Quote:
Originally Posted by Capt. Frank
Heavier cable like AWG 8 or 6 gauge you should not. Connections create drops and bad connections create HEAT/FIRE. Easiest way is run the motor. Measure the voltage at the battery terminals and at the leads to the motor. Should be almost unmeasurable vdc difference.
Open circuit not running everything will be fine 13.8vdc. It's when you put a load on it to measure for voltage drops. Battery is weak. Need a better deep cycle battery with more Amp hours
You also may have a shit older battery in there. In break downs I've seen 3 years is iffy. a four year old battery is Russian roulette to use.
How are you making connections? Using insulated split bolt copper bug splices or simple crimps?
AND REMOVING FLOATATION obviously looses that ability. Also you are going to become very stern heavy to the point you may be a human counterbalance. My 14' tin boat I put a single 12vdc battery behind the rear seat with my 25hp outboard. But intentionally have a 12 gallon fuel tank forward of front seat to offset my own fat ass.
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Hello and thanks for the reply Captain!
Battery...
...is a blue top deep cycle Optima. 2 years this July. Seems OK but I try to get a fresh one Spring of that 3rd year every time. Curious about those small Lithium Kayak batteries too: Are they better? I know they'd be smaller and lighter, but I doubt it could push a pair of 200lb fellas all day like the blue top. Boat is ELEC only.
Wiring...
...No splicing, all factory crimps (I flattened one end, didn't cut them- I checked after I posted) but nope, never measured it, so that'll be next if I can locate my meter.. As for gauge of the jumpers, this stuff is super thick from the 70's, like yer pinky thick. So that comment alone tells me I need to rethink it probably. I just HATE cramping the battery back there cuz I got very little leg room as it is.
Wood Block...
.. I'm going to snap a pic later tomorrow to show this. Taking my son to college tomorrow for soph-year. 4 hrs round trip, so it'll be later. ((EDIT:: Holy crap, my avatar is my son fishing the old Miss Michele 3 I think... he's 19 now!))
Thanks again!
MM
