Dingy Battery Mounting

[nofacey]

First time I've ever had to secure a starting battery in an inflatable - what ideas are out there?

- 15hp electric start outboard (for the wife, of course) on an achilles inflatable with two seats
- YUASA YTZ10S AGM motorcycle battery - 9.5 A approx 3" x 4" x 6", weight 7 lb. Easily starts outboard.

I'm thinking of strapping it up beneath the aft seat - a perimeter of aluminum angle screwed to the underside of the seat to keep it from shifting, and a ratcheting nylon strap to hold it up tight, plus allow us to easily remove when required.

[Roy M]

MOUNT IT AS FAR FORWARD AS POSSIBLE. I use the emphasis because it's out of the way, it improves the trim, allowing you to more easily get on a plane, and it's easier to service without having to pull it clear of other gear. You might also consider moving the fuel tank forward, as well.

[nofacey]

Good point - Battery cables off motor are 48" long, so we'll have to extend to reach the front of the boat....thankfully the gas tank is already up front, about 6' from transom.

Whatever mount we end up with, I'd like to be able to disconnect easily, so lifting the motor off isn't a major affair.

[deckofficer]

Have you considered a lithium starting battery? < 1 lb and small enough to mount (with the self adhesive side) to the inside of the motor cowling. No cables or 7 lb lead acid battery to deal with. 120 cranking amps is a lot more than you need, but that is what this 448 gram battery produces.

AG 401 | Antigravity Batteries

[hellosailor]

Industrial hook and loop fastener (Velcro) on one side of the battery. Get the 2" wide stuff, solvent clean the surfaces before applying, allow 48 hours to set before putting a load on it. Little thing like that battery can be easily secured that way, and removed when you want to stow the dink. Of course, it can be easily stolen that way as well. If that's a consideration...security bolts and a box under the seat, probably.

[HopCar]

"Have you considered a lithium starting battery? < 1 lb and small enough to mount (with the self adhesive side) to the inside of the motor cowling."

I like that idea. Lehr sells their 9.9hp propane engine with a lithium battery under the hood. It hadn't occurred to me you could retrofit another engine that way.

[a64pilot]

I have a LIFE battery in both of my motorcycles, a Husqvarna TE-450 and a Honda CBR-1100XX, both work very well. Both are Ballistic brand and weigh 1.7 lbs. One for the little outboard weigh I think .9 lbs

[deckofficer]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

I have a LIFE battery in both of my motorcycles, a Husqvarna TE-450 and a Honda CBR-1100XX, both work very well. Both are Ballistic brand and weigh 1.7 lbs. One for the little outboard weigh I think .9 lbs

Thanks, didn't know about Ballistic, they have a good price for a dinghy outboard starting battery, $109 and probably the last battery you would ever need to buy for the dinghy.

Batteries - Ballistic Performance Components


a64pilot, what do you fly?

For $10 more I prefer the shape factor of the Anti-gravity for a dinghy outboard.
http://antigravitybatteries.com/ag-401/

[a64pilot]

I used to be a test pilot for the AH-64A and D model Apache helicopter, I retired in 02 and flew as a contract test pilot for the Army's test activity for awhile. Currently I'm chief pilot and test pilot for Thrush Aircraft Inc. We build crop dusters. I have a 1983 M6 Maule and a 1946 Cessna 140 that I own.
PS, the Maule is for sale to finance the purchase of a boat, know anyone who want one heck of a Bushplane
I agree on the battery, the flat profile would be much easier to fit under an engines cowling, didn't notice your link. My post was to say that I've run the LIFE batteries in much bigger engines, with no problems at all, I think they would be perfect for a lightweight outboard

[deckofficer]

a64pilot,

If you have the time read my post #39 here http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...-117214-3.html and tell me what you think over on that thread. Thanks.

[a64pilot]

Are you asking for airplane recommendations? Places to fly? I don't understand. You can message me if you like.

[deckofficer]

Just saying back country flying and wilderness camping might be my substitute for cruising, but since you asked, I'm considering (3) different STOL LSA, Savannah/CH 750, A22 Valor, or a WAC Vision. Your Maule is a great plane but more plane than is allowed under Sport license.

[nofacey]

Getting back to the original thread.....I have a 7 lb 3" x 4" x 6" Yuasa starting battery for the 15 hp outboard on my inflatable - how do people mount/secure batteries in their dinghies?

Will the Velcro approach work for my Yuasa battery? If so - I like it.

[a64pilot]

The industrial velcro should hold seven lbs if you use the whole surface area of the battery. May hold it so well that you'll have difficulty removing it.
I would look real hard at the motorcycle LIFE batteries, after all the Yusa you have now is a motorcycle battery, just a heavy one full of acid.

[zeehag]

i used to secure mine in bow and had a cover so it wasnt in weather. have fun