Battery location & type for tank

[OnTheRocks]

Just got my new greyline tank a couple days ago for the boat. I'm having a hard time figuring out where to put a battery at, and also what kind. I know that it'll be a 12V obviously, but y'all think that a smaller mower/motorcycle battery would work, or would I need another deep cycle battery? Reason being is that I don't have any more room in my battery compartment due to the TM battery location and the on-board charger right beside it. I thought about running it to my cranking battery, but the thought of hearing a click on the 150 mercy when trying to start it makes me kind of sick. It may not draw enough to bother it much anyway, but with the dual pump set up on the grayline, it will draw more than a single pump. I am still trying to put the tank itself on the boat as I have a fish/ski with limited locations. I am about to just take out the passenger seat and pedastal and forget it. But, that's a last resort option. I'll try and post pics of the boats layout shortly. As of right now I need to figure out the battery situation to start and go from there as I can always run extra length wire.

[johnr]

I had a new motorcycle battery in my shop so I hooked it up to a 500gph rule pump just to see, and it lasted 4 hours on a full charge. That wouldn't work for me.

I use a group 31 deep cycle just for the tank.

[Deleted]

You most definitely need a deep cycle. I have two batteries, a cranker and a deep cycle. I use an isolator switch that keeps my deep cycle and cranking battery separated when starting. It then automatically combines the two when running so that both batteries get charged. Once I turn off the engine, the switch goes back to isolator mode. The deep cycle is connected to all the things I use when not running.

Having this deep cycle on board would be more important to me than an on-board charger. You can always hook up a charger when you dock. However, my guess is that you can find a creative way to make room for both.

[striperjohn]

No idea what kind of room you have in your battery compartment but some of the newer agms, gelcells etc can be installed upside down and in some rather weird places. Just a thought. They are pretty expensive though.

[Deleted]

Apr 1, 2016 18:13:43 GMT -5 striperjohn said:

No idea what kind of room you have in your battery compartment but some of the newer agms, gelcells etc can be installed upside down and in some rather weird places. Just a thought. They are pretty expensive though.

Good point! I have been eyeing this option for the future. If I was starting all over, I would probably buy these.

Does anyone on here have any experience with the newer agms? They are much smaller and lighter and claim to last 3 times as long in terms of charging cycles. If they truly last 3 times longer, then they are a no brainer because they aren't 3 times as expensive.

Other question. Is there a special charger needed for agms?

[OnTheRocks]

Here are some pics of the inside of my rig, and my spot for the tank...the last image is what I am going to end up letting her sit, ive also got one of those rubber non slip mats to put on the deck to set it on to be more secure.  Now for the battery, hope to figure this out before next weekend!!! 

[Deleted]

Is that centered?

[OnTheRocks]

Not center of the boat, I just took out the passenger seat and sat the tank there. Right beside where it's sitting is a stow compartment that I think I will hide the battery.

[Deleted]

I would take that for a ride full of water before committing to that location. Then stop, go up front, stand on the same side that the bait tank is on and cast a bit. Run your trolling motor as well.

I'm concerned that the boat will lean too much for your liking.

[striperjohn]

Correction agms should not be charged upside down. On their side is okay though.

[striperjohn]

Apr 2, 2016 7:52:09 GMT -5 Yam said:

I would take that for a ride full of water before committing to that location. Then stop, go up front, stand on the same side that the bait tank is on and cast a bit. Run your trolling motor as well.

I'm concerned that the boat will lean too much for your liking.

You may be able to offset the weight a bit by putting the battery on the opposite side. But make sure the filter box is on the centerline side of the boat, otherwise the box may flood out by being tilted.

[OnTheRocks]

I'm not sure how much it will lean the boat, and here is why I think it will not. I could be wrong (have been before plenty) but an average US gallon of water weighs 8.34 pounds. Putting my 25 gal tank with water only at 208.5, and add another maybe around 15 for the tank its self, I'd be at 223.5 give or take a few. If I have a rider for the day they will have to sit in the back middle seat, and everyone I fish with are 200-250...(we eat well) so that would off set the tank weight I would think?? As far as the battery, I'm thinking middle of the boat between me and the tank, there is a compartment here where I stow my life jackets. Also, when I'm by myself the tank would seem to take the place of a rider maybe?? I appreciate yalls help and good suggestions so far.!

[striperjohn]

Yep trial and error. In the 70s I had a 16ft fish and ski with a 25 gal tank between the windshield and the battery up front. Had to have a guy up front to get the boat on plane. ;D

[Deleted]

  Hmmmm...  I rarely ever reply to posts when someone is seeking opinions on equipment..... everyone is different ( there is only one yam) (thank God)  and you'll get many differing thoughts on what is best or the best way. Striper fishing is not nearly as hard as it may seem from all the different ideas as what's the "best way" and mostly ends up more confusing to whomever is seeking advice. 

 The only advice I would ever give is just keep it as simple as you can and you will be a lot happier with less crap to worry about and catch just as many or more fish ...... As to the best place to put your bait tank..... only thing I would say  "is on your boat".    

  If I passed you on the lake and you boat was listing a few degrees to one side, the only thing I would think is, there goes a dedicated striper fisherman with a tank full of bait.... do what is the most comfortable for you..... don't give a second thought  about what other folks think or how someone else is doing it.


 Oh, we all have a few of those extra healthy fishing buddies that ride around it the boat with a bag of oreo cookies (double stuff) on their lap.

[Deleted]

Apr 2, 2016 10:50:38 GMT -5 @bigun2 said:

  Hmmmm...  I rarely ever reply to posts when someone is seeking opinions on equipment..... everyone is different ( there is only one yam) (thank God)  and you'll get many differing thoughts on what is best or the best way. Striper fishing is not nearly as hard as it may seem from all the different ideas as what's the "best way" and mostly ends up more confusing to whomever is seeking advice. 

 The only advice I would ever give is just keep it as simple as you can and you will be a lot happier with less crap to worry about and catch just as many or more fish ...... As to the best place to put your bait tank..... only thing I would say  "is on your boat".    

  If I passed you on the lake and you boat was listing a few degrees to one side, the only think I would think is, there goes a dedicated striper fisherman with a tank full of bait.... do what is the most comfortable for you..... don't give a second thought  about what other folks think or how someone else is doing it.


 Oh, we all have a few of those extra healthy fishing buddies that ride around it the boat with a bag of oreo cookies (double stuff) on their lap.

It's about time you chimed in. I have been missing you!

I do think that it is prudent to test out something before making any permanent changes to the boat. Suggesting prudence is prudent.