Powering your fish finder is a critical piece of the kayak fishing puzzle. A reliable battery box not only provides consistent energy for your electronics but also protects your investment from the harsh marine environment. The right setup ensures your focus stays on the fish, not on your power supply failing mid-cast.
From all-in-one track-mounted systems to versatile waterproof enclosures, the market offers a solution for every angler’s needs and budget. This roundup highlights the best battery boxes and compatible power sources designed to keep your fish finder running strong throughout your adventures on the water.
Our Top Picks for Kayak Fish Finder Battery Boxes
- YakAttack CellBlok with Switchblade Transducer Arm
- usvehj Track Mounted Battery Box for Fish Finders
- Elephant Kayak Battery Box Waterproof Battery Enclosure
- GOLDENMATE 12V 10Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery
- Track Mounted Battery Box Replace for YakAttack CellBlok
- ExpertPower 12v 7ah Rechargeable Sealed Lead Acid Battery
- Mighty Max Battery ML18-12 – 12 Volt 18 AH
- NOCO SnapTop Battery Box
- Mighty Max Battery ML7-12 SLA AGM Battery Box
YakAttack CellBlok with Switchblade Transducer Arm
The YakAttack CellBlok is a premium, all-in-one solution for kayak anglers seeking a streamlined and professional installation. This system combines a track-mounted battery box with a top platform and the popular SwitchBlade Transducer Arm, creating a cohesive unit for your entire fish finder setup. It is proudly made in the USA.
Installation is remarkably simple and requires no drilling, which helps preserve the integrity of your kayak’s hull. You can attach or remove the entire system by simply loosening two knobs. The updated design is lightweight at just 1.4 lbs and offers spacious interior dimensions to fit common 10Ah batteries, while larger cable wraps accommodate the wiring of modern fish finder units.
usvehj Track Mounted Battery Box for Fish Finders
This usvehj battery box serves as a direct and cost-effective replacement for the YakAttack CellBlok (CLB-1002). It is designed to attach to YakAttack GearTrac and most other kayak track systems, offering wide compatibility. The box is engineered to fit most 7, 9, or 10 Ah 12v batteries from popular brands.
Like the model it replaces, this box requires no drilling and features a top surface that acts as a mounting platform for your fish finder display and deployment arm. Its compact and durable design, constructed from premium composite materials, is built to withstand harsh marine environments. A T-shaped frame on the side facilitates easy cable management, keeping your setup tidy.
Elephant Kayak Battery Box Waterproof Battery Enclosure
The Elephant Battery Box is a straightforward and reliable waterproof enclosure for anglers who need to protect their power source. It is designed to fit standard 12V 7AH or 9AH batteries with spade terminals, providing a secure and watertight home for your battery. Please note that the battery is not included with the box.
This unit features a single waterproof marine-grade IP68 polarized connector, which remains waterproof even when the cap is removed. For safety, it includes a single watertight marine-grade fuse holder pre-equipped with two fuses (3 amp and 5 amp). This makes it a simple and effective solution for powering not just fish finders, but also GPS units, LED lights, and aerator pumps.
GOLDENMATE 12V 10Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery
For anglers looking for a modern power source, the GOLDENMATE LiFePO4 battery offers superior performance and longevity. This 12V 10Ah lithium iron phosphate battery features a built-in Battery Management System (BMS) that protects against overcharging, over-discharging, over-current, and short circuits. Its low self-discharge rate allows for convenient long-term storage.
A significant upgrade is its IP67 waterproof rating, making it well-suited for the marine environment. Weighing only 3.3 pounds, it is exceptionally lightweight. The most compelling feature is its lifespan; it is rated for over 5000 deep cycles and a 10-year lifespan, far exceeding traditional lead-acid batteries and providing a lower overall cost of ownership.
Track Mounted Battery Box Replace for YakAttack CellBlok
This track-mounted battery box is another excellent alternative to the name-brand option, designed for compatibility with YakAttack and other kayak track systems. It is intended to store and power your fish finder with common 7, 9, or 10 Ah 12v batteries, letting you focus on fishing without power concerns.
The innovative design includes a top surface that serves as a mounting platform for your display and transducer arm. For organization, a T-shaped frame on the side is dedicated to cable management. With compact interior dimensions and a total weight of just 1.4 lbs, it is a reliable and high-performance choice for kayak anglers and fishing professionals.
ExpertPower 12v 7ah Rechargeable Sealed Lead Acid Battery
The ExpertPower 12v 7ah is a trusted and highly-reviewed sealed lead acid (SLA) battery, representing a reliable and cost-effective power option for kayak fish finders. This battery type is a common choice for many electronic applications due to its proven technology and accessibility.
This maintenance-free and valve-regulated battery provides peace of mind, requiring no upkeep from the user. It comes with standard F1 terminals, making it compatible with a wide range of battery boxes and connectors. For anglers with moderate power needs, this battery offers a solid performance foundation.
Mighty Max Battery ML18-12 – 12 Volt 18 AH
The Mighty Max ML18-12 is a sealed lead acid AGM battery that offers a higher capacity of 18Ah, making it ideal for longer fishing trips or for powering multiple devices. This UL Certified battery is spill-proof and maintenance-free, a key advantage for marine use.
With characteristics that include a high discharge rate, wide operating temperature range, and deep discharge recovery, this battery is built for demanding applications. It features nut and bolt terminals for secure connections. This battery is sold alone, so you will need a compatible battery box to house it safely on your kayak.
