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Author Topic:   Battery on Montauk

whalerajm posted 07-18-2003 01:21 PM ET (US)
I've noticed from discussion threads and pictures on this site that most Montauk batteries are mounted in console.
I have battery in my 1975 Montauk on deck, in tied down battery box (port side stern under stern light).
What is original or Whaler recommended location for battery?
Other than weight in rear of boat, I don't see any problem with keeping battery on deck...Also provides easy access for charging.
I be interested to hear member thought and opinions on this.
Thanks!
whalersman posted 07-18-2003 01:41 PM ET (US)
I believe the original location for the battery on the early Montauks was were your is...
My 1978 Montauk's battery is now located inside the console... There are a few reasons why I like it there..
1. Puts the weight amidship
2. Theft reasons
3. The Montauk has limited floor space and moving the battery to the console opens up the space in the aft end a little bit.
You will most likely hear other opinions but the above in mine... All the newer Montauks and quite a few other models, have the batteries mounted in the console from the factory..
Joe Kriz
bloller posted 07-18-2003 02:06 PM ET (US)
My was in the same position as yours, however, I moved it under my seat since I am only using a small fuel tank It freed up much needed space in the stern of the boat and it left my console with plenty of room to fill it with stuff I didn't want getting wet. Also, With this setup I was able to use the existing wiring without having to add more. I've also heard that putting the battery in the console can be a fire hazard and it can also bust out the floor of your console if not done right
Landlocked posted 07-18-2003 02:49 PM ET (US)
If you put it in the console, cut out the floor to the size of your battery box. Battery will rest on the (stronger)deck of the boat and won't take up much room in the console that way.
I prefer mine in the console.
Ll.
whalerajm posted 07-18-2003 03:01 PM ET (US)
Landlocked...I like your idea for mounting battery through console floor. Couple questions:
1. Do you use a battery box?
2. How is it tied down? To deck or console?
3. Where in the console did you place it?
4. Do you have your oil tank in console? (I do?)...If so, where are oil tank and battery placed?
Thanks
Landlocked posted 07-19-2003 10:56 AM ET (US)
The battery is in a box. Just cut a couple of slits in the bottom of the console on either side of where you cut out the hole for the box. Pass the tie down strap through the slits under the box and back up through the other slit. Box is essentially tied to the console but the weight holds it down on the floor. If you are going to experience a lot of pounding, you might want to tie/screw the box to the deck instead.
My merc oil tank is under the cowling.
Ll.
TomNMiami posted 07-20-2003 04:36 PM ET (US)
I just moved the battery into the console today! To add to the previously mention reasons, another one is that the leads won't corrode as bad as if they are in the tansom.
I but the battery in in the middle of the boat, as close to the bow as I could get. I am using a strap only to hold the battey cover on the box, wrapping it around the whole lot. A good friend of mine, who has owned, and worked on whalers, as a mechanic at a whaler dealer for over a decade, told me that was really all that was needed. I did cut through the bottom of the console to put the weight on the deck, but no other tie downs. Cutting through the floor of the console also gave back some space to the console now that I put the battery there.
I also removed the VRO tank, and will now mix the oil with the fuel. I did this for 2 reasons: my 1991 engine is out of warranty and I don't want to take a chance on not giving oil to the engine, and secondly, it freed up the engine well completely. Clean neat, and available for other gear.
Hope that all makes sense,
Tom
DADDYSSHRINKII posted 07-20-2003 11:03 PM ET (US)
I have been concerned about the additional pounding the batt experiences in the console as opposed to near the transom.
Likewise, what about fumes and your instruments in the console?
Also how do you check the water in the batt regularly without a hassle. Likewise, do you use the new type of trickle-charger to keep the batt hot? Does that pose problems in the console?
My original Whaler users manual specifically recomends that the batt be put as far aft as possible.
Remarks please.

triblet posted 07-21-2003 01:01 AM ET (US)
I haven't heard anybody report problems from battery "fumes"
in the console. Mostly they make hydrogen, so you want some
ventilation.
To check water levels, I just use a flashlight and an
inspection mirror.
I also use a Schumacher smart trickle charger to keep the
battery topped off from weekend to weekend. No problems.

Chuck
Landlocked posted 07-21-2003 10:12 AM ET (US)
I guess I don't check the water level as often as I should -usually just once a year.
