Extra Bass Boat Batteries: Mounting And Installation Guide

Mounting extra batteries in a bass boat is a great way to ensure you have enough power for your fishing trip. Bass boats need reliable marine batteries for both starting the engine and running the fishing system. When considering extra batteries, it's important to think about the type of battery, placement, and weight distribution. Lithium-ion batteries, for example, offer higher performance and lighter weight but come at a higher cost. The placement of batteries can impact the boat's handling and ride, with some suggesting that keeping the weight near the center of gravity is ideal. Additionally, the weight of batteries can affect fuel economy and boat performance, with heavier batteries causing the boat to draft deeper.

Battery placement and weight distribution

When it comes to battery placement and weight distribution in a bass boat, there are several factors to consider to ensure optimal performance and safety. Here are some insights to guide you through the process:

Centre of Gravity and Boat Handling:

Battery placement can significantly impact the handling and performance of your bass boat. It's crucial to maintain proper weight distribution by keeping the batteries near the boat's centre of gravity. This will help improve balance and stability, making it easier to plane and handle choppy waters.

Battery Placement Options:

There are a few options for battery placement in a bass boat:

• Stern Placement: Many bass boats have their batteries placed at the stern, which is generally a stable area while the boat is on plane. This setup can help with getting up on plane and reduce the risk of the bow taking a beating in rough waters. However, too much weight at the stern can cause the bow to bounce when hitting waves, affecting the ride quality.
• Bow Placement: Moving batteries to the bow can be beneficial if you want to keep the front end down and improve weight distribution. This setup may be advantageous in heavy wind and choppy conditions, providing more control and stability. However, batteries placed in the bow will experience more vibration and pounding, which can damage the batteries and the boat over time.
• Centre Placement: Placing batteries in the centre of the boat, either under a centre console or along the centre line, can improve stability and weight distribution. This setup can help the boat sit more level in the water and provide easier manoeuvrability. However, it's important to consider the impact on storage space and ensure that batteries are securely tied down to minimise movement.

Number of Batteries and Battery Type:

The number of batteries you need depends on your setup. If you have a trolling motor, you'll typically require additional house batteries. A 24-volt trolling motor, for example, requires two deep-cycle batteries, while a 36-volt system needs three. It's generally recommended to have a dedicated starting battery and house battery (or dual-purpose batteries) to meet the power demands of your engines and electronics.

When choosing battery types, consider marine deep-cycle batteries, which are designed to withstand vibration and pounding better than standard batteries. Opt for batteries that match the group number specified for your boat, ensuring proper fit and compatibility.

Safety and Maintenance:

Always follow best practices for battery safety and maintenance. Use proper battery switches, and consider installing a battery switch to allow starting from either battery or carry jumper cables for added flexibility. Regularly inspect and maintain your batteries, and opt for marine-grade batteries that are better suited for the demands of a bass boat.

Remember, every boat is unique, and slight differences in hull design and configuration can impact weight distribution. It's always a good idea to consult your boat manufacturer or an experienced marine professional before making significant changes to your battery placement.

Battery types and their pros and cons

Marine batteries are essential for both starting and running your fishing system. Different types of batteries are designed for different purposes, with some providing cranking power for engine startups and others powering your trolling motor and fish finder. When choosing a battery, it's important to consider factors such as cranking amps (CA), amp hours (Ah), and reserve capacity (RC).

Lead Acid Batteries

Pros: Lead-acid batteries are cost-effective, reliable, and effective. They have a good cost per watt ratio.

Cons: They require more maintenance compared to newer battery types and are more fragile, being susceptible to internal damage from hard impacts.

Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Batteries

Pros: AGM batteries use a woven roll of fiberglass to contain electrolytes, preventing spills even if the housing is damaged. They have higher cranking amps (CA) and reserve capacity (RC) ratings, and offer quicker and longer-lasting charges than lead-acid batteries. There is no terminal corrosion due to the absence of acid.

Cons: Overcharging can reduce the lifespan of AGM batteries. To ensure optimal performance, they need to be maintained at least 50% charged.

Gel Cell Batteries

Pros: Gel cell batteries use a blend of sulfuric acid and silica to create a fixed gel substance, making them sturdier and more impact-resistant. They can withstand pounding waves and hold deep cycle charging longer than other types.

Cons: Gel cell batteries require a specific charger, which can be a limitation for some users.

Lithium-Ion Batteries

Pros: Lithium-ion batteries offer several advantages, including being up to 70% lighter than lead-acid batteries, environmentally friendly, and having longer lifespans. They provide consistent voltage and can be partially charged without affecting performance or causing damage.

Cons: The main drawback of lithium-ion batteries is their higher cost compared to other marine battery types. They also have slower charging times.

