Waterproof 12v Battery Box for Fish Finder, Livewell, & Kayak Fishing
Вставка
- Опубліковано 25 січ 2025
- Supply List Below.
Watertight Container (Large Size): amzn.to/21xRdUI
SS PG7 Cable Gland (x1): amzn.to/210tMBe
SAE Connectors (x2): amzn.to/1TJ3jZH
SAE 4-way Splitter (x1): amzn.to/1n2mLTj
On/Off Toggle Switch (x1): amzn.to/210un68
Battery 12v (we used 9ah by UPG) (x1): amzn.to/21xS1sH
F2 Crimp on connectors (use for connecting battery terminals to SAE wire inside box)
OPTIONAL: In-line Fuse (multiple styles...some fish finders require specific amp rated fuses): amzn.to/1TJ3KDp
OPTIONAL: For fully waterproof connectors (instead of SAE) look at these:
amzn.to/210vjHF
OPTIONAL: This is the battery charger we use for large and small batteries. It is awesome!
Noco Genius G3500 Smart Charger: amzn.to/1TJ4DvR
______________________________________________
The build will also require that you pick up some heat shrink tubing or liquid tape to secure spliced areas like the SAE connectors. We used heat shrink tubing because it creates a nice rounded covering that creates a nice seal when passed through the cable gland. Hope this build helped give some of you kayakers an idea on how to build a battery box for powering your kayak gear like livewell, fish finder, or lighting. We chose the 9ah battery because the size was identical to many of the 7 and 8ah batteries but just weighed more. The case could hold a larger battery if needed. See the listed Amazon container dimensions vs. battery dimensions in the descriptions at the links we posted above to determine what will fit if not using a 12v 9ah.
______________________________________________
OPTIONAL SAE ATTACHMENT FOR GOPRO CAMERA USERS
**Use the below product and pair it with the camera build we show in our other videos. This will allow you to power your GoPro camera on the water for the entire day.
SAE to USB converter (Optional): amzn.to/210uOx9
VIDEO LINK OF GOPRO CAMERA SETUP:
• Power and Charge GoPro...
FREE App Saves 25¢/Gallon On Gas & Cashback On Food!
upside.app.lin...
NEW GPS Trolling Motor Adapter Makes Dumb $100 Motors Smart!
tbnation.net/p...
CHECK OUT OUR OTHER CHANNEL (HOME DIY)
/ homediy
Cheap LiTime LiFePo4 Batteries Power Everything I Own!
WEBSITE: www.litime.com...
LiTime Powers Trolling Motors, Fish Finders, Lighting,& More!
LiTime 100ah 12.8v Mini runs my trolling motor for at least two fishing days!
Discount Code: KAYAKDIY
In-Line Fuses Should be Considered If Your Electronics Don't Have Them Built In. Also, those in saltwater areas should consider waterproof connections like linked in description as substitute for SAE connectors. However, if using the battery box in your hull of the SOT kayak it may remain dry enough to not develop corrosion issues. The SAE connections we chose because they are similar to trailer connectors which are exposed to moisture all the time. However, saltwater vs freshwater is different. Saltwater will cause corrosion sooner and thus waterproof connectors would be of benefit so we put link in description below video.
Nice! I like the fact that you do clean work no hacking or rigging a job, also the bonus that everyone should really appreciate the fact that you attached the links for the items.
+Rom Sam thanks. I do put a lot of time and thought into projects. I try to make it easy for folks to replicate via adding supply links in every video description section.
Supply list is above in the video description. Click "Show More" to see the full list of supplies. If you have already built the camera setup that was shown in one of our other videos then see the optional part listed in the description as it will allow you to power the GoPro! Enjoy.
I lnow it’s been 5 years, but could really use the parts specifics for the switch and the cable blend waterproof. Coudnt find it in video description
Thanks for the video and the links! Just ordered the pats I needed to finish my bait bucket!
R Stacy Davis No problem. Glad we could help!
Funny I built a simular bad ald used foam pool noodles sections as well. Glad to see another great mind.
