Recessed Battery Switch Location

[gpp7824]

Has anyone moved their battery switch to the outside of the under-seat compartment.
I've seen some fishing boats with the selector being in a recessed pocket directly visible in the cockpit.

Here is an example from
NauticStar 2302 Legacy center console.
Last photo in gallery
http://www.nauticstarboats.com/boats/legacy/2302-legacy/

 

[2nazt]

I think it would be easy enough. I do not think anyone on here has done it though. Is there a specific reason you are looking to, or just a comfort of life thing? On my old 08 the seat is a pain to remover and put back when the passenger seat was tilted up.

It would take up a bit of the under seat storage. The remainder of the switch sticking out roughly 2" plus the recess. On most fishing boats the walls are hollow or they are fed into the center console so it doesn't impede on storage.

 

[gpp7824]

My only motivation is to put the switch in a direct access location. I'd be happy if it was inside the glove compartment or even a remote switch on the dash, but for some irrational reason it just drives me crazy to have something that is used on every outing hidden away. I know i'm probably alone on this soapbox, but having it under the seat seems as rational as also putting the key ignition right next to it under the seat

 

[biglar155]

My only motivation is to put the switch in a direct access location. I'd be happy if it was inside the glove compartment or even a remote switch on the dash, but for some irrational reason it just drives me crazy to have something that is used on every outing hidden away. I know i'm probably alone on this soapbox, but having it under the seat seems as rational as also putting the key ignition right next to it under the seat

You're not alone. If I ever get around to adding my switch it will be something similar to what you have pictured.

 

[LTM1964]

My SeaDoo Speedster had a recessed switch below the throttle. I thought that was a handy design. My Yamaha SX192 had the switch in the battery compartment. Soon after purchasing the SX192, I installed a second battery for listening to the stereo all day and as a backup starter battery. I also installed a dual batter switch and an onboard dual bank charger. Because we use the switch every outing, having to remove a cushion to access it was considered too much of a hassle. I thought about a recessed switch but didn't want to cut a large hole for it. I ended up putting the switch in the engine compartment since it has a hinged opening. I guess there is some risk that I couldn't kill the batteries if there was a fire but I think if a fire was big enough that I couldn't reach into the engine compartment, it is no longer an electrical fire. I could install some inline kill switches near the batteries for emergency use if I think it is necessary.

 

[gpp7824]

@LTM1964
I honestly had not thought about moving it into the engine compartment. It is certainly a more convenient location due to the hinge and usually no one sitting in that spot.
Got any pictures of that location? How is it working for you?

 

[LTM1964]

I would get a picture but my boat has been at the dealer since September waiting for a new engine because of the timing chain failures. I put the battery switch up high and back on the carpeted wall that separates the engine and battery compartments. It is very handy there, since we use the battery switch at least four times per outing.

 

[2nazt]

I could see the hassle at multiple changes a day. I turned mine on when I prep the boat in the morning by myself and turn off at end of cleaning when I'm by myself so it never bothered me. May I ask why you change it so many times.? Unless maybe you leave and go eat at the dock.

 

[LTM1964]

I turn it from Off to Battery 1 in the morning, then switch to Battery 2 when we tie up in a cove for the day, then Battery 1 or both 1 and 2 for the ride back to the ramp, then back to Off at the ramp.

 

[biglar155]

Hmmmm... Not sure about the engine compartment. Might be some rules code there (not that anyone necessarily follows those).

That switch is not explosion-proof. If you have fume build up in the compartment and aren't paying attention, you could find yourself with an aerial view of your burning boat.

 

[Mainah]

This may be the best option. http://www.boatersland.com/bep701md.html

Put in a key switch or normal toggle at the helm to remote operate this switch. Possibly other options out there as well.

 

[rickd01]

I have been wanting to do that for 2yrs. I cant find the recessed part. Did you source one??

 

[gpp7824]

I have been wanting to do that for 2yrs. I cant find the recessed part. Did you source one??

The first photo on this topic is from a Nautic Star fishing boat website. My Yamaha dealer also sells that brand of center console so this is where I first saw those recessed switches. If I decide to go this route I was going to get it through the parts desk, or find an online source.

 

[gpp7824]

Hope this helps...
SSI custom plastics out of Tampa.

http://ssicustomplastics.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/SSi-2017-Product-Catalog.pdf

Page 15