It was time to replace the battery after noticing I was only getting 3 hours of use out of my 12V 9AH Gel Cell battery that came with my Hobie Fishfinder Kit. On a full charge the voltage topped off at 12.1V! The thing about these battery’s is that they don’t like to be discharged and my Lowrance Elite 5 TI drew 1.2A, virtually damaging the cells by running them dry on every outing.

The solution: Buy a bigger battery! But the downside is you would have to carry the additional weight. So even better, buy a Lithium Iron Phosphate “LiFePO4.” Not only lighter but they don’t mind being completely discharged!

Time to salvage the cover and connector using a flat blade:

Great job Hobie!

Now let’s clean up those wires and remove the plastic covers so we can use them on the new battery:


Use a good flexible glue for the connectors and let’s fill up those covers:



Make sure the opening is completely sealed off to prevent corrosion and then clean off any excess:



Finally let the glue dry for 24hrs and install in the existing Hobie tray.

I opted for the 12AH to give myself ample time to enjoy using my Fishfinder. It’s wider so it won’t snap into place but nothing a bungee cord can’t fix.

Another added benefit is that lithium battery’s can be mounted on its side if you want to avoid the wires being pulled by the battery tray:


Here are the specs from the battery app and the voltage from the Fishfinder:



This lithium battery cost $79.00 and works with the existing Hobie charger. At the price of just $9 more than the Hobie replacement battery and a 5 year warranty, it was a no brainer. I hope this helps anyone out there looking to replace or upgrade their existing Hobie battery kit.

Link to the battery:
https://lithiumhub.com/product/12-volt-12ah-battery/

I got the NRS chinook 20% off as stated above. If the VHF pocket is a deal breaker, consider using the VHF clip and attach the VHF it to the shoulder strap. That's what I did. Its out of the way and still accessible if needed.

Its a YES from me 

Well, this is 4 years past due. Born and raised in Vallejo, I've fished since I can remember but I'm still fresh to the kayak scene. I use to own a Tarpon 140 but then sold it for my Gregor to take my buddy's out fishing with me. 4 years later and now I finally got the kayak I always wanted. Safety was first on my list so I picked up the appropriate attire and equipment, just waiting for some good weather to help get rid of this itch. Looking forward to meeting some of you on the water. LETS GO SLAY SOME FISH!

-Chris       

Looking for a revo 13, preferably ‘15 or newer. Let me know what you got. Thanks!

I picked up a 2011, in Nov. 2012.  Might be looking at a 2015 so my 2011 (used ~5x) might become available complete with tramps, rod holders & lowrance HDI ready setup.  Kept on a trailer with Hobie craddles.  Trailer NOT included though.

Tandem?

Whats your budget?

3k range for a tandem. I found an AI for 2k and a TI with a trailer for 3.5k. Far drive though.