Nice work. I was also wondering if you can come off of this setup with a separate switch as well mounted on the Yak. I'm thinking of adding LEDS to my yak as well, but will put the dry box into the hull itself. If I go about it this way then I will have to have a separated switch mounted on the outside of the yak as well, but I like the switch on the box as a main power switch. Thanks again for the great video of the build.
I have used the plastic boxes dishwashing pods come in and plastic ice cream containers as free alternatives .Also can get boxes from goodwill or dollar store cheap. I have used little crayon box size waterproof boxes from dollar store to hold wires mounted to toggle switches for lighting.
Just made mine today. The only change I made was not using SAE connector inside box but female blades in and out of switch (hot) and neg straight to battery all connected to SAE connector outside of box thru gland nut. Took all of 30 minutes.
The gland nut is the key. Everything else is kind of up to the individual. Sounds like you got a decent setup. Hope it works well for ya.
Another great tip is to use stick on velcro to run elecrical wires throughout kayak. I like not permanent mounting options whenever possible,so i can sell kayak after a year or 2 and upgrade !
Not a bad idea. Thanks for sharing Eric R.
Based on your build that switch would need to be in the on position to charge the battery using the sae connector, correct.
How big of a hole do I need to drill for the cable gland?
+Kathy Corvo hole size depends heavily on the cable glands that are purchased. For the stainless steel glands linked in our video description we used 31/64" bits. This provided a tight fit.
I want to run 2 led lights in my kayak along with the fishfinder ? Can one battery do the job ?
Andrew Rolfsen I don't recall exactly what drill bit size was used for that switch. I believe it was a common size like 3/8" but unsure. You will want to measure the switch or read the switch instructions anyway to confirm measurement. Sometimes distributers change products so measurements might change. The stainless steel PG7 cable gland used a 31/64" drill bit. Here is a link to a drill bit in that size because it can be a bit uncommon in many drill sets:
www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=31%2F64%20drill%20bit%20set&linkCode=ur2&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3A31%2F64%20drill%20bit%20set&tag=ytk-20&url=search-alias%3Daps&linkId=MFO6RVIJLJ4K37UG
KayakDIY unfortunately my switch came in "bulk packaging" from china and had no instructions.
This is an absolute great solution thank you- one question on the SAE connector exiting the housing how did you get the housing that surrounds the cable so that it will fit the cable gland? Thanks a bunch
I simply drilled hole in box, insert cable gland with backing nut, run my cable through, tighten cable gland around cable, and I’m done.
What was total cost for everything?
What size bit did u use for the cable gland hole
Hello, I just bought a kayak and fish finders used and i need to get a battery, how do i hook up a battery to the fish finders? i have the cables but i am confused on how to connect them
Thanks for your video. I do have a question hopefully you can help me with. I want to run the sae connecters you have listed above (I have read they are 16 AWG wire) through the glands you have listed. The image of the sae connectors, they are two separate wires, in your video they are in a sheath or was that just heat shrink wrap? If I run the two 26 gauge wires thought the gland, is it still going to be waterproof?
Question- I have 16 new 12V, 3.4Ah/20HR batteries and am in the process of making multiple, portable underwater fishing lights...what would be my limitations with these types of batteries? I notice you guys recommend the 9Ah batts, and I use one for my fishfinder as that is what it came with...just curious if I can use these free 12 3.4Ah I have for this light project. Thanks!
Hello--I was wondering if you could help me with a few questions. I'd like to keep the box in the hull in my Kayak but I want to keep two switches up where I sit (one for a fish finder and one for a bait well). Do I need two 3amp fuses or can I just use one fuse inside the box between the battery and the gland? Also is there a particular switch that you recommend? One more question--in one of the earlier comments you said that you could go with a waterproof SAE connector--is there a waterproof SAE 4 way splitter? Do I need to go with waterproof SAE connector and 4 way splitter for salt water--can I tape up the cables to prevent corrosion? Thank you for the video and any advise you can provide
Looks like I will be doing this soon. I just broke my charging prongs for my Harbor Freight jump starter.
