Building a battery storage for my Hobie Outback

[ronaultmtd]

I bought a much bigger battery after figuring out the new Lowrance Elite 5 DSI uses a lot more juice than my Cuda 350 combo- the old Pelican dry battery box setup will not hold the new 12v 12 ah AGM battery, so I am fabricating a new battery box setup- It will not be in the bottom of the hull- I bought a tupperware plastic container that it fits loosely in and plan to suspend it very much like the battery bag setup in the Ocean Kayak Prowler series using nylon strappin material bolted to the inner deck just forward of the bow hatch...

[chex]

Sounds good. I'm looking forward to fishing with you again, not only to be fishing with you, but also to check out all the upgrades you've made to your kayak this winter!

[ronaultmtd]

I started to say I haven't made much, but on second thought...the upgrade of the Elite 5 DSI was huge- adding a larger battery, adding a different transducer and a swing arm Liberator mini mount does, indeed, make a big difference-

[chex]

Yeah, I'm particularly interested in your transducer mount. I've yet to find the ideal solution for myself. I've tried several methods, and they all work to varying degrees and each have their pros and cons, but I want to see different methods. What I really want is an in-water, unobtrusive, permanent mounting method.

[ronaultmtd]

Mike- until Hobie builds in a transducer mount as a part of the mould, the mini Liberator is a close second- I have to admit it is somewhat of a compromise as you swing it up and out of the way when you put your kayak into the truck or up at home- but underway, fishing, it is not something you even think about- it works and works well- readings are totally 100%, temps and all work perfectly- One thing I have noticed is that I am going too fast (according to the GPS) 3.5- 3.7 mph for a decent troll, so I am slowing down my peddling with pulling the XRaps

[Jaspratt]

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I'm sure ill get bashed for this but i dont care and im not going to change it, it works greAt for me.. But this is how I keep battery in my outback to power my "elite5 dsi". The white around the dry box is some kinda of plastic packing foam. 1" thick I cut a pocket out to snugly fit the dry box and I used Velcro like a belt to strap it to the sail attachment. I have drove hrs with it like that then into the water with it and it stays where it sits. Powers the unit all day no problems

[chex]

If you're looking to get bashed you're on the wrong site

Not sure why you would think you'd get bashed though... looks pretty awesome to me. I just have mine in a dry bag attached to the mast pole.

[DaveFX35]

If you're looking to get bashed you're on the wrong site

Not sure why you would think you'd get bashed though... looks pretty awesome to me. I just have mine in a dry bag attached to the mast pole.

nothing wrong with that install at all. where mine is installed as well and probably the best place.

mike - you use the hobie install kit?

[chex]

mike - you use the hobie install kit?

no. homemade install kit.

[Jaspratt]

Not saying ill actually get bashed but some people may strongly disagree with my setup, I figure I would start off by saying that first. But I also wanted to share it, maybe it would start the creativity or new ideas for a battery location.

[Reelaxin10]

That's exactly where I keep mine on my Outback and its in the same "water proof" box. Definitely has worked well so far...
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[MetroMan]

anybody just connect the ff battery and just throw it inside the hull? No? Just me? lol

[ronaultmtd]

The Pelican box that is pictured is the same one as my old box- my new 12 ah AGM battery dimensions are: 7 inches tall, 3.5 inches wide, and 5 inches deep- it will not even sit inside the box much less close the lid- so it isn't an option- the rough waters on the Bay beats the hell out of the battery if it isn't secured and could disconnect the wires rendering the FF useless-

[Jaspratt]

Wow that's a pretty large battery. No worries of that ever dying while out on the water. I use an ever start from Walmart. 5"x3"x4" it was 36$ and fits perfectly in the small size dry box Walmart also sells. Yeah I bought the cheap dry box.. image.jpg
I tapped the conductors for 1/4-20 set screws so I just tighten down on the wires the same way the waterproof plug use. Works pretty well so far.image.jpg

[J.A. Veil]

I have an unused area in front of my port-side foot rest (I have a paddle, not pedal drive kayak). I place a 5 amp-hr battery in a Tupperware box with the power leads running from under the front hatch cover. I clip them on, close the Tupperware lid, and am good to go. I just received a larger and more powerful battery from another MKF member to try out. I will need to think about where and how I can place the new battery.

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