Alumacraft Competitor 205 Tiller Rigging Tips?

We get to pick our new 2019 Alumacraft Competitor 205 Tiller up next week WOOT!

Wondering if anybody would mind sharing info on how you rigged your Competitor Tillers?

We putting a Ulterra and 2 Helix 10 mega si on the boat, 5 batteries and 2 on-board chargers.

My plan is to be able to move one to the bow and driver side while having the main one at the console.

Questions:
1) I’m thinking of running 29 series deep cycle interstates instead of 31 series to save a little weight, would you see considerable more run time with 31s instead 29s?

2) Tips for running wires to the bow

3) Tips/pics for transducer placement

4) Where did you mount your chargers, I’m thinking of running wires from the batteries to the stern and mounting both chargers
somewhere in the back

gregl2017 wrote:

We putting a Ulterra and 2 Helix 10 mega si on the boat, 5 batteries and 2 on-board chargers.

Is that Ulterra a 36v? doing the math on why five, do I have it correct:
Starter
House
3 for the Ulterra

29 vs 31 size- is this for all 5 or just for the Ulterra?

Ya Ulterra is 36v I’m thinking 29s for house & TM batteries

Granted I only run a single Helix 7 and radio/ phone charger, but I run a group 29 AGM for starting and running and haven’t ever come close to feeling like I should have gone 31.

You’re pulling cossiderably more amps with all those units, but 2x 29’s should be fine for your purpose.

I run a 24V terrova powered by 2x group 29’s and I can troll 8-10 hrs on the river depending on what speed I’m holding.

Thanks! I ran 24v on my alaskan but the 205 is much bigger.

I feel like a 36 volt tm would be a better choice for this boat.

So I’m trying to figure out if 29 series would have much less that 31 series charge life for the weight/cost etc.

I need to do some reading

Here are a few rigging photos so far. Trailertux rock guard. 2 Helix 9’s Mega. Installed a 3 bank genius charger for my group 31’s. I installed it at the back of the rod locker, seemed to be the most logical place. 72” 36 volt terrova. Had the 60” on my last boat and would loose contact in larger waves. I have run Optima blue top for my house battery and have never run into trouble with low battery (on any of my boats) Vantage and wave whackers are February projects.

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Thanks Dave, some great ideas!

Pick my boat up this week hopefully.

I was curious what was driving the 5th battery? The only time I’ve seen this setup is boats that have a Mercury Verado engines with electric hydraulic steering. Having one larger house battery (and a single 4 bank charger) would be less expensive and lighter then two batteries and two chargers. On my Comp 185 tiller, I have two 8″ Onix’s at the console and one Helix 7 at the bow. This is all hooked up to one Interstate Group 29 deep cycle along with the outboard (Yamaha F90) and the factory boat electronics. With all 3 graphs on, livewell on timer, and radio I have never ran below 12 volts with setup.

I wondered about just running a 31 for starting and my 2 10’s, hub and accessories.

Seems like most run 5 batts, but maybe that’s with big motors that can push the extra weight.

Will the ferret rings block outboard interference?

gregl2017 wrote:

I wondered about just running a 31 for starting and my 2 10’s, hub and accessories.

Seems like most run 5 batts, but maybe that’s with big motors that can push the extra weight.

Will the ferret rings block outboard interference?

I’ve never noticed any interference from the outboard on my electronics hooked up to the same battery. It’s the trolling motor batteries that you don’t want to hook up to.

Thanks!! I’m going to try that its a cheaper option!, can always change at a later date

Anybody know what the clear hose is running into my console? I tried to post a pic from my onedrive but it won’t work.

gregl2017 wrote:

Anybody know what the clear hose is running into my console? I tried to post a pic from my onedrive but it won’t work.

That clear tube should hook up to your speedometer gauge and motor. Commonly referred to a pick up tube or speedo tube.

OH! Thank you, I’ve never used a speedo, always just gps speed LOL!

Picking up my comp 205 real soon but I got a couple of questions. First off, Greg how is it? Secondly Dave, how do you like the trailer tux? And what size graphs do you have in back? I have helix 10,and 12 but it doesn’t look like they will fit in compartment? And also the strength of that? Any info would be appreciated.

