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Author Topic:   Battery Placement, '86 Newtauk

jay posted 09-22-2003 06:22 PM ET (US)
Got an '86 Newport with a center console.
Can you guys give me some ideas on the best place to put the battery and the best way to route the electrical so it looks clean and neat?
Right now, the battery is in the aft starboard corner.
I want to clean up all the wires leading to and from the battery. Right now, wires run out the bilge pump tunnel and follow the floor/transom line to the battery. Basically, it just looks messy.

whalercop posted 09-22-2003 06:58 PM ET (US)
Jay, I also have a 86 newtauk, one of the first things I did was to relocate the battery to the center console. I think that it was a poor design by placing the battery on the deck right where you step into the boat off the swim platform. Just pull new heavy battery cable through the tunnel and run them into the center console like all the other wires. It really cleans up the deck and rear area of the boat. It also makes it alot better and safer to enter-exit the boat via the swim platform. Just my experience and my $.02
John O posted 09-23-2003 12:23 AM ET (US)
I moved my battery out of the Center console on my 1988 Newtauk. I enjoy the space in the CC and the accessibility of the battery starboard aft. I plan on putting a mahogany seat in the stern covering the battery and wires.
I dock my boat on the port side.
All wires and cables run through the tunnel.
Bigshot posted 09-23-2003 10:37 AM ET (US)
My 86 Newtauk is in the console in the factory tan Whaler battery box. I do not think the battery should be on the deck for 2 reasons. 1) they are always bouncing around and the screws come loose, water gets in loose screws. 2) If your bilge cuts out and it rains like hell, I have seen them go under water. 12V under water does some neat work on your electrical system....like ruins it.
jay posted 09-23-2003 07:32 PM ET (US)
Thanks for help fellas!
Where in the cc did you put the battery? Did you mount to the deck, or put on the floor of the cc? My cc floor is flimsy masonite?, so I'm thinking battery will warp it if not break it.
John O posted 09-23-2003 08:42 PM ET (US)
Bigs, how do you secure your battery in th cc? No screws to the deck?
whalercop posted 09-23-2003 08:59 PM ET (US)
I cut a piece of 3/4 plywood I think that fit across the front of my console, just a little wider than the battery,by a couple of inches. Screwed it into the plywood floor of my center console, This should help distribute the weight of the battery. Then, I took the original battery hold downs off the deck, the battery, and the box, and placed it into the console on top of the plywood I cut, I placed it a little to the starboard front of the console close to where the cut-out is in the console, for all the electrical and stuff, and used the factory hold down's to secrue the battery in the box. You have to place the battery a little back off the front of the console because of the angle of the front of the console, that is why you should cut the plywood a little wider than the battery.
Hope this helps, I will email you pics if you want to see how I did it. Sorry so longwinded, just letting you know how I did it.
Let me know if you want any other info, glad to help,
Burt
Bigshot posted 09-24-2003 02:17 PM ET (US)
The crappy floor inside the console is cut out right by he side door, you just slide it in and she can't go anywhere. No holes on deck.
ratherwhalering posted 09-24-2003 07:38 PM ET (US)
I believe the coastguard auxiliary recommends that all batteries be strapped down, but I think you can still pass inspection and get your courtesy inspection sticker. Chuck?
Bigshot posted 09-25-2003 10:14 AM ET (US)
I passed and this is how the boat was shipped from the factory.
jay posted 09-27-2003 12:03 PM ET (US)
Again, thanks for the help.
I took a good long look last night about moving to cc and am wondering the following:
Whalercop-did you replace your original cc floor with plywood all the way?
Bigshot-where is the cutout on your floor, near port side door or starboard side fire ext. cuddy?
How'd you guys run your lights? I've got a fusebox? on the back starboard side that the running light wires come out of. Did you guys move this to cc?
How'd you run the engine wires? I've got four wires coming out of engine, main positive to battery, main negative to battery, power trim tilt (I think) to cc, and ingnition (I think) to cc. If I move battery to cc, can I consolidate any of these?
