Setting Up A Battery In Your Jon Boat

Setting up a battery in a Jon boat is a straightforward process, but there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll need to decide on the type of battery and charger that best suits your needs, taking into account factors such as budget and intended usage. It's also important to ensure that your battery is securely fastened to the boat to prevent it from sliding around. This can be done using straps, adhesives, or by screwing it to the floor or a wooden deck if your boat has one. When it comes to positioning your battery, weight distribution is key. Evenly distributing the weight between the front and back of the boat will help with stability. However, it's important not to put too much weight at the front or back, as this can affect the boat's performance and handling. As such, it's recommended to test out different positions for your battery to find the optimal setup for your boat.

Battery placement: front or back?

When deciding where to place your battery in a Jon boat, there are several factors to consider. The weight distribution of your boat is important for stability and ease of use. It is generally recommended to distribute the weight of your battery, fuel tank, and other heavy items as evenly as possible between the front and back of the boat. However, some users have noted that having too much weight in the front can negatively impact stability, so it is important to find a balance.

If you are using a trolling motor, it is recommended to wire the trolling motor receptacle directly to the battery, as this circuit draws the most current. The length of the wire run to the trolling motor and the size of the motor will determine the size of the wire you need. For example, a 40 or 50-amp breaker is needed for a trolling motor circuit. Additionally, consider using a circuit breaker with a test button to shut off the motor circuit and protect the battery.

Some users have suggested placing the battery in the front of the boat, especially if you have a lot of weight in the back, such as a motor and gas tank. This can help improve weight distribution and stability. However, others have noted that having the battery in the front can cause the boat to be nose-heavy, especially if you are the only person on board.

Ultimately, the best way to determine the ideal battery placement for your Jon boat is to test it out on the water. Try placing the battery in different locations and see how the boat handles. You may also want to consider using a smaller, lighter battery to reduce weight and improve stability.

Battery box or tray?

When it comes to securing a battery in a jon boat, there are a few options to consider: using a battery box or a tray. Here are some factors to help you decide which option is best for you:

Battery Box:

• A battery box is a container designed specifically to hold a battery, usually made from durable plastic or metal.
• Battery boxes can provide more protection for your battery compared to a tray, as they fully enclose the battery. This can be beneficial in a boat, where there is a risk of water exposure.
• Look for a battery box with USB and DC ports, which can be convenient for charging devices or powering accessories.
• Some battery boxes have built-in testers, allowing you to check the battery's charge level.
• Battery boxes can be more expensive than trays, so consider your budget.

Battery Tray:

• A battery tray is a simple, open platform that holds the battery in place. They are typically made from metal and have straps or clamps to secure the battery.
• Battery trays are generally more affordable and lightweight compared to battery boxes.
• Since trays don't fully enclose the battery, they provide better ventilation, which can be important for battery performance and safety.
• If you choose a tray, ensure it is made from a corrosion-resistant material, especially if it will be exposed to water.

Installation and Placement:

• When installing a battery box or tray, consider using self-tapping screws to secure it to the boat's floor or deck.
• If you don't have a deck, you can use ratchet straps and eyelets to secure the battery box or tray to the ribs or rear bench of the boat.
• Distribute the weight of the battery, along with other heavy items like the fuel tank, evenly between the front and back of the boat to improve stability.
• Consider your boat's layout and how you use it. For example, placing the battery up front may be better for weight distribution, but if you have a passenger, you might want to put it behind the middle bench.

Ultimately, the decision between a battery box or tray depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences. Both options will securely hold your battery in place, so choose the one that best fits your jon boat setup.

How to secure the battery

There are several ways to secure a battery in a Jon boat. Here are some methods to ensure your battery is secure:

Using a Battery Box

A battery box is a common method to secure a battery in a Jon boat. Most battery boxes come with straps that can be used to secure the box to the floor of the boat. If your boat has a deck, you can screw the box to the deck. Additionally, you can use eyelets on the backside of the rear bench or transom to lash the box and provide extra security.

Using Straps and Adhesives

If you don't want to use a battery box, you can secure the battery directly to the floor or deck of your boat using straps and adhesives. Ratchet straps or heavy-duty bungee cords can be wrapped around the battery and secured to the ribs or other structural components of the boat. For boats with an aluminum floor, you can use aluminum angles, sandpaper, and adhesive to create a secure platform for the battery.

