Relocating battery

So I need to relocate the battery to make room for bigger ballast bags in my rear locker.

I need to move the battery approx. 10-12 feet and was wondering what gauge wire I should go with?

I believe it's currently 8 ga. for both the power and ground.

I don't plan on adding another battery.

Thanks!

Figure out amp out put of alt. measure the aprox length of wire and look up a 12volt wireing guide chart

Got it. Thanks

You need to go by starter draw, not alternator supply. A typically alternator might be a 90A or less. Starter current draw in amps, is 200-300 amps.I think you are looking at 2ga at least, maybe 1/0ga.

Ha! I found the battery cable recommendation part of the Merc Service Manual.

It states 9.5 to 12 ft. use 0/00 gauge wire. Maybe I'll try to find a closer place to relocate the battery to keep the gauge smaller.

under rear seats is a good option. don't be afraid to cut out some glass (non structural of course) and build a spot for it.

I hadn't though about cutting a spot... Thanks!

I'd drill the corners and jigsaw the rest. use painters tape to the glass from splintering

I moved mine a few years ago....that wire aint cheap.....move them as little as you can get away with.

not familiar with your boat, but there should be a few places to access trans and vdrive. remove the covers and look around in there. might help you find a good spot for it. just make sure you know what's behind the area your cutting out.

more ideas... if you have AGM batts you can mount them on their sides. might open up a few options

Keep in mind, your battery weighs more per volume than the water that's going to replace it.

Been looking for a spot to place the battery without having to move it to far. There are a few spots, but nothing deep enough for the current battery.

I might just move it to the front of the locker. Would allow the my bags to fill more completely and be more to the rear of the boat then they currently are. And I could use the current wiring. Otherwise I'd probably need to run a 0 gauge wire to under the observer seat area.

Thanks for the advice.

I relocated both of mine underneath the little cubby hole with the two cup holders on the starboard side. I had to cut an access hole in the front of the starboard rear storage area. I was able to just pull the carpet up out of the way to cut the hole then lay the carpet back over the hole once I screwed the cut out piece back in. I'll shoot some pictures tomorrow and email them to you.

Originally Posted by WheelerWake

Keep in mind, your battery weighs more per volume than the water that's going to replace it.

battery + water is you're shooting for

I did some more measuring if I order custom ballast bags from Wakemakers, I should be able to up my ballast weight to approx. 1200-1400 lbs. in the rear lockers and just move my battery to the front of the locker and maintain the factory wiring. I think that's what I'll do.

Trevor - I am interested to see how you got those under the cubby, sounds tricky.