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Author Topic:   Battery relocation on 15 SS Limited

Bill C posted 05-21-2002 01:18 AM ET (US)
A few days ago I saw a post on relocating the batteries and installing a 17 gal tank on a SS Limited. Now can't seem to find it. Would sure appreciate it if that person could let me know how it turned out and what, if any, problems he had.Thanks in advance.
Monnas Rock posted 05-24-2002 01:12 PM ET (US)
Bill C
I just saw your post on the general forum re: moving the batteries to the consol. My boat is a 15' Striper with the side consol so I'm not sure how my situation applies, but...I have dual, group 23 batteries and a 1-all-2-off battery switch, all mounted under the consol. It was a real task to check battery levels, in fact it required a mirror and flashlight to check and one of those squeeze bottles with a flex plastic tube on it (the kind used for watering overhead plants) to add water. When it came time to install new batteries, I found that they wouldn't come out through the opening in the console.. I had to unbolt and lift the whole console to get them out. I solved my problem by using two new Delco Freedom Batteries. They arn't sealed tight but, tight enough that I could tilt them on their side allowing them to pass through the opening. Now, I never have to check levels or add water. I'm aware that a lot of people don't like maintainance free batteries (Personally I've had great luck with them, over the years) but, they were the perfect answer for this situation.
I'm looking for a Montauk to replace my 15' but, if I were going to keep it, I would also hardwire a small onboard charger to the batteries and add a shorepower connection to the side of the consol.
If this sounds like overkill, I'm the kind of guy who would then add a small inverter, 110v outlet, A/C, microwave, TV and on and on till I was forced to move up to a 34' Defiance.
Good luck with your 15' they are wonderful boats. Their only drawback is all the bugs you catch in your teeth cause you can't stop smilling!
Regards,
Gary
Bill C posted 05-28-2002 09:43 AM ET (US)
Monnas Rock-Thanks for you input on the battery problem. I have the dual drop-in set up that I believe Mud Puppy also has. I may have to make a cut in the consuls in order to get the batteries in (one in each consul. I bought the boat in February and it came with a no maintenance starting and a group 27 deep cycle. In roaming through the engine repair manual I discovered that the 1988 70hp Johnson has an unregulated alternator and because of this will eventually boil off enough water in the sealed battery to cause premature failure. Needless to say I keep the deep cycle charged. On page 590 of the 2002West Marine catalog is an article describing their approach to the dual battery problem. They suggest using their branded battery combiner instead of a battery isolator and using on-off swithches rather than a 1 2 or both switch. Does make some sense. Do you know of anyone who has used this West Marine product? This would solve my problem of the unregulated alternator as this combiner cuts off at 13.3 volts. Fuel is also a concern for me as I will be getting back into photography and will need the range for wandering the rivers and marshes here away from the marinas. Now have a 12 gal. Will install a 17 gal if I can get the batteries relocated. This 15 is a great boat but limited in usable storage space. Again thanks for the input. Bill
Monnas Rock posted 05-28-2002 07:55 PM ET (US)
Bill,
I have read the same article in the "West Advisor". I have no first hand knowledge of their branded combiner but, individual on/off switches are preferable to a single multi position switch. Their directions look plausable. If I were going to rig a dual battery setup, from scratch, (which I may soon do) I might use it.
Interesting info on the Johnson 70 hp alternator. I'm looking at a Montauk with a 1986 Johnson 90hp with one battery, located in the stern. I guess I'll do some investigating, if I buy it, because I would go to dual batteries, in the consol and would have simply used the sealed batteries.
So...another photographer! I spent 20 years, as a news and publicity photog. with the Las Vegas News Bureau and as a stringer for United Press International. Hmmm, Whalers? Cameras? Any other hobbies?
Good luck with your battery project, let me know if you use the West Marine setup, I may follow suit.
Gary
Monnas Rock posted 05-28-2002 08:03 PM ET (US)
Bill,
I forgot to mention on the General Whaler forum, under "Dual Battery Schematic", jim has supplied a link to his diagram for dual battery installation. I havn't studied it yet but, at first glance, it looks very comprehensive.
Bill C posted 05-31-2002 11:56 PM ET (US)
Monnas Rock
Hi Gary,
My recent photogtaphy background is mostly from the mortage industry. Pics for investors, VA,FHA,Freddie and Fannie. I have always been interested in wildlife photog and have done a little and now that I am semi retarded have the time. My cameras,F2 Nikon and Leica M3, are manual. Feel I have more control though may buy a newer auto Nikon. The BW is perfect with the low freeboard and shallow draft. Planning to set up for overnight winter camping (the summer bugs will carry you away) to catch the early morning activity. Where I go just a matter of keeping an eye out for moccasins and gators. The moccasins are most worrisome as they are very territorial so are agressive. Will actually chase you. Unfortunatly poisenous.
Monnas Rock posted 06-01-2002 06:14 PM ET (US)
Ahah! The plot thickens, If you read my profile you probably noticed that I am also close to the mortgage industry. In looking for a new carrer that would take me to semi-retirement, I stumbeled across real estate appraisal. I am in the middle of a 2 year internship and lovin it. As for photo equipment, when I left photography I sold all my wizz bang "state of the art" equipment and kept the stuff that was timeless, a Leica M4P, an M6, a motor and 6 leitz lenses.
I know what you mean about the gators and moccasins. I was stationed at NAS Jax. when I was in the navy. Lived there for a couple of years after I got out. We had a moccasin attack the side of our boat once while on a swamp tour near New Orleans. They are mean little critters, and fast.
Uhh, I think I got carried away, this is supposed to be a BW site. Oh Well!