I just ordered the SAE Connecters and they seem to be 12gage wire. I had issues before when I tried to hook up my Lowrance Elite 4 fish finder/chart plotter with a quick connect for a battery tender. It would Not power on. So I was forced to just connect it to the battery & remove the battery every time I need to charge it. So I'm confused trying it again with this size wire was that the original problem or was it the fact I was using a quick connect for a battery tender. Btw: it worked fine with my trolling motor but my Lowrance seems to have had an issue with not liking the quick connect. Have you heard of this before? It the gage wire I'm using from the Lowrance (1 gage smaller than the 12) or is there something I'm not doing correctly? Thanks for the great videos & Please advise. I need to get my new toy in the water so I can start enjoying the Gulf of Mexico via Florida too 😄.
Get Power on The Water!!!! Build a Battery Box!!!
Where did you get the cable from ???
+Hong Thi All supplies such as cables and container can be found in video description below the video.
+Hong Thi
Supply List Below.
Watertight Container (Large Size): www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JQJFIQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007JQJFIQ&linkCode=as2&tag=ytk-20&linkId=WZKM67WUSG6Q3HFN
SS PG7 Cable Gland (x1): www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AOBGQ26/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00AOBGQ26&linkCode=as2&tag=ytk-20&linkId=IUQWBZRJ6VIQJZVA
SAE Connectors (x2): www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003C01FD6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003C01FD6&linkCode=as2&tag=ytk-20&linkId=ROGA5IRQFQHKTVPG
SAE 4-way Splitter (x1): www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003L643KS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003L643KS&linkCode=as2&tag=ytk-20&linkId=YEUVA7WEDHCF6JNN
On/Off Toggle Switch (x1): www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006YZBJNM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006YZBJNM&linkCode=as2&tag=ytk-20&linkId=TNNUURBMMPFYOWQC
Battery 12v 9ah by UPG (x1): www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=9ah&linkCode=ur2&rh=n%3A172282%2Ck%3A9ah&tag=ytk-20&url=search-alias%3Delectronics&linkId=IFMPPAKDC5N5K53F
F2 Crimp on connectors (use for connecting battery terminals to SAE wire inside box)
OPTIONAL: In-line Fuse If Your Electronics Don't Have Them: www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=in%20line%20fuse&linkCode=ur2&tag=ytk-20&url=search-alias%3Daps&linkId=DACGCO76M6NDYBP6
OPTIONAL SUBSTITUTE to SAE Connectors (threaded 2pin connectors): www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=Male%20Female%20Plug%202%20Pin%20LED%20Waterproof%20&linkCode=ur2&tag=ytk-20&url=search-alias%3Daps&linkId=XDMTF2GJ4X7HZ25O
______________________________________________
The build will also require that you pick up some heat shrink tubing or liquid tape to secure spliced areas like the SAE connectors. We used heat shrink tubing because it creates a nice rounded covering that creates a nice seal when passed through the cable gland. Hope this build helped give some of you kayakers an idea on how to build a battery box for powering your kayak gear like livewell, fish finder, or lighting. We chose the 9ah battery because the size was identical to many of the 7 and 8ah batteries but just weighed more. The case could hold a larger battery if needed. See the listed Amazon container dimensions vs. battery dimensions in the descriptions at the links we posted above to determine what will fit if not using a 12v 9ah.
______________________________________________
OPTIONAL SAE ATTACHMENT FOR GOPRO CAMERA USERS
**Use the below product and pair it with the camera build we show in our other videos. This will allow you to power your GoPro camera on the water for the entire day.
SAE to USB converter (Optional): www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DJ5KEF4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00DJ5KEF4&linkCode=as2&tag=ytk-20&linkId=DSFTR2WULMIK5JIT
VIDEO LINK OF GOPRO CAMERA SETUP: ua-cam.com/video/PmcITlwx1SM/v-deo.html
What sae connector did you purchase to crimp onto the fish finder power cable?
