Jon Boat Battery Storage: Deck Placement Strategies

When it comes to battery placement on a decked Jon boat, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, weight distribution is crucial. Evenly distributing the weight of the battery, fuel tank, and other heavy items between the front and back of the boat is essential for stability. However, it's important to note that too much weight at the front can also be detrimental, as it may prevent the bow from lifting and riding over waves. Therefore, finding the right balance is key.

Another consideration is the battery box or tray. While some opt for a battery box, others suggest a tray with a strap to secure the battery. If your boat has a deck, screwing the box to the deck and using a rubber mat to prevent sliding are recommended. For boats without a deck, options include welding a plate to the ribs and mounting the box or using ratchet straps and eyelets to secure the battery.

Additionally, it is important to protect the battery terminals and ensure proper ventilation to prevent the buildup of potentially explosive hydrogen gas. While some boaters choose to enclose the battery in a box, others suggest using a rubber mat and a ratchet strap or a simple cover for the terminals. Ultimately, the decision on where to place the battery on a decked Jon boat depends on various factors, including weight distribution, safety, and personal preference.

Battery placement for weight distribution

When it comes to battery placement for weight distribution in a jon boat, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to distribute the weight of batteries, fuel tanks, and other heavy items as evenly as possible between the front and back of the boat. This helps to maintain stability and balance, ensuring that the boat doesn't become front or back heavy, which can affect its handling and performance.

Some jon boat owners suggest placing the battery at the front of the boat, especially if the motor, gas tank, and other heavy items are located at the back. This can improve weight distribution and help the boat get up on plane more easily. However, others caution that too much weight at the front can also affect the boat's performance, making it harder to get up on plane and causing the bow to bounce when hitting waves.

One solution to this dilemma is to place the battery just behind the middle bench, which can also serve as a small bait table. This helps to balance the weight distribution and ensures that the boat doesn't become too front or back heavy. Another option is to place the battery under the front deck, especially if there is a raised floor or compartment that can accommodate it. This can add weight to the front of the boat without taking up valuable storage space.

When placing the battery under the deck, it is important to secure it properly to prevent sliding and bouncing. This can be done using a battery box, battery tray, or strapping it down to a wooden or aluminum floor. It is also recommended to cover the battery terminals to protect them from water and corrosion, especially if they are not enclosed in a battery box.

Overall, the key to battery placement for weight distribution in a jon boat is to find a balance that doesn't make the boat too front or back heavy. Distributing the weight evenly and ensuring that the battery is secured and protected will help improve the boat's performance and handling.

Battery box vs tray

When it comes to battery storage, there are two main options: a battery box or a battery tray. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for your Jon boat will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Battery Box

A battery box is a covered container that holds your battery in place. It offers more protection to the battery and can prevent it from sliding around. Battery boxes are usually made of plastic and have lids that can be secured with bolts or wingnuts. They often have outlets or holes for battery cables to exit, and some even have vents to allow for proper ventilation. Battery boxes can be purchased or custom-built to fit your specific battery size and setup.

However, one disadvantage of battery boxes is that they can take up more space than trays, especially if you have a smaller boat. They may also make it difficult to access your battery, as you'll need to remove the lid or unstrap the box to reach it. Additionally, if you have a lead/acid battery, a sealed battery box may not allow for proper ventilation, which could be dangerous.

Battery Tray

A battery tray is an open, tray-like structure that holds your battery in place. It is usually made of durable materials like aluminium or composite plastic and is secured to the boat with screws or other fasteners. Battery trays often have adjustable straps or upper frames that go around the battery to keep it anchored and secure.

One advantage of battery trays is that they are more compact and take up less space than battery boxes. They also allow for easier access to the battery, as you don't need to remove any lids or covers. Additionally, with a tray, you only need to lift the battery a small distance to place it on the tray or remove it for charging.

However, one disadvantage of battery trays is that they may not provide as much protection to the battery as a box, especially in rough conditions. The battery terminals will also need to be covered with insulating terminal caps to prevent arcing or short-circuiting.

For your Jon boat, consider factors such as the size and weight of your battery, the available space on your boat, the ease of access and maintenance, and the level of protection needed. Both options can be effective, but the right choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

• Distribute the weight of your battery evenly between the front and back of the boat to improve stability.
• If you have a wooden deck, you can screw the battery box or tray directly into the deck for added security.
• Consider using rubber mats or padding underneath the battery to reduce vibration and prevent sliding.
• Ensure that your battery setup is properly grounded and secured to your boat to avoid damage or disruption during use.
• If you choose a battery box, make sure it has proper ventilation, especially if you have a lead/acid battery.
• If you opt for a battery tray, cover the battery terminals with insulating caps to prevent any electrical issues.
• Regularly inspect your battery setup to ensure that it is secure and in good condition.