To do so more often wouldn't be a problem though, My battery is mounted on the left (port) side of the console just inside the louvered door. It is also relatively easy to remove if need be. The louvers are more than enough ventilation for accumulated fumes.
I use a standard auto battery charger and charge the battery prior to each trip. I don't leave it on a trickle charger even though I know I should. I just don't like leaving things hooked up in the boat when I'm not around.
I buy cheap batteries and replace them every 2 years whether they need to be or not. The used batteries go to the small boat I keep on my pond to power the trolling motor.
Ll.
Bigshot posted 07-21-2003 11:44 AM ET (US)
Mine is factory under the console right inside the side door. Floor is cut out and it lays on deck inside OEM tan box. I buy maintenence free batteries so no checking of water required. I never charge it either. Reason I would NEVER put battery in stern is because if boat swamps due to rain or wave, she goes under.....you gots problems. Ever see what 12volts under water does to ANY metal in the vicinity? It will eat your brass drain tube in no time, ruin ever wire and connector, etc.....what a mess.
whalerajm posted 07-21-2003 02:06 PM ET (US)
Thanks All for input to my question regarding battery placement....You guys are great! I appreciate your recommendations...Lots of experience, good ideas and advice on this site.
Sounds like there are more pros for console mount than stern, although, as stated, Whaler originally recommended stern placement of battery....
For now I'll stick with stern and consider taking advantage of the shelter of my garage this winter and move battery to stern, but keep it inside my Atwood box.
DADDYSSHRINKII posted 07-21-2003 08:59 PM ET (US)
Again, refering to the Whaler manual that came with my '78 boat when I bought it new; they recommend a factory batt box that specifically does not have a vented top. Theory is that as water rises in the boat that the "diving bell" effect protects the battery from water coming into the interior.
We all find ourselves in different situations. In the 25 years of using my Montauk an average of 40 week-ends a year and wearing out two engines before buying another new 88hp in '96, south Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico has never presented me with the situation whereby I took that much water.
I think that H2S is what is given off as a battery vents and, If I am correct, it is very corrosive.
What ever works best for an individual is what they should stick with.
Thanks for listening to my diatribe; I love this website.


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Author	Topic: Battery on Montauk
whalerajm	posted 07-18-2003 01:21 PM ET (US) I've noticed from discussion threads and pictures on this site that most Montauk batteries are mounted in console. I have battery in my 1975 Montauk on deck, in tied down battery box (port side stern under stern light). What is original or Whaler recommended location for battery? Other than weight in rear of boat, I don't see any problem with keeping battery on deck...Also provides easy access for charging. I be interested to hear member thought and opinions on this. Thanks!
whalersman	posted 07-18-2003 01:41 PM ET (US) I believe the original location for the battery on the early Montauks was were your is... My 1978 Montauk's battery is now located inside the console... There are a few reasons why I like it there.. 1. Puts the weight amidship 2. Theft reasons 3. The Montauk has limited floor space and moving the battery to the console opens up the space in the aft end a little bit. You will most likely hear other opinions but the above in mine... All the newer Montauks and quite a few other models, have the batteries mounted in the console from the factory.. Joe Kriz
bloller	posted 07-18-2003 02:06 PM ET (US) My was in the same position as yours, however, I moved it under my seat since I am only using a small fuel tank It freed up much needed space in the stern of the boat and it left my console with plenty of room to fill it with stuff I didn't want getting wet. Also, With this setup I was able to use the existing wiring without having to add more. I've also heard that putting the battery in the console can be a fire hazard and it can also bust out the floor of your console if not done right
Landlocked	posted 07-18-2003 02:49 PM ET (US) If you put it in the console, cut out the floor to the size of your battery box. Battery will rest on the (stronger)deck of the boat and won't take up much room in the console that way. I prefer mine in the console. Ll.
whalerajm	posted 07-18-2003 03:01 PM ET (US) Landlocked...I like your idea for mounting battery through console floor. Couple questions: 1. Do you use a battery box? 2. How is it tied down? To deck or console? 3. Where in the console did you place it? 4. Do you have your oil tank in console? (I do?)...If so, where are oil tank and battery placed? Thanks
Landlocked	posted 07-19-2003 10:56 AM ET (US) The battery is in a box. Just cut a couple of slits in the bottom of the console on either side of where you cut out the hole for the box. Pass the tie down strap through the slits under the box and back up through the other slit. Box is essentially tied to the console but the weight holds it down on the floor. If you are going to experience a lot of pounding, you might want to tie/screw the box to the deck instead. My merc oil tank is under the cowling. Ll.
