Sea ray 175 question

[Charles Donahue]

Hey all,

Long-time lurker first time poster. I have a 1998 Sea Ray bowrider with alpha one gen 2 Merc inboard outboard. I'm trying to install a stereo, and in order to do so I want to install an accessory battery. Problem is I have such a limited amount of space, I have no idea where to put an extra battery. Does anybody here have any experience adding secondary battery to a Sea Ray 175 or even Sea Ray 180?

Current battery sits starboard side in the rear . I would like to put another battery right next to it but with the trim motor back there as well, there just isn't any room for another battery. Any input here would be much appreciated! Thanks so much!

 

[BillK2632]

Is there room to put the second battery in the same location on the Port side? That is where my second battery on my 185 is. I would not want both batteries on one side, especially on the STB side, it would create a lean in a boat that small especially with only the driver in it.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Unfortunately, in a small boat, there isn't a whole lot of room for a second battery to be "hidden away". It's just the nature of the beast. The port side has the fuel tank under the jump seat.

Before you go giving yourself a whole lot of work, how much time do you expect to be listening to the stereo with the engine off? Will the new stereo be a lot more powerful than the original? With the original stereo (or similar... no amp or anything), and a good battery, you can listen for hours and still have juice to start the engine.

Or... just carry a jump pack. The new lithium ones are super small and lightweight - and you don't need anything special to crank that 4-banger. If you feel the itch to do something with the battery, you could also replace it with a dual purpose (which is a good choice for this application).

 

[Gunn]

When I owned my 1995 175, I placed a 2nd battery beneath the starboard side transom seat. I added a battery switch in the gunwale above it, right next to the cushion that raises up to access the other battery, engine, etc. Worked out perfectly, though you lose the storage below this seat.

And I will say also that I added the 2nd battery for reasons just like you; I didn't want to have to worry about draining my battery and being stuck. Plus it's always nice to have the 2nd battery for piece of mind...