John O posted 09-27-2003 10:57 PM ET (US)
Jay ,
I recently added a shelf or floor if you will to the CC in my Newtauk.Most Montauks have these but my Newtauk did not. I used 3/8th fir plywood board and cut a hole directly over the hole in the deck that the wires and cables enter and run beneath the deck in the tunnel. In order to fit the floor into the CC without removing the CC from the deck I cut the wood shelf that I made in two from front to back at a 45 degree angle. I used many layers of material that is used as drawer liner. It is less than 1/8 inch thick and feels like rubber. It can be purchased at Walmart or any kitchen supply store. The multiple layers cushion the wires and cables from chaffing on the 3/8th inch plywood which I used.I also covered the shelf with a layer of the drawer liner. The color of the liner I chose was blue; not that it is seen. The rubberised material keeps items stored in the CC from sliding as much while under way. If you were to install the battery in the CC you would simple cut a hole large enough for the battey and battery box to snuggly fit in resting on the deck of the boat.
After sealing the plywood I painted it with several coats of white Marine paint made by Dupont(Home depot). Incidently I used the same paint on my RPS legs that were previously painted and so far they have last the entire short season up here in the North East. I tied most of the wires and cables together and run them down the hole. It has worked well so far. I pulled my battery from the CC before adding the shelf and prefer it in the stern (starboard side)
John
John O posted 09-27-2003 10:58 PM ET (US)
Battery hole cutout is usually starboard side next to Fire box.
whalercop posted 09-28-2003 05:43 AM ET (US)
Jay, the floor of my center console was already 3/4 or 1" plywood, I did not understand what material you had, I figured they were all the same. I simply cut the new plywood to fit over the existing plywood, like I satated earlier. I did run new wires to the terminal block on the back port side for the running lights, and new wire for the bilge pump, but just figured I would do that anyway. The other wires should be already hooked up for your tilt, trim, etc... All you have to do is run the new battery cables and hook them up. All the other wires are already hooked up, you listed them, anyway, you must keep the 4 wires from the cc to the motor. I think the way Bigshot did it sounds great, especially if you don't already have a plywood floor. My way has no holes in the deck either.
jay posted 09-29-2003 06:31 PM ET (US)
I really appreciate the help!
After your comments, I'm going to move the battery to the cc. Will let you know how it turns out, or more likely, ask more questions when I get over my head.
jafeely posted 10-06-2003 12:47 PM ET (US)
What about the effects of weight forward? This is my first year with an '86 Montauk. It came with twin batteries, both in the stern. That, added to an 88 hp Evinrude makes the boat plow between 1500 and 3000 rpms, regardless of trim. I made a seat just forward of the CC (it came with nothing in that location) which has room under it for both batteries, access for the wiring under the front of the CC, and with batteries still accesible unlike inside the CC. The batteries weigh almost 50lbs each so I figured this would help in getting out of the hole at lower rpm's. Seems like a good idea, but I'm new to this. Any comments?
Bigshot posted 10-06-2003 01:25 PM ET (US)
Most have coolers in front of the console so your idea won't work and the console is the only viable place. Since you have that area to use....use it.
jafeely posted 10-07-2003 09:42 AM ET (US)
BIGSHOT: my question was based on the fact that I do not have a cooler in front of the CC, and the bench seat I made for that location does have room under it that is not useful for anything else. The storage area in the CC is the only lockable storage on board and, I thought, better reserved for other things. Given that I can do it, do you see a problem with the weight distribution?
ratherwhalering posted 10-07-2003 12:31 PM ET (US)
I bet you'll see a huge change in performance, for the better. If you have the space, go for it. There is 1/2" plywood backing underneath the floor in that section (see http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/16-17/graphics/17wood1190x743.jpeg ) so those batteries will be well supported, and you can strap them directly to the floor with eyelets. It sounds like you know your way around the shop, so maybe you could even create a nice plywood cut out, fabricated inside your seat, for further lateral support.
knothead posted 10-07-2003 01:00 PM ET (US)
I must say that I've been considering doing the same as jayfeely. Currently I have my batteries in the console of the Montauk and oil tank in the stern.
