Where to mount a Perko switch in a 1999 Air Nautique?

[h2oski]

I'm looking for suggestions on where to install a "perko" style battery switch in a 1999 Air/Sport Nautique?

I'm planning on moving the 2 batteries to behind the observers seat. So I'd like to mount it near them I guess. But my concern is the positive battery cable length. I was also thinking about mounting it to the drivers kick panel since the positive battery cable runs near there. But if I ever have to get behind the panel again, I might have to unmount the switch to remove the panel...

Thoughts? Ideas? Pictures of your install would be great :-)

TIA

-Scott

[Chexi]

Move the battery(ies) to under the observer seat, pushed all the way forward. Mount the switch on the inside wall under the observer seat that is closest to the driver. Preferably, use a mounting board.

[Chexi]

Check out my album for pictures on my battery - isolator - combiner install. You could simplify it with just a perko switch on your 1 battery, but place and mount them the same.

[Chexi]

I mean you can use a Perko on your 2 batteries instead of the combiner switch I used.

[h2oski]

I mean you can use a Perko on your 2 batteries instead of the combiner switch I used.

Thanks Chexi (same as chexi1?). I'm using the Blue Seas ACR too. I said "perko" because it's a house hold name for a battery switch (like klinex is for tissue). Your pictures confirm what I was thinking. It turns out the 2ga starter to battery run will reach the switch if I mount it where you did. I plan to use 1/0 ga for every thing else. I'm also adding a ProMariner ProSport 12 2 bank battery charger next to the switch and ACR in place of where you mounted the Alpine amp. I plan to mount the batteries side by side like you did, but front to back instead. I found these neat aluminum CNC cut Optima battery trays to mount the batteries. I'll use plastic stand-offs to hold the trays off the carpet incase my wife turns the boat into a submarine. It looks like you used a large "plastic" cutting board to mount the components, good idea! I'll grab one at target or wally world. Unfortuantly, that idea didn't hit me until I drilled two 1/8" holes in that center "wall". Of course the coaming pad with the black fish net didn't cover them either - dumb .

Did you wire in the SI circuit on the ACR over to the ignition switch? If so, what gauge wire did you use?

Thank you again!

[Chexi]

I did not wire the ACR into the ignition switch. It never really seemed necessary to me.

I wish I could take credit for the cutting board, but I can't. Got the idea here. Note, my cutting board is not secured down, except by the fact that it slides in between the glove box bump out and the walk-through wall. I was going to secure on one or more of the combing pad bolts, but never needed to. I like being able to pull it out to play with the amp gains or change a fuse, etc. (not that I have to either often). I've had no problems with it unsecured, it is pretty tight and does not move.

I used 0/1 AWG for all the wiring I added, but kept the electrical from the engine as is and have had no problems.

I use a Ctek charger with quick connects on each battery. Works very well. A dual bank charger should be very nice for you.

Bummer about the drilled hole. Wish I had seen your post earlier.

Yes Chexi and Chexi1 are both me. Forgot my login one day and re-registered.

[Ski Nautique 1]

you make the call

I'm looking for suggestions on where to install a "perko" style battery switch in a 1999 Air/Sport Nautique?

I'm planning on moving the 2 batteries to behind the observers seat. So I'd like to mount it near them I guess. But my concern is the positive battery cable length. I was also thinking about mounting it to the drivers kick panel since the positive battery cable runs near there. But if I ever have to get behind the panel again, I might have to unmount the switch to remove the panel...

Thoughts? Ideas? Pictures of your install would be great :-)

TIA

-Scott

Use "00" cable and ou can put them anywhere you want