Bow mount electric questions

[Apollo]

Installing a JW 54Lb Watersnake to my boat and have a couple of questions that I would appreciate some input on.

Firstly - as far as positioning is concern. I am trying to keep the mounting close to the centreline, yet when the unit is in the UP position, have it not in the way. I moved it around a bit and because of the shape of the bow, it fits best, when the unit mounts over the port bow, but is angled across the bow, so when in the UP position, it comes back towards the starboard side. See photo. Can anyone see any issues with this set up?

Secondary - The cables that come with the unit don't go near reaching the battery, so I will mount a isolation switch at tbe end of the cable and run new cable to the battery. Extra cable will be about 1.5m long. My question is - what specs should the extracable be?

Thirdly - What are people thoughts on a suitable battery?

Thanks

[JT]

Hey Apollo,

Can you mount it exactly opposite to what the pic shows? That way when its stowed and you are under way it doesn't impede your view from the console. I would say that 99% of the tournament boats I have seen mount this way for that reason.

The cable I used for my electric (Minn Kota 55lb) was 8 gauge from memory. Check the manual for the specs or maybe drop the manufacturer an email and have them confirm.

As far as a battery goes, I use an 80 amp hour deep cycle gel cell and have never had it run out during a normal days fishing, even in heavy tide flow or wind. The battery will need to be deep cycle and I guess upto 100 amp hour will be sufficient, but I am sure others will have some ideas for you.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

John

[MyEscape]

Apollo,

Do you want photos of other set ups? I can post one of mine. Was fitted bya dealer and fits quite well.

Steve

[Apollo]

Apollo,

Do you want photos of other set ups? I can post one of mine. Was fitted bya dealer and fits quite well.

Steve

Steve

I have seen a few installations, but would appreciate seeing the setup on yours.

Cheers

[Apollo]

Hey Apollo,

Can you mount it exactly opposite to what the pic shows? That way when its stowed and you are under way it doesn't impede your view from the console. I would say that 99% of the tournament boats I have seen mount this way for that reason.

The cable I used for my electric (Minn Kota 55lb) was 8 gauge from memory. Check the manual for the specs or maybe drop the manufacturer an email and have them confirm.

As far as a battery goes, I use an 80 amp hour deep cycle gel cell and have never had it run out during a normal days fishing, even in heavy tide flow or wind. The battery will need to be deep cycle and I guess upto 100 amp hour will be sufficient, but I am sure others will have some ideas for you.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

John

John
Thanks for the reply. There is no issues to go the other way. I don't know whether looking at the head or motor in the UP position would obstruct the view more, but will try both and make a call from there.

Cheers

[NAGG]

As for battery ...... As you have a 54lber - go as big as possible ( you dont want to be running a deep cycle battery right down) also when away you can miss a charge & still fish the next day

My choice ( not best though) would be a 120amp Trojan - they are probably the best wet cell battery available ....... otherwise if you have the coin a 100amp AGM (Absorbed power) but you will pay around $400 ........ The advantage is that having no acid the battery can be stored / used at any angle. The other thing is they they can be run to a lower point of discharge without undue effect on the battery ........ they hold their charge better over a storage period too.

I hope this helps

Chris

[Pete62]

Apollo, any further along with this project?? I have the same Lecky and find them quite good for the $$. Couple of things, is the mounting position, once u choose it, glass?? if so u may want to look at some mount strenghtening, I think u will find in the position u have it in the pic the 2 most forward mounting bolts will not come into play, that is why u see a lot of motors fitted onto a pod, I know I had to with mine.
Althought my boat is alloy I am happy to provide pics if it helps.

Hope that makes sense. Pete.

[Apollo]

Apollo, any further along with this project?? I have the same Lecky and find them quite good for the $$. Couple of things, is the mounting position, once u choose it, glass?? if so u may want to look at some mount strenghtening, I think u will find in the position u have it in the pic the 2 most forward mounting bolts will not come into play, that is why u see a lot of motors fitted onto a pod, I know I had to with mine.
Althought my boat is alloy I am happy to provide pics if it helps.

Hope that makes sense. Pete.

Pete

Thanks for the reply. I haven't drilled into the bow as yet as I wanted to guage some responses first from experienced Ausfishers. The bow is glass and if mounted in the position shown in the picture, all mounting bolts will be used. I will built a mounting pad to adjust for the downwards angle of the foredeck. This will be high density foam or timber sandwich. I guess my main concern is that the motor will effectively be pulling at 40 degrees from the mounting bracket when going in a straight line. I don't think this will be an issue, but am sounding out others for an opinion.

I could build a bigger pod/mounting pad and have the motor pull back down the same side as where it enters the water, but because of the bow shape, this would have to be fairly big and would not look that flash. I may be wrong, so would appreciate some pics if you have them.

Cheers
Steve

[Pete62]

Hi Steve, as promised here is some pics of my setup. The guy that built the pod for me wanted to put it on an angle as you had laid out but I opted for the parallel set up and it works fine for me.

Hope it helps and let us know how u end up.


Cheers Pete

[aussiebasser]

Make sure you have easy access to the release lever to tilt the motor up. I'm not sure about a Watersnake, but if you mounted a Minn Kota like your first photo the release lever is on the wrong side.

[the gecko]

Run it the way JT said, at an angle, just on the other side. Dont forget vision is more of an issue when the boat is on the plane, so the right hand side should be free from the leccy.

Dont do the parellel mount or the head will be in the way of your footspace on the casting deck.

running it at 40 deg to the mount is not a problem, the head swivels all the time when you ask it to. The prop faces whichever way you tell it to face, you are not always steering straight. The current cant tell which way the mount is facing, so go ahead and do it your way.

I would definintely reinforce the bow before mounting it. Fglass will rip open if you bump into rocks or sandbar with the bowmount down. Youll be glad you did strengthen it. 2 types of skippers....those whove hit something and those who are about to. dont say it wont happen.

cheers
Andrew