Hi Larry,

The 10 will definitely fit, not sure one the 12 maybe if you tilt it back before stowing it.

gregl2017 wrote:

1) I’m thinking of running 29 series deep cycle interstates instead of 31 series to save a little weight, would you see considerable more run time with 31s instead 29s?

FYI, Interstate no longer offers a battery labeled as a 29-series. It looks like they might have re-labeled their former 29-series as 31, since the current 31 has the same specs as the former 29…

https://www.interstatebatteries.com/recreation-vehicles/marine-batteries/deep-cycle

Looks like you went with their current 31s, bigger is always better imho. Enjoy!

I don’t see the 10 fitting unless mounted direct? Then you really cant move them? I was told to eliminate the lockable storage mostly because the movable mounting plate is not sturdy enough for a 10, and 12 mounted, and banging hard water! Mount on top of console and going to utilize the storage area for all the wiring, ethernet box, etc. Ordered Cisco track system for graphs, so I will be able to slide out and lock up when needed.

Oh you could do that as well! Man, I haven’t had much time to think about rigging because I’m stressing about not actually having the boat yet!

I like your idea Larry! Man, I just paid for 3 – 15′ Ethernet cables UGH!

You could also mount 2 short tracks on the floor of the storage bin, so when towing you could stow them securely in the lockable storage or even just screw down a few Velcro straps to tie them to the floor!

I may go that route as well!.. that way I don’t have to solder the thin power wire to 10 gauge wire!

The Helix 10’s will fit. They are the same size as the 9’s. I drilled a hole in the center of the mount that came with the units and ran a bolt thru. This allows me to rotate as i see fit. Stability of units is not a problem. I had a 185 Tiller before this and did the same mounting procedure, solid as can be. The TrailerTux rock guard is new to me but have a few friends that use them. In my mind one of the best products out there. Time will tell.

running the 185t with a helix 9 and 10 paired in the back, are you running two transducers? was thinking of going to that this year see if it helps mi si detail at all

http://www.raisingcaine.net

Yup I’m going to run both SI duces from my 2 Helix 10’s and a high speed one for 2D. I figured I have them might as well use them

I am picking up my comp 205 tomorrow. One question I have and the dealer couldn’t answer. The side rod storage on the comp 185 has rod holders in the storage, but my 205 doesn’t? Does anyone who has the new 205 have the rod holders in the side rod locker?

I have a 205 CS and the dealer mounted the charger on the side of the dry storage compartment (Right of bow rod locker). Easy to get to and doesn’t take up much room. I don’t have any complaints with it there. Un-plug it, throw the cord in and shut the door.

I have a 2019 Comp 205 tiller my side rod locker does not have rod holders

My 205 is on order. I would like to be prepared with as much oif the rigging materials as possible before the boat arrives. I hope you will help by answering questions about battery space and TM plug & wiring.
What type of TM plug comes with the boat (e.g., twistlock or round 3-prong, etc.). Do you know the mfr/model of the plug? Was a matching male plug furnished? If not, what did you have to buy?
Do you know the TM wire gauge that was pre-installed by Alumacraft (e.g., 6 AWG)?
Did Alumacraft install a 60A breaker? If so, is it the switchable type, or does it just have a reset button, and where is the breaker located?
Would you mind posting a photo of your TM batteries and starting/house batteries arrangements? Were you able to fit 2 group 31 batteries in the starting battery compartment?
Did you install a separate 2-bank charger for starting & house batteries? What fit?

My boat came pre-rigged with the 3-prong round but still needs a bit of a twist to completely engage. Male end was included.

Not sure of the guage of wire but will attach some pics

All breakers were in place and located near the batteries in the storage area below the rod locker

Just recently I modified my battery set up and was able to turn a blue top Optima starting battery sideways and push all the way to the back of the compartment. This allowed me to get a group 31 with 210 min reserve capacity to run all accesories-pumps & 3 Helix 9’s I am running genious single chargers for the 2 house baterries (AGM and Wet like to be charged at different rates) And also have a 3 bank Genious charger for trolling batteries

See photos

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