Battery boxes

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Blitz

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Jul 10, 2007
722
Seidelmann 34 Atlantic Highlands, NJ
I have noticed through the many pictures posted of batteries, most are not using battery boxes for their batteries, even if flooded.

I have always thought that it was safer to have a box with a lid that is tied down. (maybe in case of a knockdown) However, many of the flooded batteries seen here are only tied down. Could anyone clarify this?

The reason I ask is that by eliminating the boxes I think one can gain considerable space in the battery storage areas of the boats. This would be helpfull in the height with the newer battery terminal fuses in which I fing my boxes can't cover.

Thanks all in advance
 
Roger Long

Roger Long

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Nov 22, 2008
3,562
Endeavour 32 Portland, Maine
Blitz said:
The reason I ask is that by eliminating the boxes I think one can gain considerable space in the battery storage areas of the boats.
Click to expand
You can gain additional room by getting rid of fire extinguishers, flares, and other items you'll probably never need.
 
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Barnacle Bill

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Jun 9, 2008
1,850
- -- -Bayfield
If your boat was surveyed, any batteries that had posts not covered would get a red tag. Batteries must be secured in place and if not in a contained box where there is a lid, then there should be red and black rubber or plastic boots installed over the positive and negative posts to eliminate any arching from objects falling on top. I am sure your insurance company would demand that posts be insulated from such accidents.
 
Deadhead

Deadhead

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Jan 22, 2008
328
Beneteau 46 Georgetown YB
I am not sure of the ABYC requirements. Nor of insurance requirements. But I think it is pretty damn foolish to go without them.

Regards.
DH
 
B

Blitz

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Jul 10, 2007
722
Seidelmann 34 Atlantic Highlands, NJ
Deadhead said:
I am not sure of the ABYC requirements. Nor of insurance requirements. But I think it is pretty damn foolish to go without them.

Regards.
DH
Click to expand

I agree, but uncertain why so many don't have them in covered boxes. I understand that a non flooded battery the risk of fluid splashing around in minimized.
 
Billbeard

Billbeard

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Jun 16, 2010
98
Lancer 25 Newbergh
Isn’t battery acid and salt water an EVEL mixture? they combine to make Chlorine Gas which will KILL you!!
 
Ross

Ross

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Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
Billbeard said:
Isn’t battery acid and salt water an EVEL mixture? they combine to make Chlorine Gas which will KILL you!!
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Not the acid, the direct current. The sodium chloride dissociates into sodium hydroxide and free chlorine gas.
 
druid

druid

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Apr 22, 2009
837
Ontario 32 Pender Harbour
I believe a BOX per se is not required. What IS required is a catch-basin of some sort to catch any spills, a means of tie-down to hold the battery(s) in place, and a means of ventilation. I made a custom battery-box for Far Cove that met these requirements under one of the seats - and there was no way four batteries (2 golf-carts and 2 Group 27s) could fit in there if each was in its own box. Surveyor gave it the A-OK.

druid
 
Stu Jackson

Stu Jackson

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Feb 26, 2004
23,360
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
Blitz said:
I have always thought that it was safer to have a box with a lid that is tied down. (maybe in case of a knockdown) However, many of the flooded batteries seen here are only tied down. Could anyone clarify this?
Click to expand
The box covers are not liquid proof. A knockdown is not the issue.

The deal is if the battery leaks the acid has somewhere to go besides eating into your fiberglass (lining, battery box, or hull!!!).

I don't bother with covers, avoid dropping large metal tools around the posts and try hard not to get knocked down.

Nice to know, though, that I've got an acid reservoir if needed.

Silly to NOT have a box. Buy another battery and put it somewhere else, you;ll get more outta one more battery than you will for enlarging a few Group 24s. Do the math (amp hour capacity).

We also had just this discussion last week.
 
B

Blitz

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Jul 10, 2007
722
Seidelmann 34 Atlantic Highlands, NJ
Stu Jackson said:
The box covers are not liquid proof. A knockdown is not the issue.

The deal is if the battery leaks the acid has somewhere to go besides eating into your fiberglass (lining, battery box, or hull!!!).

I don't bother with covers, avoid dropping large metal tools around the posts and try hard not to get knocked down.

Nice to know, though, that I've got an acid reservoir if needed.

Silly to NOT have a box. Buy another battery and put it somewhere else, you;ll get more outta one more battery than you will for enlarging a few Group 24s. Do the math (amp hour capacity).

We also had just this discussion last week.
Click to expand
A knockdown might have been a bad example for leakage.

Either way, I'm not looking to add battery capacity at this point. I'm just looking to add the terminal fuses and I have found that the box tops just get in the way since my settee is not that deep. While looking through archives, I noticed many either don't have boxes or don't have lids which drew the question that varied from the previous post last week.

Protection of terminals is not a problem with the rubber caps
 
Stu Jackson

Stu Jackson

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Feb 26, 2004
23,360
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
Either remote the fuses, or buy the new fuses that fit right on the tops of the battery posts.
 
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