How concerned should we be about heat from the battery being locked in a sealed box. Not so much from the aspect of battery life, but danger from overheating. (I live in Texas). Thanks
+bosshog 104 I wouldn't store or mount in direct sunlight if possible. Intense heat and cold is hard on batteries. I live in Florida and haven't had issues with the sealed part. The case is not submersible rated. It keeps stuff dry but likely would vent under any internal pressure. All builds are DIY at own risk. Just enjoy sharing what I have done. I have had no issues with this setup.
how much did this cost in total with all the parts? or an estimate?
+Matthew Ryckman maybe in the $30s. Idk. I had a lot of the parts laying around. The video description has supply links to things I used.
I bought all of the supplies I needed in the list and got the connections made between the battery and the switch. Where I am missing something is between the switch and the cable that passes through the gland. Is this a separate length of cable that you had on hand? Can you provide specifics on that cable?
+Matthew Curley it is two SAE connectors. One end is outside of box and goes through gland into switch and to the other end of SAE. That SAE end then plugs into respective 2nd SAE plug and then to batter terminals.
Ok, thanks for the reply! Th connectors I bought have a red and black wire without any sheathing around them. The video displays a cable going through the gland however I just have the two thin wires running from the connectors. Too thin to pass through the gland and create the seal. Any recommendations? Here is the link to the connectors I purchased. I found them using the link you provided for salt water connectors. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016NV1PVW
What type of wire do you recommend or gauge? Did you just use electrical tape on the wires going through the cable gland?
Tommy Garza I used same gauge wire as the SAE connecters were. I didn't use electrical tape but rather heat shrink tubing. I never use electrical tape for builds but rather "liquid" electrical tape because it creates true watertight seals. Hope this helps.
by chance do you remember what size drill bits you used to drill the holes for the pass through and the toggle switch?
+Andrew Rolfsen The toggle switch should state on the packaging what size hole needs to be drilled. All switches can differ.
I built my kayak battery box very similar to this with the 4-way SAE splitter. Since the battery sits inside the hull of my kayak under my seat, are these SAE connectors submersible if I take on water? I was wanting to use one of the SAE lines to power a bilge pump and am concerned about this whole setup being under water.
My connectors corroded after a few trips
+Travis Billings - I'll be in fresh water, so hopefully that will help. I'll also add some electrical grease to help prevent that corrosion.
what size waterproof container did you use the small or large
+Mike cooker See The Video Description. It states it is the Large size container and has links to all items used.
Thanks for the awesome video! I ordered everything on the list and have a newb question for you (teaching myself to be more handy). What are you using to connect the battery to the SAE connector. Is it wire? Clips? I think that component is missing from the list. Thanks again for your help
oso peroso We just use F2 terminal crimp on connections to the SAE connector inside the battery box. They are available at lots of hardware stores or if you can't find them we can link you to them via amazon.
Could you tell me where you bought your heat gun please.
+slinger1991 Bought it here: amzn.to/1n2rofT
great vid! what are you using to charge your battery and how often does it need to be charged ?
+steve bostrom This is the battery charger we use for large and small batteries. It is awesome! It is a bit pricey but rugged and it has revived batteries I thought were toast. Very high quality.
Noco Genius G3500 Smart Charger: amzn.to/1TJ4DvR
Thanks for the video. In the process of whipping one of these up. The only thing is the cable glands won't be here for another month. So I just got 1/4" grommets for the time being. Did you experience a long shipping time for the cable glands too?
I didn't have to wait long, but maybe due to the video they are running low. The video has had a lot of views lately and thus they might be temporarily low or behind in filling orders. This channel drives a lot of traffic to certain supply sites/links. Any PG7 cable gland would work, but I really like the ones I linked to because you can tighten them down really well without stripping.
