Waterproof Kayak Battery Box Mods & Upgrades

This article illustrates how to modify and wire a 12V plug port and a USB receptacle for charging electronic devices such as cell phones and running GoPro’s with out an internal battery for an all day charge. Using the existing waterproof battery box from a previous article we will first replace the 12V 12 aH Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) Battery. See SLA or LFP Accessory Battery for your Kayak write up for the differences in batteries and pros/cons of both. I have opted to now use a LFP battery for its long list of great qualities.

Products & materials you will need.

• About two feet each red & black of 16ga shielded copper electrical wire
• (10) Spade Connectors (Blue 14 – 16ga)
• (1) 3 Way Female Double Male Spade Connector
• (2) Inline Fuse Holder w/ 16ga wire
• (2) 3 – 5 amp fuses (Most fish finder electronics recommend 3 amp)
• (1) 12V Marine Power Outlet
• (1) 12V Double USB Receptacle
• (1) Hopkins 2 pole plug (For Fish Finder Connection)
• (1) On Off Switch (I used a stainless steel product to last with the salt water)
• (3) Butt Connectors

Wiring Diagram 8X11

Instructions:

• First thing you will do is remove the existing battery and all of the wiring in the box. We are going to replace everything inside. Keep the cable gland as it will be reused.
• Using a hole saw drill match up the diameter to the outside of the hole saw with the two receptacles. Try to keep the holes even and equal distance apart for aesthetic reasons. After drilling the holes trim the excess from the edge of the holes. Set the receptacles and tighten the collar down.
• Drill a hole using a hole saw that matches the diameter of the switch in your desired location. Make sure the internal protrusion will not interfere with the battery or the 12V receptacles. Install the switch.
• Now we will splice 2 wires together to connect the negative side and the positive sides of the receptacles together. Make one for each RED and BLACK.
• Connect the spade connectors to the correct terminals on the receptacles + with + and – with -.

• Using a butt connector connect the RED + wire from the Fish Finder Plug to one inline fuse.
• Using the 3 Way Female to 2 Male connector connect the Two Inline Fuses to the Male ends and the White 12V Positive from the switch with a male spade to the female end on the 3 way its good to tape this connection with electrical tape or purchase a insulated connector.
• Connect the Red + wire from the switch using a female spade connector to the battery.
• Connect the BLACK – wires by crimping on a female spade connector from the 12V receptacles, the 12V Fish Finder connection and the black wire from the switch together. Simply twist the (3) wires together feed into the hole on the connector and crimp using the crimping tool.
• Then Connect the Female Spade with the (3) black wires to the – Negative side of the battery.

Upon Completion:

Test by pressing the switch to the ON position. The LED Indicator should light up. Test all receptacles and that the fish finder powers up. You now have a portable waterproof kayak battery box with the option to run additional lighting on your kayak, Charge electronics, and run cameras VIA USB power.

This concludes the Kayak Battery Box modifications & Upgrades article. Please leave comments on your thoughts!

SLA or LFP Accessory Battery for your Kayak

In a short period of time Fishing kayaks in most cases a single user vessel have begun using many of the electronics that power boats use. Portable power has become a necessity. Running Fish Finders on a battery pack of AA batteries is a thing of the past. In the present we have Fish Finder/Chart Plotter combos, kayak lighting, and  the ability to charge battery powered devices while away from home is important.

Previously we built a waterproof battery box for a fish-finder/chart plotter. Since then there have been many advancements in batteries. This article explains the difference between the traditional Sealed Lead Acid Battery (SLA) and the latest Lithium-iron-phosphate battery (LFP). Here I list the pros and cons of both. You make the decision!

A SLA battery

SLA Battery Pros:

• Inexpensive (Economically Friendly)
• Fully Sealed Package
• Rechargeable
• Recyclable

SLA Battery Cons:

• Poor weight-to-energy (8 lbs 12aH)
• Cannot be stored in a discharged condition
• Inconstant discharge voltage
• Limited number of full discharge cycles
• Lifespan (300 charge cycles)
• Sulfation
• Memory
• Not Environmentally Friendly
• Contains Lead

There are many cons to the SLA battery for use on a kayak the first being weight. The 12aH SLA will weigh in at 8 lbs. That’s a lot of weight to travel with on any kayak. Battery life is another issue you may get a season or two total out of the lifespan.

New and improved Lithium-iron-phosphate batteries (LiFePO4 or LFP) are slowly replacing Traditional SLA batteries. Although still pricey LFP batteries have many advantages over the previous generation technology of SLA’s.

LFP Battery Pros:

• Excellent Weight-to-energy (3.5 lbs 12aH)
• Very constant discharge voltage
• Low Discharge Rate compared to SLA
• Rechargeable
• No Memory (Can Be fully Discharged without cell damage)
• Lifespan (2000+ charge cycles 5-10+ years)
• Recyclable
• Thermal and chemical stable aka Safer (as opposed to Lithium Ion cells)
• No Environmental Thermal concerns (provides maximum output at hot or cold temps)

LiFePO4 Battery Cons:

• Cost (Expensive)
• Contains Phosphates

Looking forward to this conversion. Will report on the experience in the near future.

Gear Review: Boga Grip w/ YakAttack T-Reign

One of the most commonly used tools for landing fish of all types is the Boga Grip. Although typically not in a kayak anglers budget one should be. Granted the fish grips are budget friendly and they float. However I’m sure the fish grip user has lost and struggled with more fish that the boga grip user.

Made in the USA from high quality stainless steel the Boga Grip cannot be matched. The one handed operation is necessary while fishing from a single person platform such as a kayak. Wile securely holding the fish by its mouth the boga grip allows wiggling flopping and spinning causing less damage to the fish. Also featuring a scale that can weigh fish up to 60 lbs depending on the model.

The boga grip is engaged by the angler pulling back with their fingers to open the clamp. When released the spring action closes the clamp and the weight of the fish actually holds the clamp shut with its weight and the fish is secured. The spinning and angle of the clamp is designed to allow the fish to flap and spin freely. Allowing this motion actually causes less damage to the fish. To release the fish simply pull back with your fingers and the fish is loose!

The Boga grip is a great aid for handling a fish to remove hooks and align on a measuring board. Once the fish is clamped in the odds of loosing the fish are pretty slim. On the kayak its a great idea to leash everything that does not float. In that kayak fishing world there is a slogan. “If you love it leash it.”

Personally too many leashes get in the way on a small platform such as a kayak. The YakAttack T-Reign Surface Mount Retractor is the solution for this. The package also includes a mounting solution for the boga grip. You can also use the GearTrac mounted Retractor solution along with the mounting clip (call to combine these items). The T-Reign is a retractor meaning its 36″ Kevlar chord leash will self stow inside the housing automatically. No winding or cranking. Its spring loaded. When you put your Boga Grip back in its mounting clip the leash will automatically retract! If you do not want to leash the Boga Grip a float can be easily attatched.

Boga Grip maintenance is minimal. Like all other gear a rinse with fresh water after use is recommended. Just keeps it clean less gritty for functioning smoothly and properly. You can use a light machine oil or silicone to lube it up for. A small amount on the trigger pin, prong pin and connecting rivets.

The Boga Grip is a winner for the kayak angler.

• Made in the USA
• Ease One Hand Operation
• Built In Scale
• Durable and corrosion Resistant
• Ergonomically Comfortable
• Foam Grip
• Prevents Damage to Fish
• Leash Tether or Float Addition
• YakAttack T-Reign and mounting clip