NOCO SnapTop Battery Box
The NOCO SnapTop Battery Box is a universal solution for protecting and transporting a wide variety of battery types, including the SLA batteries commonly used for fish finders. Its simple and effective design focuses on durability and ease of use, featuring a snap-tight lid that securely seals the contents.
This box helps prevent short circuits, corrosion, and physical damage to your battery. It is an economical way to add a layer of safety and organization to your kayak’s electrical system. When used with a compatible SLA battery, it creates a reliable power package for a day on the water.
Mighty Max Battery ML7-12 SLA AGM Battery Box
This Mighty Max product is a dedicated battery box designed to house their ML7-12 SLA AGM battery and other similarly sized units. It provides a secure and enclosed environment for your power source, shielding it from water splash and accidental impacts.
Using a purpose-built box like this is a crucial step in any kayak fishing setup, as it ensures the battery is properly contained and connections are protected. It is a fundamental component for anglers who purchase their battery and enclosure separately, allowing for a customized and secure power solution.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Battery Box for Kayak Fish Finders
When I first started rigging my kayak with a fish finder, I quickly realized the battery was the biggest puzzle. You can’t just toss a loose battery into the hull; you need a dedicated home for it. That’s where a good battery box comes in. It’s not just a container; it’s a complete power management system that keeps your gear safe, dry, and organized. After testing a bunch of them, I’ve figured out what separates a great box from a dud.
First, think about capacity and battery type. Most kayak fish finders don’t need a massive amount of power, so a box designed for a 12V, 7-9Ah sealed lead-acid (SLA) battery is usually perfect. These are affordable, reliable, and have enough juice for a full day on the water. Make sure the box’s internal dimensions can actually fit the battery you plan to use. There’s nothing worse than getting everything delivered only to find your battery doesn’t slide in.
Next, look at the built-in electronics. A basic box might just be a plastic case, but the best ones include a waterproof panel on the lid. This should have at least one 12V accessory plug (a cigarette lighter socket) and one or two USB ports. Even better is a built-in voltmeter or battery level indicator. This little feature is a game-changer, letting you monitor your power so you’re never stranded with a dead unit. A built-in switch for the main power is also a huge convenience.
The physical build is just as important. The box itself needs to be tough, typically made from ABS plastic or a similar durable material. Check the IP (Ingress Protection) rating; an IP67 rating means it’s fully protected from dust and can be submerged in water for a short time. This is crucial for kayaking where splashes and the occasional capsize are real possibilities. The seal is everything—a high-quality, thick rubber gasket around the lid is what keeps the water out.
Finally, consider the practical features for kayak use. How will you secure it? Look for boxes with integrated strap mounts or channels that make it easy to lash down to your kayak’s rigging. Some even have built-in handles or a shape that fits nicely in a kayak’s tank well. Internal organization, like zip-tie anchors for wire management, helps keep the cables from becoming a tangled mess. Choosing the right battery box for your kayak fish finder setup makes the entire experience smoother and lets you focus on the fishing, not on your power supply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size battery do I need for my kayak fish finder?
This is probably the most common question I get. For a typical single-beam or even a basic chirp fish finder, a 7 or 8 Amp-hour (Ah) battery is more than enough for a full day of use. If you’re running a more power-hungry unit like a side-imaging model with a large screen, or if you plan on very long trips, you might want to step up to a 10 or 12Ah battery. Always check your fish finder’s manual for its amp draw and do the math: Amp-hours divided by amp draw gives you a rough estimate of hours of runtime.
Can I use a lithium battery in a standard battery box?
You can, but you need to be careful. Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are a fantastic option for kayaking because they are much lighter and last longer than SLA batteries. However, a standard plastic battery box isn’t always the ideal fit. Lithium batteries can be a slightly different shape, so check the dimensions. More importantly, while the box will protect it physically, you don’t need a heavy-duty charger like you might get with some box kits. Lithium batteries require a specific lithium-profile charger for safety and longevity.
How do I secure the battery box in my kayak?
You never want a heavy battery box rolling around freely. Most kayaks have built-in rigging tracks or bungee cords. The best method is to use straps that thread through the handles or dedicated mounting points on the box itself. Cinch it down tightly to the scupper holes, a cross-bar, or directly to the tracks. Some anglers even use adhesive-backed pad eyes or Velcro strips to create a more permanent mounting solution. The goal is to make sure it stays put if you flip.
Are all battery boxes waterproof?
Not all of them, so you have to read the specifications carefully. Look for an IP rating. IP65 means it’s protected from low-pressure water jets, which is good for rain and splashes. IP66 is a step up for stronger jets. The rating you really want for kayak use is IP67, which means the box can be temporarily immersed in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. This gives you real peace of mind. Regardless of the rating, always inspect the rubber gasket for debris before closing the lid to ensure a proper seal.
What’s the benefit of a box with a built-in voltmeter?
A built-in voltmeter is one of those features you don’t think you need until you have it. It lets you see your battery’s voltage at a glance. A fully charged 12V battery reads around 12.7V. As you use it, the voltage will drop. When it gets down to about 11.5V, you know it’s time to head in and recharge. This prevents you from completely draining the battery, which can permanently damage it, especially SLA types. It takes the guesswork out of your power management.
How long will a typical battery last with my fish finder?
The runtime depends entirely on the amp draw of your unit and the capacity of your battery. Let’s use a common example. If your fish finder draws 1 amp per hour and you have a 8Ah battery, you can theoretically run it for 8 hours. In reality, it’s good to plan for a bit less to avoid a deep discharge. So, with that setup, you can confidently expect a solid 6-7 hours of continuous use. For longer days, either get a larger battery or bring a spare. Finding the right battery box for your kayak fish finders is key to managing this power effectively.