Pics to follow - wanted to build out the post & links first then insert pics
Here are two separate battery box builds I've made with the following assumptions
1) Waterproof/resistant electrical (everything WILL get wet)
2) Easily swapped, moved, charged (between different kayaks, and my porta-bote)
3) Easy to repair/upgrade/replace
4) EASY & SAFE TO USE!
Additionally - I use both builds outside of just boating (when camping - which we do a lot of) - so the cost was a lot more acceptable.
Build #1 is a standard build w/ nothing really fancy
Build #2 is designed to use a USB battery pack (like what you use for backup charging of a cell phone)
Common Elements - shopping list
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Seahorse Waterproof Case - $ 23
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Waterproof bulkhead connector - $26 (stupid expensive... but it is a REALLY well built connector)
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Heat Shrink, Waterproof, Crimp Connectors (multiple projects worth) - $13.90
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Connectors (cut in half to use all around - multiproject) - $ 9.80
Build #1 explicit items
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Battery - 14AH - $101
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LI Charger - $25
Build #2 explicit items
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Adjustable Step up power module - $12.50
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USB Power Bank - $39.99
- 2 USB Cables (cut and soldered in parallel to feed from battery to module) - FREE from my cable pile
Additional/optional items
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Switches - 6$ (can find cheaper elsewhere - this was a handy link)
Description (and pictures)
Build #1 - is your standard(nice) battery box build suitable for a kayak or really any outdoor activity where you need a waterproof 12v source. It can run most fish-finders for 7-12+hrs depending on model and usage. It has a little bit of room for paperwork or similar if you need a place to put stuff (would be pushing it to fit a wallet unless it was thin). You do NOT have to ever open the case - the charger can plug right into the outside of the case to charge (and you can just unplug and move to plug in in kayak when needed).
Build #2 - is really designed around being flexible w/ your power supply. Basically it will take any of the standard (and cheap) USB power banks and let you run your 12v devices off it. The Anker battery linked is equivalent to a 4-6ah 12v battery. Due to the smaller battery size inside the case there is a LOT of room for other items - so this build is perfect for someone kayak camping (as long as they selectivly use their FF). One big reason I went with this build is that there are a LOT of portable options for charging USB power banks out there - solar, BioLite, small quick chargers from 120v. If someone really wanted to take this to the next level - you could do a double setup w/ two batteries and strap a solar panel to your kayak and pull from one battery while the other charges. The USB powerbank also can be removed for use outside of kayak (my wife uses ours when she's working because she isn't always by an outlet and due to her work it can drain and die easily).
Hi-res images -
http://imgur.com/a/xQxPZ - Battery Box 1
http://imgur.com/a/7ENFX - Battery Box 2
http://imgur.com/a/KsB0Z - Misc
Forum/Low Res
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