By considering the advantages and disadvantages of each option, you can make an informed decision about whether a battery box or tray is the best choice for your Jon boat's battery storage.

Battery placement for boat planing

When planning the placement of your boat's battery, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, weight distribution is crucial. Evenly distributing the weight of your battery, fuel tank, and other heavy items between the front and back of the boat will enhance stability. This careful distribution of weight will also help the boat plane efficiently.

Now, let's discuss specific placement options for your battery. If you have a deck, you can screw the battery box to it. Alternatively, you can use a rubber mat to prevent sliding. If your boat has exposed ribs, consider welding a plate onto the ribs and then mounting the box. Another option is to use ratchet straps and eyelets to secure the battery in place. Additionally, you can use aluminum angle pieces, sandpaper, and adhesive to create a secure mounting surface for the battery.

For those who prefer a more creative approach, you can use a plastic tub or a piece of Sunbrella material to create a 'door' that shields the battery from the elements. If you're concerned about arcing, consider using a battery tray with a strap and adding boots over the terminals for protection.

In terms of safety, it's important to ensure that the battery terminals are covered, as leaving them exposed is a violation. Additionally, proper ventilation is crucial, as batteries can emit explosive hydrogen gas.

Lastly, if you're planning to install a hatch, carefully consider its placement. Pre-made hatches with flanges can be used, but they might require you to pull up the carpet and redo it. Another option is to cut the carpet smaller than the hatch hole, roll the extra carpet under, and glue it down. This method will provide a neat finish without having to replace the carpet entirely.

Battery security

• Distribute the weight of your battery evenly between the front and back of the boat. This will help with stability and prevent the boat from becoming front or back heavy, which can affect its performance and handling.
• Use a battery box: A battery box can help keep your battery secure and protect it from the elements. If you have a deck, screw the box to the deck to prevent sliding. If you don't have a deck, you can use straps to secure the box to the floor or ribs of the boat.
• Ratchet straps and eyelets: If you don't want to use a battery box, you can use ratchet straps and eyelets to secure the battery directly to the floor or ribs of the boat. This method is especially useful if you have a raised wooden floor or exposed ribs.
• Adhesives and aluminium angle: Another option is to use adhesives and aluminium angle to secure the battery. Scuff up the hull paint, apply an adhesive like 3M 4200/5200, and then place the cut aluminium angle to secure the battery.
• Protect battery terminals: Ensure that your battery terminals are covered at all times. Exposed terminals can pose a safety hazard and are usually a violation of safety regulations.
• Ventilation: If your battery is enclosed in a compartment or under a deck, ensure proper ventilation to prevent the buildup of potentially explosive hydrogen gas.
• Battery tray: Instead of a battery box, you can use a battery tray to secure your battery. This can be especially useful if you have limited space. Screw the tray down and use straps to secure the battery in place.
• Master switch: Install a master switch to cut power to the battery while towing or storing your boat. This adds an extra layer of safety and can help preserve battery life.
• Battery orientation: Ensure that your battery is secured flat or at a slight angle. This will prevent issues with battery acid and ensure proper function.

Battery storage solutions

Battery Box or Tray:

• A battery box or tray can provide a secure and protected space for your battery. Look for one that fits your battery size and ensure it has straps to secure it to the floor or deck of your boat.
• If you have a wooden deck, you can screw the box or tray directly into the deck for added stability.

Under-Deck Storage:

• If you have a decked Jon boat, you can utilise the space underneath for battery storage. Ensure there is adequate clearance between the battery and the deck, and consider installing a pre-made hatch for easy access.
• To protect the battery from moisture, you can add a rubber mat, use a plastic tub or box, or create a custom cover with a material like Sunbrella.
• Keep in mind that some users have expressed concern about batteries taking a pounding when placed towards the front of the boat, so consider the balance and weight distribution of your boat when choosing a location.

Straps and Fastenings:

• Ratchet straps or bungee cords can be used to secure the battery box or tray to the floor or ribs of the boat.
• If you don't have a deck, consider using eyelets or aluminium angles to strap the battery down.
• For added security, you can also glue or screw a piece of plywood to the aluminium floor and then attach the battery on top.

Centre Weight Distribution:

• Distributing the weight of your battery, fuel tank, and other heavy items evenly between the front and back of the boat can improve stability.
• Keep in mind that too much weight at the back or front can affect the boat's performance and handling, so aim for a balanced setup.

Additional Tips:

• Cover battery terminals to prevent arcing and ensure they are not exposed, especially when stored under the deck.
• Consider using a master switch to cut power while towing or storing the boat.
• If you're using a trolling motor, having the battery near the motor can be advantageous.

Frequently asked questions