dual-purpose battery that can handle both starting and cycling functions. However, keep in mind that dual-purpose batteries may not start an engine as effectively as a dedicated cranking battery and may not have the same deep discharge/recharge cycle endurance as a dedicated deep-cycle battery.

Wet Cell, Gel, or AGM Batteries

Batteries can be further categorized as wet cell, gel, or AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries, depending on the configuration of the electrolyte or conducting medium inside.

Wet Cell Batteries

Wet cell batteries, also known as flooded-cell batteries, are the traditional lead-acid batteries commonly used. They are typically the most affordable option and can last for many years if properly charged and maintained. However, they require regular inspection and topping off with distilled water due to their vented, interior-accessible design. They also need to be handled with care as they can spill corrosive battery acid and release flammable hydrogen gas, requiring a well-ventilated battery compartment.

AGM Batteries

AGM batteries are an upgraded version of lead-acid batteries, with the electrolytes absorbed into the plates. They are virtually maintenance-free and eliminate the risk of spilling harmful chemicals. AGM batteries are heavier and more expensive than lead-acid batteries, but their advantages make them a popular choice among boaters.

Gel Batteries

Gel batteries are filled with a liquid electrolyte that is gelled with silicates and then sealed. Like AGM batteries, they use recombinant technology, eliminating the need for adding water. They are maintenance-free, sealed, shock and vibration-resistant, and have a long cycle life. Additionally, they are resistant to over-discharge, which can damage other battery types. Their main drawback is their higher price and specific charging requirements.

Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries (LiFePO4) are the newest option on the market. They offer several advantages, including lightweight construction (about half the weight of lead-acid or AGM batteries) and a longer lifespan of up to 10-12 years. Lithium batteries provide constant power throughout their life due to their consistent discharge rate. While they may be more expensive upfront, their cost per year is comparable to AGM and lead-acid batteries over their lifespan.

Frequently asked questions