2000 Lund Rebel: Where to store batteries for Bow trolling motor?

[TroutYammer]

Hello:

I want to get an electric bow mounted trolling motor for my older 2000 16Ft Lund Rebel. The only obvious place to store the batteries would be under the seat (piano hinge storage under the front seat).

The problem I face is that my current deep cycle batteries barely fit under the front seat and sometimes make contact with the aluminum bar attached to the lid...thus setting up an arch welding operation in my boat. To avoid making this electrical contact I put a rubber mat on top of the battery (INSULATOR).

1. Do they make deep cycle batteris with a smaller height? Or are they all about the same height?

2. Is there a better location to store the trolling moor batteries?

Appreciate all and any help -

[pinkfloyd4ever]

I would think getting some free advice from a Lund dealer or at a battery plus type store would help you out.

I would think you could run some sort of leads up front to power your troller??

[marine_man]

What does the layout of that boat look like?

I seem to recall there area couple of storage spots in the bow, and one under the trolling motor?

Or was this the style that had the flip forward storage locker with the seat pedestal mounted to it?

marine_man

[TroutYammer]

I have the older model 16Tf 2000 rebel and it has the flip foreward cover on a piano hinge located under the front seat.

[marine_man]

On a friend's explorer with a similar arrangement, we put one battery in the covered bow, and ran wires to the rear of the boat for a second battery either on the port side (if you have space there) or we fabricated a bracket and mounted it in the center of the stern.

marine_man

[SkunkedAgain]

Not knowing your specific boat, I would suggest that you could look at adding height to your storage bin in the bow. Remove the hinges and attach an extra inch or two of marine-grade wood to the top of the box, making it just tall enough to hold the battery.

Another less sightly option is to get one of those plastic battery boxes. You can move it around anywhere and it does pretty good in the rain.

Otherwise you'll need to find a place in the stern and run long wires to the bow. That may change your boat's ride by adding extra weight in the back

[snapjigger]

Not sure what you have for batteries but most gels can be mounted on their side if that helps you out at all.