However, the big cooler in front of the console requires at least 2-3 cases of beer and 3-4 bags of ice to properly fill up. With that arrangement, I'll be a confirmed alcoholic before the Whaler wears out. This thread got me thinking about mounting the batteries in the cooler, along with the oil tank, then cutting a piece of plywood to cover the tops of the battery boxes and oil tank and using the leftover space for life jackets, dockline, etc. Then using a carry-on cooler in the aft section of the boat.
I'm thinking of mounting a jackplate, and this arrangement should counterbalance any changes in static trim caused by the jackplate.
I suppose my question is, how well will the cooler bottom stand up to the weight? It's original and is starting to show its age. Just thinking
regards---knothead
steelhead5 posted 10-08-2003 07:05 PM ET (US)
Knothead
Im not sure it is a good idea to mount batteries in a non-ventilated place like the inside of a cooler. These batteries off-gas hydrogen which is explosive at a 1% mixture in air. Im considering moving mine into the center console though, I believe its vented enough with the slats in the access doors.
geohjr posted 10-10-2003 07:47 PM ET (US)
A warning just for the record. I took the guy who works on my motor out for a ride (70 Montauk) and we were talking about how to get some more weight up forward. He advised against moving the battery up to console distance because the voltage drop would be too significant. According to him (not me)the voltage drop would be enough to burn out starter motor early and they were quite expensive. I didn't calculate the voltage drop and don't know the specs for the starter, just passing along his warning.
geohjr posted 10-10-2003 08:04 PM ET (US)
Now that I think of it, that same day the power squadron inspected my boat, courtesy inspection, and he told me in (friggin)NY it's a violation to have a regular battery in an enclosed space, it has to be a gel battery.

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Author	Topic: Battery Placement, '86 Newtauk
jay	posted 09-22-2003 06:22 PM ET (US) Got an '86 Newport with a center console. Can you guys give me some ideas on the best place to put the battery and the best way to route the electrical so it looks clean and neat? Right now, the battery is in the aft starboard corner. I want to clean up all the wires leading to and from the battery. Right now, wires run out the bilge pump tunnel and follow the floor/transom line to the battery. Basically, it just looks messy.
whalercop	posted 09-22-2003 06:58 PM ET (US) Jay, I also have a 86 newtauk, one of the first things I did was to relocate the battery to the center console. I think that it was a poor design by placing the battery on the deck right where you step into the boat off the swim platform. Just pull new heavy battery cable through the tunnel and run them into the center console like all the other wires. It really cleans up the deck and rear area of the boat. It also makes it alot better and safer to enter-exit the boat via the swim platform. Just my experience and my $.02
John O	posted 09-23-2003 12:23 AM ET (US) I moved my battery out of the Center console on my 1988 Newtauk. I enjoy the space in the CC and the accessibility of the battery starboard aft. I plan on putting a mahogany seat in the stern covering the battery and wires. I dock my boat on the port side. All wires and cables run through the tunnel.
Bigshot	posted 09-23-2003 10:37 AM ET (US) My 86 Newtauk is in the console in the factory tan Whaler battery box. I do not think the battery should be on the deck for 2 reasons. 1) they are always bouncing around and the screws come loose, water gets in loose screws. 2) If your bilge cuts out and it rains like hell, I have seen them go under water. 12V under water does some neat work on your electrical system....like ruins it.
jay	posted 09-23-2003 07:32 PM ET (US) Thanks for help fellas! Where in the cc did you put the battery? Did you mount to the deck, or put on the floor of the cc? My cc floor is flimsy masonite?, so I'm thinking battery will warp it if not break it.
