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I am reworking a Montauk 17 and was wondering what happens to batteries when submerged in saltwater. Would they be damaged from being "dunked" in the surf? I assume this is not a problem as the battery is in the stern from the factory. I am moving the batteries to the console,but had concerns about the above. Any feedback?

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The battery should be in a box which protects it from spray.
The caps are on pretty tight, that should keep water out. They are not designed to be used underwater for any length of time, but spray should not bother it.
The Blue Optima type "sealed" battery works best.
After a dunking, I would rinse with fresh water and clean the terminals.

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There are instances when a car battery powers the lights long after a car has been submerged.

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My batteries and boxes were cut in my console floor when I got my Montauk and I would do it again . Battery switch is in same area . Only an issue when getting them out but worth the effort in my opinion

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The only reason to take them out is to replace them, or am I missing something.

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In colder climates guys like to take them out for the winter, keep them in a warmer basement, and trickle charge....

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I take mine out occasionally to keep them from getting stolen.

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For you Florida guys, in January it's -5 to 5 degrees for a few weeks. Add to this a bit (100 inches) of snow.

Typically, we take the battery and electronics off the boat to prevent damage.

If I go out (anything over 35 degrees and no ice jam) I just reinstall.

Fish - While the stern is the OEM location, I prefer my battery in the console, "just in case" you stuff the bow or take one over the stern. One less thing to worry about.

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HI, a few things to remember about a lead acid type battery, "sealed" or not, is when being charged they emitt hydrogen gas, one of their traits. being "closed" up in a console just might not be the best thing. The gas is deadly and very explosive. Another thing to know is that they don't like alot of pounding, shifting about somewhat violently. The further you move them FWD the more action, so to speak, they will see. I've had my 19 outrage "burried", not on purpose!!, and with no problems. I can see the point on moveing the weight FWD, but just a few things to think about. My 2 cents.......

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As Derwd24 pointed out I WAS Missing Something... I very rarely see snow, but have seen pictures on some personal pages. It looks nice but wouldn't want to live in it. It never accrued to me about freezing tempters. (over 100° here to day)


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As far as being stolen If they can get them out they can have them.. If they really want them there's nothing you can do, in my option. I just would hate to clean up the bloody mess, from there skinned knuckles and scraped arms.
When I do remove the batteries I unscrew the Z legs and remove the gas tank.


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I have never had a problem with Gases caused by charging I leave the doors open when this needs to be done, The only time I charge the batteries if it has been sitting for a long time. I do take the electronics off every thing on the out side of the console but nothing inside the console.


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I have had good luck using one of these to fill the batteries with distilled water.


http://www.buggiesunlimited.com/produ...edium=base

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A few years ago I had two Yamaha 250's stolen off the transom of my Proline while it was in the water. It sometimes amazes me the effort a crook will go through. Though admittedly, batteries are just too easy to steal from somebody else if your's are too much trouble.

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JohnnyCW sorry you had to go thru that.
If some one stole my engine I would go buy another one cost two hunderd fifty bucks deductable. After all that is why we buy it isn't it. I would like a new one. Not a invitation! but Reality... mine is nine years old now.

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The insurance covered the theft. Unfortunately the insurance doesn't cover the time and aggravation.

I'd have liked to have watched the feat though. Besides being incredibly angry, I was amazed.