Help with battery box - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

FARRIER · 08-22-2010, 04:46 PM

I noticed that i was having issues turning on my ff. My deck connections for my battery box were getting corroded. I just learned about dielectric grease so I will be trying that. But my revo tends to get some water in it throughout the day as I open and close hatches and going through the surf. So I upgraded my connections. any advice on storing the male connector inside the hull? I'm gonna maybe use some 3m adhesive clips to keep the connector off the bottom of the yak when in storage and nitirle gloves with rubber bands when not in use to prevent salt creep/rust. any other ideas???

GregAndrew · 08-22-2010, 05:36 PM

A baggie with a rubber band, or make a rubber female plug to connect, using dielectric grease, when not in use.

WahooUSMA · 08-22-2010, 05:44 PM

Where did you find that deck connector? Seems like I have to R/R my connectors yearly...

FARRIER · 08-22-2010, 06:07 PM

west marine at a whopping 17 bucks but i figured id give it a try. I know that a lot of this stuff needs to be replaced from time to time. But I'm sure I could do a better job caring for my stuff.

dsafety · 08-22-2010, 09:43 PM

One of the most import things to remember if you want to reduce the amount of corrosion is to disconnect the battery when you yak is in storage. A current going through the FF cable, even if it is not connected to the device will cause the connectors to oxidize at an accelerated rate.

Bob

PescadorPete · 08-22-2010, 10:06 PM

I stuff my battery in a Target lunch bag, with a couple of clips onto the battery.

newguy01 · 08-23-2010, 06:46 AM

first thing you have to do is get the terminal and connector lube with dielectric grease before it get saltwater on them if thats to lates clean em with vinegar then grease and if your storing the box inside the kayak always make sure battery is disconnected and for moisture control leave the or crack the hatch open so the air can circulate. thats what i do i dont even cover the connector but i am pretty sure covering it will help just my 0.2$

FARRIER · 08-23-2010, 06:58 PM

Thank you all for all the replies! After reading about you all having far less problems decided to dig deeper and do some experimenting. i got to the real root of the problem. The fuse was inline with the battery box. And when connected was laying in the water/moisture buildup allowing minor seepage under direct current. 3m hooks will fix this until i can replace or upgrade. I like the comment about not needing the connections. It opened my eyes to putting the connections, fuse, battery in the box using a small wire harness. since i was new to the sport i just bought what was available and didn't really know that it was so easy to install. Mucahs gracias to all the ideas. The BWE thinktank.

GregAndrew · 08-23-2010, 08:48 PM

The problem with making the connections inside the box is that now your box is stuck in your yak unless you have some other connector up the line. I would put the fuse inside the Battery box too. I am currently using some inline brake wire connectors outside both my battery boxes. They are made for trailer hookups so they are designed for weather. I think the actual connection might be made of aluminum.

I use dielectric grease in both the female ends and have not had to replace one yet. I cut the loop towards one end and use the long wired side to mount directly through my box (with Goop) through the fuse (on one pole) to the battery. Then I connect apair of inline wire connecting sleeves on the other side and goop the ends after crimping well. Attach the other side of the sleeve to your FF power wires and Goop again.

08-22-2010, 05:44 PM	#3
WahooUSMA Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Rancho Cucamonga Posts: 753	Where did you find that deck connector? Seems like I have to R/R my connectors yearly... __________________ GO ARMY BEAT NAVY! Bad decisions make great stories!

08-22-2010, 06:07 PM	#4
FARRIER Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Cmont [] Posts: 314	west marine at a whopping 17 bucks but i figured id give it a try. I know that a lot of this stuff needs to be replaced from time to time. But I'm sure I could do a better job caring for my stuff. __________________ "It depends on what the meaning of the words 'is' is." –Bill Clinton

08-23-2010, 06:46 AM	#7
newguy01 Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: S.D. Posts: 133	preventive maintenance? first thing you have to do is get the terminal and connector lube with dielectric grease before it get saltwater on them if thats to lates clean em with vinegar then grease and if your storing the box inside the kayak always make sure battery is disconnected and for moisture control leave the or crack the hatch open so the air can circulate. thats what i do i dont even cover the connector but i am pretty sure covering it will help just my 0.2$

08-23-2010, 06:58 PM	#8
FARRIER Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Cmont [] Posts: 314	Thank you all for all the replies! After reading about you all having far less problems decided to dig deeper and do some experimenting. i got to the real root of the problem. The fuse was inline with the battery box. And when connected was laying in the water/moisture buildup allowing minor seepage under direct current. 3m hooks will fix this until i can replace or upgrade. I like the comment about not needing the connections. It opened my eyes to putting the connections, fuse, battery in the box using a small wire harness. since i was new to the sport i just bought what was available and didn't really know that it was so easy to install. Mucahs gracias to all the ideas. The BWE thinktank. __________________ "It depends on what the meaning of the words 'is' is." –Bill Clinton

08-22-2010, 05:36 PM	#2
GregAndrew Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,384	A baggie with a rubber band, or make a rubber female plug to connect, using dielectric grease, when not in use.

08-22-2010, 09:43 PM	#5
dsafety Olivenhain Bob Join Date: May 2008 Location: Olivenhain, CA Posts: 1,121	One of the most import things to remember if you want to reduce the amount of corrosion is to disconnect the battery when you yak is in storage. A current going through the FF cable, even if it is not connected to the device will cause the connectors to oxidize at an accelerated rate. Bob

08-23-2010, 08:48 PM	#9
GregAndrew Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,384	The problem with making the connections inside the box is that now your box is stuck in your yak unless you have some other connector up the line. I would put the fuse inside the Battery box too. I am currently using some inline brake wire connectors outside both my battery boxes. They are made for trailer hookups so they are designed for weather. I think the actual connection might be made of aluminum. I use dielectric grease in both the female ends and have not had to replace one yet. I cut the loop towards one end and use the long wired side to mount directly through my box (with Goop) through the fuse (on one pole) to the battery. Then I connect apair of inline wire connecting sleeves on the other side and goop the ends after crimping well. Attach the other side of the sleeve to your FF power wires and Goop again.