Thanks for the great vids, keep them coming. I have a question though, in my situation I'm installing an old Lowrance HDS 5 as a temporary fish finder until I can save up enough money to purchase one of the new Lowrance Hook 5 units, anyway, my problem is that my old Lowrance does not have a plug on the end of the power wire, just two bare wires, one red and one black with an inline fuse on the red (hot) side. I'm trying to find a decent waterproof plug to use on the Lowrance and to install on the side of my plastic "ammo" box that I'm using as my battery box. In other words, the male end of the plug goes on the Lowrance and the female end of the plug would be mounted through the wall of the ammo box and then have wires connected to it and running to the battery terminals. Any ideas with links would be greatly appreciated. Radio Shack has gone out of business so I don't know where to go to ask the questions or get some help figuring this out. Thanks for the help folks.
+beddog57 Search 2 Pin waterproof connector IP68. They make them for LED kits and that would likely be similar gauge wire. I buy them on Amazon. If I get time I will try to find them and send you link in reply to this comment.
I didn't see the connection wires that plug into the battery and the one that plugs into the switch in the description. Where can I get those? And Obviously I'm not very educated on all of this so I apologize, but what was the purpose for the inline fuse?
Thank you and great video.
In line fuse protects things like fish finders from being fried if there is a surge in amps. A 3amp inline fuse breaks at 3amps and was necessary for my fish finder according to the owners manual and factory recommendations. The wire connections are just F2 terminal connectors that I bought on Amazon. I will try to remember to add them to the supply list in the video description. Thanks for the feedback and I hope this helps.
+KayakDIY this helps a lot. I'm new to the kayak world and I'm trying to add a lot of things but I'm just not that familiar with everything. I'm also using your video to make a bait tank so thank you!
No problem! We are growing the channel and in an effort to add new fresh content we are moving to arguably one of the best saltwater fishing spots in the U.S (Matlacha/Cape Coral FL.). It is there that we will really be able to expand our video content. We are always here if you have questions and will answer you as quick as we can. For quicker assistance I recommend going to our Facebook Forum Group (www.Facebook.com/groups/KayakDIY)
I am new to the kayak world and just got a humminbird 346c di fishfinder from someone. i want to make sure that i have enough power to last a three day weekend fishing about 4 hrs a day. Will a 12v battery like the one you have do the job?
I would get a 12v 12ah. They are pretty affordable (link in video description for SLA batteries) and if you don't plan on recharging all weekend it should cover you. Smaller batter might be able to make it but discharging batteries too low will limit their lifespan. That fishfinder draws 425mah at 12v.
#kayak fishing . Wondering anyones thoughts on putting more and more stuff on your kayak ? Fish finders electronic stuff if so buy a regular boat ..
I think the purity of kayak fishing is the hunt the exploring Going about fishing like using a rifle instead of a Bow ? Just my thought .
Ill only use lights for safety other than that NO ELECTRONIC STUFF FOR ME !! JUST THINKING !!!
Is there any chance you can do a step by step for how to build one of these?
Eventually I planned to do another video on one. Basically you buy a waterproof box. Then drill a hole for a cable gland. Then setup wires for battery with a inline fuse (3amp usually) spliced in on the red positive wire. The have wires passed through cable gland. I added a switch in on the one you see in video. Switches are easy....just splice switch in between the positive red wire. There are lots of switches available but just search waterproof "on/off" switch. Depending on what kind of electronics you use you may want different fuses....I use 3amp because that is what was recommended for my Humminbird Helix 5si fishfinder.
@@KayakDIY did you add the f2 connectors the end of the helix 5 Si wires or did you splice them to an SAE cable that plugs into this battery box?
Josh Anderson I used SAE 2-pin connector for battery box to fishfinder power cable connection.
Thank you, you have saved me so much time!
+K O Thanks for stopping by.
I was also wondering what is the purpose of the switch?
The switch was just in case we wanted to shut down current to all accessories. It is not 100% needed but we felt it was more concise any than unplugging all accessories. One could just unplug all accessories instead. An inline fuse is important if running electronics that lack fuses.
Thanks for the tutorial! But I noticed the link for the waterproof plugs is the same as the in-line fuse link?
deuces2k Thanks...we will find appropriate link and repost it.
That video was extremely helpful but I feel like it's missing the other half in explaining how it connects to the fish finder which I desperately need.
What gauge are your sae connector and does it matter??