Charging batteries

Charging your bass boat's batteries is essential to keep them in good condition and ensure you have enough power for your next outing. Here are some detailed instructions and tips on charging your bass boat's batteries:

Battery Charging Basics

Firstly, it's important to understand the different types of batteries and their specific functions. Most saltwater fishing boats use a starting battery, which delivers high amperage over a short period, and a deep-cycle or house battery, which powers electronic equipment and can discharge energy over an extended period. When adding extra batteries, such as for a trolling motor, consider the space available and weight distribution in your boat.

Charging Equipment

To charge your bass boat batteries, you'll need a suitable charger. Onboard charging systems are available that can charge multiple batteries from a single plug outlet. These systems are convenient, especially when staying at motels or campsites with power outlets within reach. Additionally, portable generators or solar chargers can be used as alternative power sources when AC power is not readily available.

Charging Best Practices

It is recommended to charge your batteries as soon as possible after returning from a fishing trip. This helps maintain their performance and prolong their lifespan. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific battery type and charger model. When charging, it's important to use the appropriate amperage and voltage settings to avoid overcharging or undercharging, which can damage the batteries.

Maintenance and Care

Proper maintenance is crucial to ensure the longevity of your bass boat batteries. For flooded lead-acid batteries, regularly check and top up the distilled water levels. Additionally, keep the batteries clean and free of corrosion. It is also advisable to replace all batteries at once when one fails or when adding new ones to ensure they have similar performance and charging characteristics.

Charging on the Go

For those who participate in bass fishing tournaments or travel frequently, there are charging solutions that allow you to charge your batteries while on the move. These include systems like the Stealth 1 TowNCharge, which uses your tow vehicle's engine alternator to charge your boat batteries while driving. Another option is the StaynCharge system, which charges your cranking battery while towing and can be used in conjunction with an onboard charger.

The benefits of lithium batteries

While lithium-ion batteries are more expensive than lead-acid batteries, they offer a range of benefits that make them a worthwhile investment for bass boat owners.

Firstly, lithium-ion batteries are more efficient and can last up to 10 times longer than lead-acid batteries. While a lead-acid battery generally lasts around four years, a lithium-ion battery can last about 10 years, even with minimal maintenance. This is because a lithium-ion battery can be cycled up to 3000 to 5000 times, compared to only about a third of that for a lead-acid battery. Additionally, a lithium-ion battery can discharge up to 80% of its capacity before needing to be recharged, while a lead-acid battery can only safely discharge up to 50% of its capacity. This increased power storage means that lithium-ion batteries offer almost double the capacity of lead-acid batteries, resulting in a significant reduction in weight and space required.

Another advantage of lithium-ion batteries is their weight. On average, lithium batteries weigh about half as much as lead-acid batteries with the same capacity. This weight reduction can improve the performance and fuel economy of a boat, as well as increase available space. The compact size and modular design of lithium-ion batteries allow for flexible installation, even in tight spaces.

Lithium-ion batteries are also safer and more environmentally friendly than lead-acid batteries. They are sealed and weatherproof, so they can be installed in any orientation and are not susceptible to moisture or water damage. Additionally, they are monitored by electronics that track their health and prevent overcharging, reducing the risk of fire or other hazards.

While the upfront cost of lithium-ion batteries is higher, their increased efficiency, longer lifespan, and reduced maintenance requirements make them a cost-effective and convenient option in the long run. Therefore, for bass boat owners seeking improved performance, durability, and weight savings, lithium-ion batteries are a worthwhile upgrade.

How to install Dakota Lithium batteries

Installing Dakota Lithium batteries in a bass boat is a quick and easy process. It is simply a matter of replacing the old batteries with the new lithium batteries. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a seamless installation process.

Firstly, ensure that you have a lithium battery charger. This is the only tricky part, as you will need to install one if your boat does not already have one. To install a charger, you will need a drill and four 13/32 head bolts and nuts, or you can use screws depending on where you are putting it. The Dakota Lithium Marine 4 Bank, 40-Amp (10-AMP PER BANK) 12V Onboard Lithium Battery Charger has mounting slots on the sides, making it easy to install. Once installed, connect the ring connectors to the wires in the charger.

Now, you can proceed to install the Dakota Lithium 12V 100AH Deep Cycle Marine Trolling Motor Batteries. Remove your old lead or AGM trolling motor batteries, and replace them with the new lithium batteries. The Dakota Lithium batteries are much lighter, weighing only 31.9 pounds compared to over 70 pounds for most lead or AGM batteries. Simply wire them back correctly and add your charging wires to the batteries.

If you are installing the Dakota Lithium 12V 135AH Dual Purpose 1000CCA Starter Battery, the process is the same as for the trolling motor batteries. This battery weighs only 27.2 pounds, so it is also much lighter and easier to handle. However, you may need to consider a different battery tray if the width of this battery is smaller than your previous AGM or lead battery.

Finally, if you are using your boat a lot during the day and powering accessories like fish finders, consider installing a Victron Orion-TR Smart 12/12-18A Isolated DC-DC Charger to keep your lithium battery charged.

With these simple steps, you can enjoy the benefits of your new Dakota Lithium batteries and have reliable power for your bass boat!

Frequently asked questions