battery placement

[omykee]

Guys, I run an 03 ranger 519 vx and I'm considering adding a fourth battery to it . This hull sits low ( on the back end ) in the water naturally and Im concerned adding another 86lbs back there is going to be a problem . Im a big guy and fish alone 90% of the time . Id like to get opinions and suggestions from those of you who have considered or addressed this issue . Also if I went with the 4th bat could it be placed in one of the forward compartments ( for weight balance ) without long term problems . Thanks all

[jc2bg]

Heavy batteries in forward compartments are not really a good idea. The forward section of the boat takes more pounding in waves/wakes, and the compartment floors aren’t sufficiently reinforced to handle such a strain. Without knowing your exact situation or desires, maybe consider going to lithium batteries, or at least one lithium, in the stern. An all-lithium trolling battery setup would be ideal, especially the lighter 50ah versions. Obviously, there’s a cost factor there. A mix of lithium and lead-acid batteries would be possible, but brings in other questions.

[omykee]

ttt

[Grumpy/LGF]

Not a 519 but a 2001 520DVX. I have 4 blue top Optima , 2 @10'pp blades and 8" jack plate . I am 6'1" @270 lbs and my boat doesn't have any problems. 2 batteries port and 2 starboard.
Hope this helps.

[BDBR]

I run 4 group 31's in the back of my 462, two on each side.... maybe a tad slower out of the hole and on top but no issues otherwise. But if your really that concerned about weight, go lithium

[BassmanZF6]

What are you adding the 4th battery for, 36v Trolling motor or just another one for accessories?

[omykee]

thanks for the reply's guys . I'm trying to make a decision whether to step up to a 36v TM and sad to say lithium's are financially out of the question ...

[BassmanZF6]

If you go with a 36 volt TM you can use 3 group 27s, they weigh about 50 lbs instead of 80+ so that would save you some weight.

[Oprod]

I second what grumpy said this is how mine was. I switched to iconic lithium’s and am so happy I did. With a 7 year life span, it doesn’t make since not to go lithium. Just the three for the trolling. Went AGM on the main battery. 3 birds, and ultrex.

[BassmanZF6]

I second what grumpy said this is how mine was. I switched to iconic lithium’s and am so happy I did. With a 7 year life span, it doesn’t make since not to go lithium. Just the three for the trolling. Went AGM on the main battery. 3 birds, and ultrex.

That's all they last is 7 years? They would never be worth the money if that is the case, I get 4-5 years out of Walmart batteries.

[Grits and gravy]

I also have an 04 519 vx. But I have a 200 SHO which is right at the max weight allowed on the transom. I run 4 batteries and don’t have any issues. 3 31 series and a cranking battery. It made little to no difference in the ride or how deep the boat sat in the water. I have a 36volt ultrex and it moves the boat very well and lasts all day.

[carolina_cowboy01]

I had a 519 SVS and added a 4th battery - tray installed on the prop pad storage area - no issues - I would go for it as you cannot have to much power.

[jpt7779]

I dropped 133 lbs going all Ionic lithium http://www.bbcboards.net/showthread....349&highlight=

[KandKKustomz]

lost 160lbs in my Ranger going to Impulse lithium cranking and trolling. tremendous holeshot difference and picked up 2 mph overall after jackplate reajustment.