+Roy G I updated all links in the video description. The gauge of the SAE connectors should be around 16-18 gauge likely. I linked the supplies of this build in the video description. For some reason they weren't working prior. Thanks for the comment. All supply links are working and in video description.
What’s the purpose of the on/ off switch?
so u dont have to wire whateverr ur using straight to the battery so u can keep the box closed all day n not risk any water at all
What size glands are you using?
+RochesterNYfishingHangout BadBassDad I linked to the same glands. Check out video description below video. We do this with all our videos. Always check below. This allows us to update info since we obviously can't update video once it is uploaded.
KayakDIY thank you ordered all I need
I cannot find the Watertight cable glands...the like just gets me to Amazon??? Help
It is a size PG7 and we got it on Amazon. We tested link above in video description and it still works. Not sure what is going on.
Thanks...
You guys need to make these and sell them. I would buy one right now... Thanx
+Jason Marble Thanks for the kind words. We will look into it. What would be a good price? We don't want to offend anyone with price, but need to value our time and shipping cost.
+KayakDIY Price with 7-9ah battery and without would be nice to know. Let us know what you think. Thanks Jason.
I ended up making one (with your help) but I would have spent 40-50 dollars no problem to save the time. I too would be interested in what you all think about some of my other projects if you don't mind. My Google+ and UA-cam is JaYak Angler. Thanks again for your ideas!
Nice job can you sent me the sopply list,
Supply List is listed in the UA-cam video description just below the video. There are links to all the items used. Only item you didn't see in the video was an inline fuse. We didn't need one for the electronic items we were powering. However, if you plan on running a lot of electronics from the box it is recommended you put an inline fuse in. You could wire the inline fuse after the on/off switch just before it goes through the cable gland. THANKS FOR THE MESSAGE!
Thank to you
COPY OF SUPPLY LIST THAT IS BELOW VIDEO IN DESCRIPTION SECTION.
*******************************************
Supply List Below.
Watertight Container (Large Size): www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007...
SS PG7 Cable Gland (x1): www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A...
SAE Connectors (x2): www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003...
SAE 4-way Splitter (x1): www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003...
On/Off Toggle Switch (x1): www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006...
Battery 12v 9ah by UPG (x1): www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UT...
F2 Crimp on connectors (use for connecting battery terminals to SAE wire inside box)
OPTIONAL: In-line Fuse If Your Electronics Don't Have Them: www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UT...
OPTIONAL SUBSTITUTE to SAE Connectors (threaded 2pin connectors): www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UT...
_____________________________________
The build will also require that you pick up some heat shrink tubing or liquid tape to secure spliced areas like the SAE connectors. We used heat shrink tubing because it creates a nice rounded covering that creates a nice seal when passed through the cable gland. Hope this build helped give some of you kayakers an idea on how to build a battery box for powering your kayak gear like livewell, fish finder, or lighting. We chose the 9ah battery because the size was identical to many of the 7 and 8ah batteries but just weighed more. The case could hold a larger battery if needed. See the listed Amazon container dimensions vs. battery dimensions in the descriptions at the links we posted above to determine what will fit if not using a 12v 9ah.
_____________________________________
OPTIONAL SAE ATTACHMENT FOR GOPRO CAMERA USERS
**Use the below product and pair it with the camera build we show in our other videos. This will allow you to power your GoPro camera on the water for the entire day.
SAE to USB converter (Optional): www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D...
VIDEO LINK OF GOPRO CAMERA SETUP: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmcIT...
HOW MUCH TO BUILD ME ONE I HAVE NO TOOLS THANKS!
+josh butler We have gotten a lot of requests for this. What do you think would be a good price to charge? We need to value our time a little and shipping costs. Should we ship with a 12v 7-9ah battery or without and as a plug & play kit? Thanks Josh.
Thank you
Be aware the outside connectors are not water proof/right and will corrode
*tight
+Travis Billings True...The SAE connectors (outside connectors you mention) are like trailer hitch light connectors which get wet from rain/snow/slush. If you want full submersion connections look at these options. amzn.to/210vjHF