Installing a trolling motor on a 21ft CC

[SkaterRace]

I have a Blackfin 212CC (pretty much exactly the same as the 222CC they have now) and am looking to install a Lowerance Recon 72 inch on the bow. I've decided on this motor because it works with the Simrad MFD's I have (Go 9's). For batteries I am thinking 2x 36V 50AH lithium from LiTime. When I was talking to the guy who will install it for me in the fall he was origionally thinking of using my bow seating to install the batteries. I was not a huge fan of that because that is literally my only usable storage on the boat.

I do have a deck hatch in the bow though I suspect that isn't dry enough to put them in (what even should go in that hatch? I've never found a use for it) and I have a head in the console which makes installing them there kinda hard. I do have a spot along the side that stores the table which I almost never use. We debated installing them there if the batteries fit.

Past those locations is the stern where on the one side there is an open spot for a water tank - fresh water washdown - that my boat does not have. I originally thought to put them there though he says the wiring would need to be massive and the weight that far back likely isn't good as we normally run with a max of 3 people - 2 at helm and 1 on bench or vise versa.

In such a small center console with limited options, what is likely my best option for putting the batteries for the trolling motor? Also anything "extra" I should ask for to be installed when I get the trolling motor installed?

 

[rolmops]

It is very important to have the right weight balance in your boat.
For trailering you need some serious weight on the front end to prevent serious accidents while trailering. Also, with too much weight on the rear you will have trouble with your hole shot because the front of the boat will come up way too much.
If you decide to put the battery in the closed bow compartment you should look sealed marine batteries because the bow of a boat tends to get banged up more than the rear and you do not want a closed compartment to fill up with nasty gas escaping from the batteries. In addition, if you choose the front it is also a good idea to buy a plastic type battery box, so any leakage will be contained.
When I moved the batteries on my boat forward, a cable length of 24 foot with all the turns involved, I used 1 gauge wire. This was for making sure that 50 amps sometimes needed would make it to the starter without overheating the cables.
I added a website that will explain what gauge of wire you will need for what length of cable.
good luck

What Battery Cable Size Should I Use?

Picking the correct battery cable size for your RV system is important, but doesn't need to be hard. Here's a guide on how to!

battlebornbatteries.com

 

[SkaterRace]

It is very important to have the right weight balance in your boat.
For trailering you need some serious weight on the front end to prevent serious accidents while trailering. Also, with too much weight on the rear you will have trouble with your hole shot because the front of the boat will come up way too much.
If you decide to put the battery in the closed bow compartment you should look sealed marine batteries because the bow of a boat tends to get banged up more than the rear and you do not want a closed compartment to fill up with nasty gas escaping from the batteries. In addition, if you choose the front it is also a good idea to buy a plastic type battery box, so any leakage will be contained.
When I moved the batteries on my boat forward, a cable length of 24 foot with all the turns involved, I used 1 gauge wire. This was for making sure that 50 amps sometimes needed would make it to the starter without overheating the cables.
I added a website that will explain what gauge of wire you will need for what length of cable.
good luck

What Battery Cable Size Should I Use?

Picking the correct battery cable size for your RV system is important, but doesn't need to be hard. Here's a guide on how to!

battlebornbatteries.com

Thanks, yeah the back isn't ideal for weight, though up front the only spot that seems to make sense is in the deck which seems far from ideal. In terms of gas, I don't think that's a problem with lithium batteries?

 

[cyclops222]

Any space under the console ?

 

[rolmops]

Thanks, yeah the back isn't ideal for weight, though up front the only spot that seems to make sense is in the deck which seems far from ideal. In terms of gas, I don't think that's a problem with lithium batteries?

Personally I would go with AGM or EFB batteries. Both are lead acid ,but properly sealed ones.The Lithium ion often need a different type of charger and they are a bit problametic with the charging system on older outboards

 

[SkaterRace]

Any space under the console ?

That would be the one spot I said "I have a head in the console which makes installing them there kinda hard. I do have a spot along the side that stores the table which I almost never use. We debated installing them there if the batteries fit." in my OP. It is essentially a storage tray that would likely need some re-enforcement to hold them. For deck space in the console I do not unless you went each side of the head for a battery.

 

[SkaterRace]

Personally I would go with AGM or EFB batteries. Both are lead acid ,but properly sealed ones.The Lithium ion often need a different type of charger and they are a bit problametic with the charging system on older outboards

I have a 2019 Mercury 225XL, and the reason I wanted to do Lithium was to keep the weight down. An AGM based setup would be ~225lbs where the Lithium is going to be ~66lbs. With how small my boat is that weight difference feels noticeable.

 

[Scott Danforth]

I would go up under the seats in the front as my first thought. close to the speakers and under the cup holders and back-rest post

second location would be under the deck in the front hatch area.




would require building a ledge in the hatch area to hold them.

the head area is a bit small, that would be my last location of choice.


what ever bracing you use to install the batteries, remember, these boats in chop are subjected to 3-5G load slamming into waves. so that 36# battery becomes a giant sledge hammer wanting to break your boat.

thats where the front storage would shine. add a bit of foam under the tray down to the hull to hold them and youre golden.

I would lean toward smaller Lithium batteries for packaging over lead acid or AGM.