John O	posted 09-23-2003 08:42 PM ET (US) Bigs, how do you secure your battery in th cc? No screws to the deck?
whalercop	posted 09-23-2003 08:59 PM ET (US) I cut a piece of 3/4 plywood I think that fit across the front of my console, just a little wider than the battery,by a couple of inches. Screwed it into the plywood floor of my center console, This should help distribute the weight of the battery. Then, I took the original battery hold downs off the deck, the battery, and the box, and placed it into the console on top of the plywood I cut, I placed it a little to the starboard front of the console close to where the cut-out is in the console, for all the electrical and stuff, and used the factory hold down's to secrue the battery in the box. You have to place the battery a little back off the front of the console because of the angle of the front of the console, that is why you should cut the plywood a little wider than the battery. Hope this helps, I will email you pics if you want to see how I did it. Sorry so longwinded, just letting you know how I did it. Let me know if you want any other info, glad to help, Burt
Bigshot	posted 09-24-2003 02:17 PM ET (US) The crappy floor inside the console is cut out right by he side door, you just slide it in and she can't go anywhere. No holes on deck.
ratherwhalering	posted 09-24-2003 07:38 PM ET (US) I believe the coastguard auxiliary recommends that all batteries be strapped down, but I think you can still pass inspection and get your courtesy inspection sticker. Chuck?
Bigshot	posted 09-25-2003 10:14 AM ET (US) I passed and this is how the boat was shipped from the factory.
jay	posted 09-27-2003 12:03 PM ET (US) Again, thanks for the help. I took a good long look last night about moving to cc and am wondering the following: Whalercop-did you replace your original cc floor with plywood all the way? Bigshot-where is the cutout on your floor, near port side door or starboard side fire ext. cuddy? How'd you guys run your lights? I've got a fusebox? on the back starboard side that the running light wires come out of. Did you guys move this to cc? How'd you run the engine wires? I've got four wires coming out of engine, main positive to battery, main negative to battery, power trim tilt (I think) to cc, and ingnition (I think) to cc. If I move battery to cc, can I consolidate any of these?
John O	posted 09-27-2003 10:57 PM ET (US) Jay , I recently added a shelf or floor if you will to the CC in my Newtauk.Most Montauks have these but my Newtauk did not. I used 3/8th fir plywood board and cut a hole directly over the hole in the deck that the wires and cables enter and run beneath the deck in the tunnel. In order to fit the floor into the CC without removing the CC from the deck I cut the wood shelf that I made in two from front to back at a 45 degree angle. I used many layers of material that is used as drawer liner. It is less than 1/8 inch thick and feels like rubber. It can be purchased at Walmart or any kitchen supply store. The multiple layers cushion the wires and cables from chaffing on the 3/8th inch plywood which I used.I also covered the shelf with a layer of the drawer liner. The color of the liner I chose was blue; not that it is seen. The rubberised material keeps items stored in the CC from sliding as much while under way. If you were to install the battery in the CC you would simple cut a hole large enough for the battey and battery box to snuggly fit in resting on the deck of the boat. After sealing the plywood I painted it with several coats of white Marine paint made by Dupont(Home depot). Incidently I used the same paint on my RPS legs that were previously painted and so far they have last the entire short season up here in the North East. I tied most of the wires and cables together and run them down the hole. It has worked well so far. I pulled my battery from the CC before adding the shelf and prefer it in the stern (starboard side) John
John O	posted 09-27-2003 10:58 PM ET (US) Battery hole cutout is usually starboard side next to Fire box.
whalercop	posted 09-28-2003 05:43 AM ET (US) Jay, the floor of my center console was already 3/4 or 1" plywood, I did not understand what material you had, I figured they were all the same. I simply cut the new plywood to fit over the existing plywood, like I satated earlier. I did run new wires to the terminal block on the back port side for the running lights, and new wire for the bilge pump, but just figured I would do that anyway. The other wires should be already hooked up for your tilt, trim, etc... All you have to do is run the new battery cables and hook them up. All the other wires are already hooked up, you listed them, anyway, you must keep the 4 wires from the cc to the motor. I think the way Bigshot did it sounds great, especially if you don't already have a plywood floor. My way has no holes in the deck either.
