DIY WATERPROOF BATTERY BOX for Kayaks & Boats + Sealed Lead Acid vs Lithium LiFePO4 12V batteries!

In this video i show a step-by-step guide to building a Waterproof Battery Box for powering the electronics on a kayak, boat, SIB and more! I provide an in-depth discussion on the differences between standard 12V Sealed Lead Acid batteries and Lightweight Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries for use on a kayak. I then build a waterproof battery box that can be used with any type of 12V battery (SLA, VRLA, AGM, Gel, LiFePO4). I test the battery box at the end of the video to ensure it powers my fish finder and to ensure it remains waterproof when subject to shallow submersion. This box is a great way to keep your battery dry in the wet environment of a kayak or boat!
My battery box build makes use of a plug and socket for easy connection to a device such as a fish finder, GPS chartplotter, lighting rig and other 12V accessories. The battery can be quickly and easily disconnected from the box for charging via Super Seal connectors housed within the box.
I have used a smaller version of this battery box to power the Raymarine Dragonfly 5 Pro on my kayaks for the last 3 years and it works brilliantly. I now have a new fish finder that requires a larger battery as shown in this video.
The Lithium battery i use is an Aliant YLP Ultra-Lightweight YLP LiFePO4 battery - these come in various sizes / charge capacities and in this video i show the YLP24 (equivalent to 24aH SLA), but i have been using the YLP10 for the last few years without issue for the Dragonfly 5 Pro. These are marketed as starter motor batteries for motorbikes, however they can be used for many 12V applications. Just ensure you use a suitable charger for LiFePO4 batteries.
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#batterybox #LiFePO4 #kayakfishing

[@newcs5518]

Another quality video. Cheers pal was thinking of going for sae 2 connectors for my set up but now seeing thes super seal connectors you have changed my mind. Cheers again 👍

[@neilblomquist5130]

Great video, very thorough. I will be using the idea for my larger lithium battery to power a trolling motor for my kayak.

[@tezzaskayakfishing]

Just found your channel and checked a couple of videos out. Loving it, very thorough and well explained. Particularly like the modification videos. Super helpful, cheers.

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Thanks Terry! Plenty more to come, I just need to find the time to edit all the footage! 😀

[@PaulMotu]

Great stuff thanks mate. Keep up the great no nonsense videos. Enjoy your channel 😎

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Thanks Paul, lots more videos to come 😎

[@banko1813]

Excellent video as always Liam 👌

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Thanks! Appreciate the comment 😀

[@jelly_fishing]

Nice video and walk thru of the build 👍

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Thanks Pablo 😀

[@jopicdegarzolic1187]

Great vidéo.greatings from brittany's Cornwall

[@demetriusholmes6034]

The best solution and simple seems like. Would this work for electric fishing reel and how do you recharge your battery thanks

[@vtxdaryl]

Great waterproof test, 99% of boxes are not waterproof, they are water resistant. Thanks, your videos are some of the best I’ve watched on any subject.

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Thanks for the comment, it’s much appreciated. You see lots of DIY builds but not many are actually tested. I like to have confidence in my gear 😉

[@christopherhobby8391]

This was a great tutorial video, thank you for your time to show how you do it. I just bought this same fish finder you show at the end of this video. But am wonderin’ if that plastic box will fit through the factory hole 🕳 in Hobie Mirage Passport 12.0 kayak?

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Hi Christopher, thanks for the comment. I’m pretty certain the box would bit slightly too big to get through the 8in Twist N Seal hatch on the Passport 12.0. Perhaps put the upgraded Rectangular Hatch Kit where your current round hatch is, and move that one up on the bow?

[@christopherhobby8391]

@@CornishKayakAngler Thanks for the reply. Hope the one I bought will fit. Tryin’ not to spend over $120 bucks for a square hatch lol 😂. Take care buddy and appreciate your videos.

[@jonathancohen585]

Hello - can you list out all the connectors you used? Both in and out of the box? Thanks

[@Rubibi-saltwaterjim]

I'm trying to find the same thing.

[@mrsamsebastian]

The Connectors are: 1- Smaller ones for inside the box are Electrical Waterproof Connector 1 Pin Superseal Car Boat Kit 2- Larger ones for outside/on the box is Bulgin Flush Mounting Socket and Bulgin Waterproof Plug

[@Hakisfishing]

Can you do a battery box on the other heavier battery you had there please??

[@SvetzBowman]

On the price, the Lithium will do more cycles than lead - so $/cycle is usually closer in costs. You can also discharge lithium ~80% without affecting cycles, with lead acid you typically only discharge 50% to extend the life. Lithium phosphate is the safest of the lithium bunch (won't catch fire while charging) and doesn't use cobalt. Lithium titanate might be better, probably more expensive. Water is too resistive at 12V to do much more than let the battery discharge slowly. Unlike lead, in the off-season, don't leave them stored at full charge.

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Thanks Svetz, there are lots of advantages to LiFePO4 batteries and they are becoming more widely used. I’m sure they will get a little cheaper in time too but as you say, cost per cycle brings them closer to lead options. Faster charging rates too which is a bonus.

[@johnmillington3605]

Hiya, could you tell me where you got the Aliant battery from please? Cheers great video.

[@CornishKayakAngler]

Hi John, I brought the battery from this retailer (local to me here in Cornwall, UK): www.raceandtrackdayparts.co.uk/products/aliant-ylp-lifep04-battery

[@braaap690]

Nice! Does it float?

[@LAGANGSTAe33]

Why not oncludeditems used in description?

[@325ricco]

Can i use this Linkstyle 4 in 1 Marine Switch Panel, 12V 4.2A Dual USB Charger Socket Power Outlet & LED Voltmeter & Cigarette Lighter Socket & LED Lighted ON Off Rocker Toggle Switch for Truck Car Marine Boat RV with this type of battery

[@CornishKayakAngler]

If it’s designed for a 12V system then yeah there’s no reason why it can’t be integrated into the wiring.

[@Rubibi-saltwaterjim]

What's the connector called?

[@CornishKayakAngler]

The small connectors inside the box are called 1-pin Superseal Connectors. The larger socket connector is made by Index Marine, called the Bulgin 2-pin Plug and Socket. Hope this helps!

[@Song-mf6cq]

Great video thanks! Do you mind sharing your email address? I’d like to share (questions on connections) some images for my own connection needs.