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Author	Topic: Battery relocation on 15 SS Limited
Bill C	posted 05-21-2002 01:18 AM ET (US) A few days ago I saw a post on relocating the batteries and installing a 17 gal tank on a SS Limited. Now can't seem to find it. Would sure appreciate it if that person could let me know how it turned out and what, if any, problems he had.Thanks in advance.
Monnas Rock	posted 05-24-2002 01:12 PM ET (US) Bill C I just saw your post on the general forum re: moving the batteries to the consol. My boat is a 15' Striper with the side consol so I'm not sure how my situation applies, but...I have dual, group 23 batteries and a 1-all-2-off battery switch, all mounted under the consol. It was a real task to check battery levels, in fact it required a mirror and flashlight to check and one of those squeeze bottles with a flex plastic tube on it (the kind used for watering overhead plants) to add water. When it came time to install new batteries, I found that they wouldn't come out through the opening in the console.. I had to unbolt and lift the whole console to get them out. I solved my problem by using two new Delco Freedom Batteries. They arn't sealed tight but, tight enough that I could tilt them on their side allowing them to pass through the opening. Now, I never have to check levels or add water. I'm aware that a lot of people don't like maintainance free batteries (Personally I've had great luck with them, over the years) but, they were the perfect answer for this situation. I'm looking for a Montauk to replace my 15' but, if I were going to keep it, I would also hardwire a small onboard charger to the batteries and add a shorepower connection to the side of the consol. If this sounds like overkill, I'm the kind of guy who would then add a small inverter, 110v outlet, A/C, microwave, TV and on and on till I was forced to move up to a 34' Defiance. Good luck with your 15' they are wonderful boats. Their only drawback is all the bugs you catch in your teeth cause you can't stop smilling! Regards, Gary
Bill C	posted 05-28-2002 09:43 AM ET (US) Monnas Rock-Thanks for you input on the battery problem. I have the dual drop-in set up that I believe Mud Puppy also has. I may have to make a cut in the consuls in order to get the batteries in (one in each consul. I bought the boat in February and it came with a no maintenance starting and a group 27 deep cycle. In roaming through the engine repair manual I discovered that the 1988 70hp Johnson has an unregulated alternator and because of this will eventually boil off enough water in the sealed battery to cause premature failure. Needless to say I keep the deep cycle charged. On page 590 of the 2002West Marine catalog is an article describing their approach to the dual battery problem. They suggest using their branded battery combiner instead of a battery isolator and using on-off swithches rather than a 1 2 or both switch. Does make some sense. Do you know of anyone who has used this West Marine product? This would solve my problem of the unregulated alternator as this combiner cuts off at 13.3 volts. Fuel is also a concern for me as I will be getting back into photography and will need the range for wandering the rivers and marshes here away from the marinas. Now have a 12 gal. Will install a 17 gal if I can get the batteries relocated. This 15 is a great boat but limited in usable storage space. Again thanks for the input. Bill
Monnas Rock	posted 05-28-2002 07:55 PM ET (US) Bill, I have read the same article in the "West Advisor". I have no first hand knowledge of their branded combiner but, individual on/off switches are preferable to a single multi position switch. Their directions look plausable. If I were going to rig a dual battery setup, from scratch, (which I may soon do) I might use it. Interesting info on the Johnson 70 hp alternator. I'm looking at a Montauk with a 1986 Johnson 90hp with one battery, located in the stern. I guess I'll do some investigating, if I buy it, because I would go to dual batteries, in the consol and would have simply used the sealed batteries. So...another photographer! I spent 20 years, as a news and publicity photog. with the Las Vegas News Bureau and as a stringer for United Press International. Hmmm, Whalers? Cameras? Any other hobbies? Good luck with your battery project, let me know if you use the West Marine setup, I may follow suit. Gary
Monnas Rock	posted 05-28-2002 08:03 PM ET (US) Bill, I forgot to mention on the General Whaler forum, under "Dual Battery Schematic", jim has supplied a link to his diagram for dual battery installation. I havn't studied it yet but, at first glance, it looks very comprehensive.
Bill C	posted 05-31-2002 11:56 PM ET (US) Monnas Rock Hi Gary, My recent photogtaphy background is mostly from the mortage industry. Pics for investors, VA,FHA,Freddie and Fannie. I have always been interested in wildlife photog and have done a little and now that I am semi retarded have the time. My cameras,F2 Nikon and Leica M3, are manual. Feel I have more control though may buy a newer auto Nikon. The BW is perfect with the low freeboard and shallow draft. Planning to set up for overnight winter camping (the summer bugs will carry you away) to catch the early morning activity. Where I go just a matter of keeping an eye out for moccasins and gators. The moccasins are most worrisome as they are very territorial so are agressive. Will actually chase you. Unfortunatly poisenous.
Monnas Rock	posted 06-01-2002 06:14 PM ET (US) Ahah! The plot thickens, If you read my profile you probably noticed that I am also close to the mortgage industry. In looking for a new carrer that would take me to semi-retirement, I stumbeled across real estate appraisal. I am in the middle of a 2 year internship and lovin it. As for photo equipment, when I left photography I sold all my wizz bang "state of the art" equipment and kept the stuff that was timeless, a Leica M4P, an M6, a motor and 6 leitz lenses. I know what you mean about the gators and moccasins. I was stationed at NAS Jax. when I was in the navy. Lived there for a couple of years after I got out. We had a moccasin attack the side of our boat once while on a swamp tour near New Orleans. They are mean little critters, and fast. Uhh, I think I got carried away, this is supposed to be a BW site. Oh Well!