Gpettinaro wrote:Q2: is the another way [to make a power connection between a trolling motor at the bow and a battery at the center console of a 150 MONTAUK]?
There is no provision in the construction of the Unibond hull of a 150 MONTAUK that could be used to carry large diameter electrical cables below the level of the deck between the bow and the center console.
If you abhor the notion of having an electrical cable on the deck between the bow and the center console, the only solution is to place a battery in the bow of the boat as close as possible to the trolling motor. In order to not add too much weigh, the battery could be a modern Lithium Ion battery. However, the best energy density by weight involves using Lithium with metals that create a significant risk of fire. To reduce the risk of fire a Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry is much safer. The weight will still be reduced compared to a lead-acid chemistry storage battery. You can also reduce the weight by reducing the energy storage capacity of the battery to the least amount practical. A 50-Ampere-hour battery that is being continually recharged by the propulsion engine when that engine is in use could provide a useful amount of operation of a small trolling motor. For a 15-foot skiff the trolling motor should not have a monstrous appetite for electrical power.
A 50-Ampere-hour 12-Volt LiFePO4 battery from a respected manufacturer sells for $600 and weighs only 22-lbs.
https://battlebornbatteries.com/product/50-ah-12v-group-24-battery/A 100-Ampere-hour 12-Volt LiFePO4 sells for $874 and weighs 31-lbs.
https://battlebornbatteries.com/product/12v-lifepo4-deep-cycle-battery/Another brand offers a 54-Ampere-hour battery with 11-year warranty that weighs only 17.6-lbs for $400.
https://dakotalithium.com/product/dakot ... r-battery/Recharging is probably best done with a 120-VAC charger. This is a suitable charger for $200:
https://dakotalithium.com/product/dakot ... y-charger/