I currently have 1 house battery (4D) on the shelf under the aft berth. would like to add a 2nd 4D. Suggestions on where to put it much appreciated.
adding house battery B373 2004
- Thread starter Newport Bob
- Start date
I'm not sure of dimendions of 4D. I have two sets of 2-6v golf cart batteries in that space in side by side style battery boxes. I had to make sure the batteries were not too tall - some 6vgc batteries are slightly taller than others. Also had to trim the boxes down and remount the charger. Each 6v battery weighs about 65 lbs. I lowered mine one at a time throught the starboard lazarette onto a plank shimmed up on 2x4s to the same height as the hatch at the foot of the aft berth, then through the hatch on a sloped plank. I thought about setting up an overhead beam and block and tackle to lower them into place but just hemanned it. Back surgery a few months later.
You could put a second 4d in the starboard lazarette and run long 1/0 cables back to the battery switch.
It would balance the boat better than piling them all in one place.
Joe
You could put a second 4d in the starboard lazarette and run long 1/0 cables back to the battery switch.
It would balance the boat better than piling them all in one place.
Joe
We added two group 27's in the very front compartment of our 373 (just forward of the front water tank). There is plenty of room there, they are out of the way and they help offset the weight in the back of the boat. Tied them into the 1/0 awg cable which is already run for the windlass, put in a new battery switch for the front bank and moved the windlass circuit breaker up front.
Thanks Nate.
I was hoping to add another 4D, but am having trouble finding a spot where it will fit - even though the manual shows one in the elec schematic when an inverter is added. Even Bene USA had no info on location. This looks like an alternative I had not thought about AND it helps with the weight distribution.
To confirm - with your setup the batteries are also available to feed he house circuits, not just the windless.
Bob
I was hoping to add another 4D, but am having trouble finding a spot where it will fit - even though the manual shows one in the elec schematic when an inverter is added. Even Bene USA had no info on location. This looks like an alternative I had not thought about AND it helps with the weight distribution.
To confirm - with your setup the batteries are also available to feed he house circuits, not just the windless.
Bob
Hi Bob,
Yes the second bank in the bow expands the capacity of the original house bank. It basically acts as one large bank. There are two important pieces to this setup.
1) You'll want to add a battery switch in the bow near the new batteries. This allows you to isolate these batteries and turn off "house" power. Without this the wires running to the stern would always be live and would power the boat.
2) You need to move the circuit breaker for the windlass up front so its between the new batteries and the windlass motor. You don't want the circuit breaker between the original and new bank.
I was told by a friend that you shouldn't mix battery classes (4D with group 27). I might look at putting two new group 27s in the original stern location this year (if they will fit) as the 4D is getting older and should be replaced soon anyway. That would give me 4 group 27s which would be nice.
I have been really happy with the setup of our batteries in the bow. It has really helped with capacity.
Nate
Yes the second bank in the bow expands the capacity of the original house bank. It basically acts as one large bank. There are two important pieces to this setup.
1) You'll want to add a battery switch in the bow near the new batteries. This allows you to isolate these batteries and turn off "house" power. Without this the wires running to the stern would always be live and would power the boat.
2) You need to move the circuit breaker for the windlass up front so its between the new batteries and the windlass motor. You don't want the circuit breaker between the original and new bank.
I was told by a friend that you shouldn't mix battery classes (4D with group 27). I might look at putting two new group 27s in the original stern location this year (if they will fit) as the 4D is getting older and should be replaced soon anyway. That would give me 4 group 27s which would be nice.
I have been really happy with the setup of our batteries in the bow. It has really helped with capacity.
Nate