My boat is a 14 ft. 1974 Smokercraft with 9.9HP Merc. (2 stroke), factory floor and 4 bench seats. Historically, the battery for the trolling motor and the fuel tank were located in the space between the transom and rear bench. I'm thinking about things that need to be fixed or improved as we start to thaw out her in MI.
One thing I've always noticed about this boat is that it is slow to get out of the hole. I need to check the height and trim of my motor; I'm not sure that it is 100% correct. The other thing I need to explore is weight distribution. Like I mentioned above, historically, the battery and gas can have been at the back of the boat. With my 175 lbs., that is a lot of weight at the back end of the boat. Last year, I moved the gas can as far forward as I could go with the fuel line I had. I'm not sure it made a big difference since the can is small.
I think moving the battery forward could make a bigger difference and wanted to hear people's thoughts and experiences.
I've read some opinions that having a battery forward in a boat subjects it to more vibration...and vibration ruins batteries. Any thoughts on that? I never plan to beat heavy surf in this boat; it will mostly see inland lakes and rivers.
I also need to think about where the battery will go. There is a space in the bow but not sure it is big enough for my battery. I do not love it taking up precious floor space where people sit. Modifying a bench seat could be an option, but need to keep in mind the impact on floatation.
Anyway, I'm just looking for thoughts and ideas if you did the same!
Thanks!
One thing I've always noticed about this boat is that it is slow to get out of the hole. I need to check the height and trim of my motor; I'm not sure that it is 100% correct. The other thing I need to explore is weight distribution. Like I mentioned above, historically, the battery and gas can have been at the back of the boat. With my 175 lbs., that is a lot of weight at the back end of the boat. Last year, I moved the gas can as far forward as I could go with the fuel line I had. I'm not sure it made a big difference since the can is small.
I think moving the battery forward could make a bigger difference and wanted to hear people's thoughts and experiences.
I've read some opinions that having a battery forward in a boat subjects it to more vibration...and vibration ruins batteries. Any thoughts on that? I never plan to beat heavy surf in this boat; it will mostly see inland lakes and rivers.
I also need to think about where the battery will go. There is a space in the bow but not sure it is big enough for my battery. I do not love it taking up precious floor space where people sit. Modifying a bench seat could be an option, but need to keep in mind the impact on floatation.
Anyway, I'm just looking for thoughts and ideas if you did the same!
Thanks!