TomNMiami	posted 07-20-2003 04:36 PM ET (US) I just moved the battery into the console today! To add to the previously mention reasons, another one is that the leads won't corrode as bad as if they are in the tansom. I but the battery in in the middle of the boat, as close to the bow as I could get. I am using a strap only to hold the battey cover on the box, wrapping it around the whole lot. A good friend of mine, who has owned, and worked on whalers, as a mechanic at a whaler dealer for over a decade, told me that was really all that was needed. I did cut through the bottom of the console to put the weight on the deck, but no other tie downs. Cutting through the floor of the console also gave back some space to the console now that I put the battery there. I also removed the VRO tank, and will now mix the oil with the fuel. I did this for 2 reasons: my 1991 engine is out of warranty and I don't want to take a chance on not giving oil to the engine, and secondly, it freed up the engine well completely. Clean neat, and available for other gear. Hope that all makes sense, Tom
DADDYSSHRINKII	posted 07-20-2003 11:03 PM ET (US) I have been concerned about the additional pounding the batt experiences in the console as opposed to near the transom. Likewise, what about fumes and your instruments in the console? Also how do you check the water in the batt regularly without a hassle. Likewise, do you use the new type of trickle-charger to keep the batt hot? Does that pose problems in the console? My original Whaler users manual specifically recomends that the batt be put as far aft as possible. Remarks please.
triblet	posted 07-21-2003 01:01 AM ET (US) I haven't heard anybody report problems from battery "fumes" in the console. Mostly they make hydrogen, so you want some ventilation. To check water levels, I just use a flashlight and an inspection mirror. I also use a Schumacher smart trickle charger to keep the battery topped off from weekend to weekend. No problems. Chuck
Landlocked	posted 07-21-2003 10:12 AM ET (US) I guess I don't check the water level as often as I should -usually just once a year. To do so more often wouldn't be a problem though, My battery is mounted on the left (port) side of the console just inside the louvered door. It is also relatively easy to remove if need be. The louvers are more than enough ventilation for accumulated fumes. I use a standard auto battery charger and charge the battery prior to each trip. I don't leave it on a trickle charger even though I know I should. I just don't like leaving things hooked up in the boat when I'm not around. I buy cheap batteries and replace them every 2 years whether they need to be or not. The used batteries go to the small boat I keep on my pond to power the trolling motor. Ll.
Bigshot	posted 07-21-2003 11:44 AM ET (US) Mine is factory under the console right inside the side door. Floor is cut out and it lays on deck inside OEM tan box. I buy maintenence free batteries so no checking of water required. I never charge it either. Reason I would NEVER put battery in stern is because if boat swamps due to rain or wave, she goes under.....you gots problems. Ever see what 12volts under water does to ANY metal in the vicinity? It will eat your brass drain tube in no time, ruin ever wire and connector, etc.....what a mess.
whalerajm	posted 07-21-2003 02:06 PM ET (US) Thanks All for input to my question regarding battery placement....You guys are great! I appreciate your recommendations...Lots of experience, good ideas and advice on this site. Sounds like there are more pros for console mount than stern, although, as stated, Whaler originally recommended stern placement of battery.... For now I'll stick with stern and consider taking advantage of the shelter of my garage this winter and move battery to stern, but keep it inside my Atwood box.
DADDYSSHRINKII	posted 07-21-2003 08:59 PM ET (US) Again, refering to the Whaler manual that came with my '78 boat when I bought it new; they recommend a factory batt box that specifically does not have a vented top. Theory is that as water rises in the boat that the "diving bell" effect protects the battery from water coming into the interior. We all find ourselves in different situations. In the 25 years of using my Montauk an average of 40 week-ends a year and wearing out two engines before buying another new 88hp in '96, south Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico has never presented me with the situation whereby I took that much water. I think that H2S is what is given off as a battery vents and, If I am correct, it is very corrosive. What ever works best for an individual is what they should stick with. Thanks for listening to my diatribe; I love this website.