jay	posted 09-29-2003 06:31 PM ET (US) I really appreciate the help! After your comments, I'm going to move the battery to the cc. Will let you know how it turns out, or more likely, ask more questions when I get over my head.
jafeely	posted 10-06-2003 12:47 PM ET (US) What about the effects of weight forward? This is my first year with an '86 Montauk. It came with twin batteries, both in the stern. That, added to an 88 hp Evinrude makes the boat plow between 1500 and 3000 rpms, regardless of trim. I made a seat just forward of the CC (it came with nothing in that location) which has room under it for both batteries, access for the wiring under the front of the CC, and with batteries still accesible unlike inside the CC. The batteries weigh almost 50lbs each so I figured this would help in getting out of the hole at lower rpm's. Seems like a good idea, but I'm new to this. Any comments?
Bigshot	posted 10-06-2003 01:25 PM ET (US) Most have coolers in front of the console so your idea won't work and the console is the only viable place. Since you have that area to use....use it.
jafeely	posted 10-07-2003 09:42 AM ET (US) BIGSHOT: my question was based on the fact that I do not have a cooler in front of the CC, and the bench seat I made for that location does have room under it that is not useful for anything else. The storage area in the CC is the only lockable storage on board and, I thought, better reserved for other things. Given that I can do it, do you see a problem with the weight distribution?
ratherwhalering	posted 10-07-2003 12:31 PM ET (US) I bet you'll see a huge change in performance, for the better. If you have the space, go for it. There is 1/2" plywood backing underneath the floor in that section (see http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/16-17/graphics/17wood1190x743.jpeg ) so those batteries will be well supported, and you can strap them directly to the floor with eyelets. It sounds like you know your way around the shop, so maybe you could even create a nice plywood cut out, fabricated inside your seat, for further lateral support.
knothead	posted 10-07-2003 01:00 PM ET (US) I must say that I've been considering doing the same as jayfeely. Currently I have my batteries in the console of the Montauk and oil tank in the stern. However, the big cooler in front of the console requires at least 2-3 cases of beer and 3-4 bags of ice to properly fill up. With that arrangement, I'll be a confirmed alcoholic before the Whaler wears out. This thread got me thinking about mounting the batteries in the cooler, along with the oil tank, then cutting a piece of plywood to cover the tops of the battery boxes and oil tank and using the leftover space for life jackets, dockline, etc. Then using a carry-on cooler in the aft section of the boat. I'm thinking of mounting a jackplate, and this arrangement should counterbalance any changes in static trim caused by the jackplate. I suppose my question is, how well will the cooler bottom stand up to the weight? It's original and is starting to show its age. Just thinking regards---knothead
steelhead5	posted 10-08-2003 07:05 PM ET (US) Knothead Im not sure it is a good idea to mount batteries in a non-ventilated place like the inside of a cooler. These batteries off-gas hydrogen which is explosive at a 1% mixture in air. Im considering moving mine into the center console though, I believe its vented enough with the slats in the access doors.
geohjr	posted 10-10-2003 07:47 PM ET (US) A warning just for the record. I took the guy who works on my motor out for a ride (70 Montauk) and we were talking about how to get some more weight up forward. He advised against moving the battery up to console distance because the voltage drop would be too significant. According to him (not me)the voltage drop would be enough to burn out starter motor early and they were quite expensive. I didn't calculate the voltage drop and don't know the specs for the starter, just passing along his warning.
geohjr	posted 10-10-2003 08:04 PM ET (US) Now that I think of it, that same day the power squadron inspected my boat, courtesy inspection, and he told me in (friggin)NY it's a violation to have a regular battery in an enclosed space, it has to be a gel battery.