FF install and Questions

for the card slot on my elite 4 - a bit of dielectric grease, insert card, close then tape thoroughly with a few layers of strong vinyl electric tape, the stuff that really glues to itself.

for the card slot on my elite 4 - a bit of dielectric grease, insert card, close then tape thoroughly with a few layers of strong vinyl electric tape, the stuff that really glues to itself.

Sounds like that will work. Thanks for the info.

Can someone explain to me why you would need to place your battery in a box if it's a sealed lead acid battery with gooped connections?  The whole thing is sealed, right? 

For the card slot I just used a q-tip and removed the cotton, then smeared a little goop over the door, should just come right off if you want to insert or remove a card. My experience with electrical tape is it starts to melt off when it gets warm out and becomes a mess.
Has anyone had any experience with zip-tie anchors? and how well they stick to polyethylene? I want to use them to secure the wire up and out of the way.

Can someone explain to me why you would need to place your battery in a box if it's a sealed lead acid battery with gooped connections?  The whole thing is sealed, right?

There are connections which aren't gooped, in particular the fuse connections, which can corrode and put a fish finder out of commission.  In addition, I like to use a battery box because it protects the whole battery package, holds it together, and makes it easy to take my battery in and out of my kayak and transport it.  I also keep spare fuses and replacement connectors in my battery box.

PNW, I see you have used the blue kayak plastic I sent you to weld up the pole holder hole in your Cobra.  Give us a report on how that project went.

Erik - I'm guessing those Weatherpack connectors are waterproof, correct?

YES!!!!!! That's exactly what makes them so great! They seal from both ends of the plug. If you look at the picture of them you will see the ribbed green and grey silicone seals. They are very high quality industrial grade and they work. Not expensive either

http://www.amazon.com/Delphi-Packard-Weatherpack-Terminal-16-14/dp/B004DVM7RG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1422630390&sr=8-2&keywords=weatherpack+connector+kit

But here is the catch.... To install and work with those pins correctly you really should have the proper crimp/release tool(s) not just your regular crimpers will do.

Paul, when you get to that stage, I'd be happy to help you with that part of it. I have some extra connectors, crimpers, AWG wire, heat shrink tubing etc...

Waterman- You are exactly right! Its not the battery itself that needs sealed- it is protecting all of the connections, including the battery terminals. If you can seal them all up you don't need a dry bag or dry box.

what type of crimping tool do you need for this types of connectors?

I thought about getting them, but didnt want to install them wrong.

what type of crimping tool do you need for this types of connectors?

I thought about getting them, but didnt want to install them wrong.

http://www.amazon.com/Delphi-Packard-Weatherpack-Crimper-Tool/dp/B002CCAEJ6/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1422635048&sr=8-4&keywords=weatherpack+packard

Thanks for the links, i just ordered some and the crimper. Hopefully this method will work better and be more water proof sparing me the hassle of making a box and removing the battery bag.

Glad to help. Remember you need to seal the connections for your fuse too as well as the fuse holder itself. I like the waterproof ATC fuse holders like either one of these. Do NOT use regular crimp connectors for your splicing in of the fuse! Solder your splices and use shrink tubing over your joint to seal it up!

Good call on the fuse. Wouldnt just using regular crimp connectors then heat shrink tubing it then putting a little goop on the ends of the heat shrink work just as well?

Will it work? yes? But definitely not as well.

I have never soldered before any advice on what type of iron and what time of solder?
Im literally clueless.

PNW, I see you have used the blue kayak plastic I sent you to weld up the pole holder hole in your Cobra.  Give us a report on how that project went.

Pete - Here's the link to my welding report. I plan on editing a short video soon with most of the steps included. http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=14699.15
I'm installing the cellblok battery box set-up today.