Canuckjetboater
Jet Boat Junkie
- Messages
- 895
- Reaction score
- 751
- Points
- 127
- Boat Make
- Yamaha
- Year
- 2020
- Boat Model
- SX195
- Boat Length
- 19
Looked in the FAQ archives and saw a few older posts somewhat on this issue. For reference the boat I am discussing is a 2020 Yamaha SX195. Like a number of members on this forum who have single battery set-ups AND wet slip their boats, I was worried that any leaks during strong/prolonged rains could deplete my battery due to repeated bilge pump activity. We recently had several days of torrential rains. Upon examination afterwards the bilge had very little water in it. YAHOO! The factory bow and cockpit covers must have done their job. I checked the battery voltage and it was at 12.3 volts so not close to failure (10+/- volts). Nevertheless, I measured the molded in battery compartment (not a tray) that is molded and gel coated into the boat's deck under the port stern seat. It measured 12"X 8". The dealer-installed battery was a group 24 Interstate 24M-XHD. Not a crap battery but definitely not top shelf. I have had a lot of experience with batteries. My 2014 38 foot cruiser had 5 series 31 AGM batteries complimented by a 5 Kw Kohler generator. I already knew what I wanted, so I purchased the best battery that would fit into the molded cavity. I got a group 27 AGM Thin Plate Pure lead (TPPL). This type of battery is the next step up from the "normal" AGM batteries and the best technology available for our application at the moment. The AGM TPPLs have the legendary AGM's cold crank amps, reserve minutes, amp hours and super rapid charge acceptance - 40% % faster than conventional batteries but the TPPLs up the game to 50%+ faster charge acceptance and acceptance of any amperage from the charging system. So what you ask? Well with the jet boat's smaller stator and weaker charging capability these AGM TPPLs are BEASTS - they accept smaller charging amps a looooot faster and run down (to deeper discharges) a looooot slower. Best of both worlds. This addition will greatly reduce my concern about my bilge pump depleting my battery when wet slipped, not being depleted by the stereo on anchor and then charging super fast! Now for the battery "tray" issue. Some water did get into the boat. It looks like it got past the cockpit cover where it goes around the aluminum Bimini arms. The water ran down the arms into the water channels around the port stern seat above the battery area and leaked into the under-seat locker holding the battery. As mentioned, on my boat, that is a molded-in, gel coated box 12"X 8" by about 4" +/-deep. Question: Have any 190/195 owners had this area fill with water? If you have did you fit a drain or drill a hole? If you did can would you please advise a mod. I have some ideas but if someone has already done this no need to re-invent, right? Thanks!
