Moving Batteries on 20 Cuddy

[Rock Bottom]

As many of you probably are, I'm starting to think about my winter wish list. But, I'm not ready for the pink stuff to go in yet, so don't rush me! Anyway, I hate the battery bridge. Anyone done something creative to move the batteries to an alternate location on a 20 cuddy?

[Ship]

I've had them in the step down area to the cuddy but it seemed to make the bow drop down more. With my lard butt and the batteries the boat was nose heavy. I moved them to under the starboard side under the gunnel about midship. That is where they currently are.

[Tony]

I bought my 20/Cuddy with the bridge removed and the batteries mounted in the step down. I've not noticed any bow down tendencies. If you need more info I may have answers or pics. I do have oversized trim tabs and a V-6 not a V-8, which probably is in my favour.

[Ship]

Tony, I have a pipe top and a radio box PLUS my 350lbs. I don't think everyone will have that issue.

[Pedlyr]

I have 2 group 27's in my step down area as well. I have no choice as I cant use the bridge with a Chevy 350 installed.

[Tony]

Chip - It appears that how your boat is set up regarding weight forward, moving batts to the step well could make a difference. Are you prepared to increase tab size? Is your boat stock or custom like Ship's?

[Quik Fix]

I have a large "box" behind my center console that acts as a storage box and leaning post. My batteries are in that.

[Rock Bottom]

This is all good info guys. I've got a totally stock cuddy. I don't even have a bimini top on the thing let alone a pipe top like Ship's. Stock RWC 302 also.

I had thought about maybe modifying the fish cooker to mount the batteries back there, but don't really think I've got the height, nor the ventilation I'd like to see around them. Also don't really want to have any potential for floating batteries in the event of mounting them in the bilge. Sounds to me like I really only have two options:
1) deal with the bridge
2) entertain moving them to the step down and potentially needing larger trim tabs

I do like the idea of mounting some battery boxes out to the side like Ship suggests. Don't know if I'd like the looks of seeing them all the time though. Lots to entertain.

[Mauro]

I was just thinking about this for my 1988 20 open, in my case moving the batteries in the compartment in front of the engine. I saw they did that on the Florida Sportsman refurb of a 20 open (pinned on the new web site) and it makes a lot of sense as my current bridge is in poor shape and will require mods to add a good battery hold down and the whole assembly is in my way every time when poking about the engine.

Anyone else move them up front and if so how did it work out?