Anyone have a good batter option for the hobie livewell - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

TJones · 12-19-2020, 04:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by summers in kuwait

The hobie switches on the older design livewells stink.
Mine died after 3-4 months of heavy use. Replaced with new switch and died after another 3 months. Bypass the switch and go direct.
Simply place the battery in the pocket and secure during launch and then connect the battery once ready to make bait. Very easy.

Lots of cost-effective battery options online or locally. Just confirm the size, to ensure it fits. Also, you'll need to rewire depending on the current wiring setup if you go with a non-hobie battery. Not a big deal, but just an FYI.

run battery direct, bypass switch.

jorluivil · 12-22-2020, 06:24 AM

I've only had luck with one switch but it cost me $30, but like most switches it ended up failing. If cost is an issue do just like everyone else and bypass the switch, it's not hard to connect the battery to the pump when you're on the water, I've done it plenty of times.

Just remember to not connect the battery you start making bait and don't forget to disconnect it once you're done, you do not want to fully drain an SLA battery.

Denis_Ruso · 12-24-2020, 08:03 AM

Since this is kinda related, no issues with my switch but just killed my 2nd battery.

Can I just pull the wire/connection off the old one and solder it to a generic 6v?

Batmann · 12-24-2020, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Denis_Ruso

Since this is kinda related, no issues with my switch but just killed my 2nd battery.

Can I just pull the wire/connection off the old one and solder it to a generic 6v?

Just curious if anyone has figured out a good option for a 6V lithium battery?

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JohnMckroidJr · 12-24-2020, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Batmann

Just curious if anyone has figured out a good option for a 6V lithium battery?

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5000 using Tapatalk

Some of the kayakers in my area are using "blue bricks"(cheap generic lithium batteries) off eBay. They need to be housed in a watertight container that can readily be found at Walmart. Usually hard to find 6V, but some are using 8.4V while others are using a voltage regulator to drop the power. Batteries from China are cheap, often not the Ah or voltage they claim. With that in mind, sometimes a 12v one is just fine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Denis_Ruso

Since this is kinda related, no issues with my switch but just killed my 2nd battery.

Can I just pull the wire/connection off the old one and solder it to a generic 6v?

yes, I have done that.

12-22-2020, 06:24 AM	#2
jorluivil Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 6,856	I've only had luck with one switch but it cost me $30, but like most switches it ended up failing. If cost is an issue do just like everyone else and bypass the switch, it's not hard to connect the battery to the pump when you're on the water, I've done it plenty of times. Just remember to not connect the battery you start making bait and don't forget to disconnect it once you're done, you do not want to fully drain an SLA battery. __________________ www.facebook.com/Teamsewer

12-24-2020, 08:03 AM	#3
Denis_Ruso Senior Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 571	Since this is kinda related, no issues with my switch but just killed my 2nd battery. Can I just pull the wire/connection off the old one and solder it to a generic 6v? __________________ 2018 Hobie Outback 13 I do not fear the storm as it will teach me how to sail my ship.