Creating a Custom Enclosure

Another option is to create a custom enclosure for the battery. This can be done by using wood or plastic to create a box or tray that fits the battery snugly and then securing this enclosure to the boat. You can use plywood, seal it, and then glue it to the floor of the boat. Additionally, you can use wood blocks molded to the shape of the boat's hull and anchor them solidly to the boat's frame.

Following Safety Guidelines

Regardless of the method you choose, it is important to follow safety guidelines. Ensure that the battery is stable and cannot move around. Cover the battery terminals, and consider adding overcurrent protection to the positive pole of the battery. Additionally, check that your wiring circuit is compliant with relevant safety standards.

Battery wiring

Planning the Wiring Setup:

Before beginning the wiring process, it's essential to plan the setup and gather the necessary materials. Determine the devices you'll be connecting to the battery, such as a trolling motor, fish finder, marine radio, or bilge pump. Consider the power requirements and current draw of each device. It's recommended to have a Main Power Terminal Block to distribute power from the battery. Additionally, a fuse box or circuit breaker is necessary to protect the wiring and prevent overcurrent situations.

Wiring the Trolling Motor:

The trolling motor typically draws the most current out of all the devices. It is recommended to wire the trolling motor receptacle directly to the battery. The wire gauge and breaker size depend on the trolling motor's power requirements. For instance, a 40 or 50-amp breaker is commonly used for trolling motors, and #8 or #6 wire is often required, depending on the motor size. Ensure that the positive wire from the battery connects to one side of the circuit breaker, and the positive wire from the trolling motor connects to the other side. The negative wire from the trolling motor should connect directly to the negative terminal of the battery.

Wiring Additional Accessories:

For accessories like a fish finder, it is recommended to use a separate feed from the battery to a fuse panel. A 20-amp fuse and #10 wire are commonly used for this purpose. From the fuse panel, you can use #16 gauge wire to connect to the positive side of each accessory. Ensure that the negative wires from the accessories connect directly to the negative terminal of the battery for grounding.

Battery Placement and Safety:

When placing the battery in your Jon boat, consider weight distribution and stability. Distribute the weight evenly between the front and back of the boat. You can use a battery box or tray to secure the battery and prevent it from sliding or bouncing around. If your boat has a wooden deck, screw the box to the deck, or use a rubber mat to keep it in place. Alternatively, you can use eyelets or straps to lash the box against the rear seat or transom. Ensure that the battery posts are covered, as leaving them exposed can be a safety violation.

Additional Tips:

• Before starting the wiring process, it's a good idea to refer to a generic wiring diagram or seek guidance from a professional.
• Consider using marine-grade wire and high-quality shielded cable to prevent interference.
• Always use fuses or circuit breakers to protect the wiring and prevent overcurrent situations.
• When in doubt, consult with local boaters or experts to gain insights into their wiring setups and best practices.

By following these instructions and tips, you can effectively wire your Jon boat, ensuring a safe and functional electrical system.

Battery charger setup

Setting up a battery charger in your Jon boat is a straightforward process, but it's important to follow safety precautions and choose the right equipment. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to set up your battery charger:

Step 1: Choose the Right Battery and Charger:

• Select a 12V battery suitable for your trolling motor. Deep-cycle batteries are recommended for their ability to run down to a low charge and recharge effectively.
• Ensure the battery charger is compatible with your battery type and voltage. Most chargers connect to standard home outlets.

Step 2: Positioning the Battery:

• Distribute the weight evenly between the front and back of the boat for better stability.
• Consider placing the battery in the rear if you have an outboard motor or in the front if you want to balance the weight of an inboard motor.
• Use a battery box or tray to secure the battery in place. You can purchase these from marine supply stores.
• If your boat has a wooden deck, screw the box or tray to the deck.
• If you have a bare aluminum floor, consider using adhesives or welding to attach a mounting plate to the ribs of the boat, then secure the battery on top.

Step 3: Wiring the Battery:

• Connect the positive wire from the battery to a main power terminal block.
• Run positive leads from the terminal block to a fuse box, and then to the positive sides of your accessories (e.g., trolling motor and fish finder).
• Connect the negative leads from each device directly to the negative terminal of the battery for grounding.
• Ensure you use appropriately sized wires for each accessory, as specified in the device manuals or by a professional.

Step 4: Safety Measures:

• Cover the battery posts to avoid any violations and ensure safety.
• Use circuit breakers or fuses to protect the wiring from overcurrent situations. Place these as close to the battery as possible.
• Consider using a circuit breaker with a test button to shut off the motor circuit when needed.
• Consult a professional or a detailed wiring diagram if you're unsure about the electrical connections.

Frequently asked questions