I'm planning on completely redoing the electrical system in our boat. One of the earlier projects will be a battery box. There's little written about this mundane topic but I'd like something sturdier than the otc plastic things. Is wood OK? What is needed regarding acid protection? How much ventilation is needed? All the "care for your battery" articles talk about gassing. How great is the explosion danger? I'd like to make a wood box to hold 2 house and 1 starting battery. The box will be firmly attached to the hull. A compartment for connections and the initial large fuses will be inside. The top will overlap 2 inches and have sturdy tension clamps to hold it on. Perhaps I'll use commercial (unless to flimsy) hold downs inside the box. Do I need to fiberglass or otherwise line the box? How can I ventilate it? Any other thoughts? Thanks Geoff
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Try Blue Sea Systems
Geoff, For a strudy box, take a look at Blue Sea Systems. check the link. Jim S/V Java
Geoff, For a strudy box, take a look at Blue Sea Systems. check the link. Jim S/V Java
Why not leave open?
I know I'm no electrical system guru (HA!), but why can't you just create an open top box? Attach a couple of hook doohickeys (bails) on each side & strap 'em down. Bad idea? LaDonna
I know I'm no electrical system guru (HA!), but why can't you just create an open top box? Attach a couple of hook doohickeys (bails) on each side & strap 'em down. Bad idea? LaDonna
ABYC standards.
LaDonna: I think that there are some standards regarding leaving the batteries just blowing in the wind. I think that they are suppose to be covered to prevent something from accidently shorting across the terminals........ Other than that, I'd have to agree, that would provide a lot more venting for accumulated gasing. If I was going to make plywoood boxes, I would just coat the insides and out with epoxy. This would prevent them from getting damp and moldy. It would also seal them incase of a battery leak.
LaDonna: I think that there are some standards regarding leaving the batteries just blowing in the wind. I think that they are suppose to be covered to prevent something from accidently shorting across the terminals........ Other than that, I'd have to agree, that would provide a lot more venting for accumulated gasing. If I was going to make plywoood boxes, I would just coat the insides and out with epoxy. This would prevent them from getting damp and moldy. It would also seal them incase of a battery leak.
Acid would eat the wood
Steve is correct about coating the insides with resin. If you had a spill, it would eat the wood.
Steve is correct about coating the insides with resin. If you had a spill, it would eat the wood.
epoxy insides at least
I have a copy of "The Hinckley Guide to Yacht Maintenence." There's a section on building a battery box from marine plywood, and on creating a mount for it tabbed to the inside of the hull. Mr Hinckley himself says that the inside should always be epoxied to protect against acid leaks.
I have a copy of "The Hinckley Guide to Yacht Maintenence." There's a section on building a battery box from marine plywood, and on creating a mount for it tabbed to the inside of the hull. Mr Hinckley himself says that the inside should always be epoxied to protect against acid leaks.
Geoff; the plastic boxes made by Todd are VERY strong and they come with vented lids, but if you want to stick with plywood, look at Calder's boat maintenance bible. There's a section of building a wooden box.
ABYC
Section 183.420 paraphrased reads, (a) that the battery must be secured, (b) the ungrounded terminals must be protected from metallic objects, (c) Metallic fuel system parts less than 12" from the top of the battery must be shielded, (d) battery must not be directly above or below fuel system parts, (e) vent to discharge gas from the boat. (f) (g) battery terminal connector must not be spring attached.
Section 183.420 paraphrased reads, (a) that the battery must be secured, (b) the ungrounded terminals must be protected from metallic objects, (c) Metallic fuel system parts less than 12" from the top of the battery must be shielded, (d) battery must not be directly above or below fuel system parts, (e) vent to discharge gas from the boat. (f) (g) battery terminal connector must not be spring attached.
Thanks
Thanks All. I'll follow through with your thoughts. If the Todd boxes look good that will be much easier than making something. Geoff
Thanks All. I'll follow through with your thoughts. If the Todd boxes look good that will be much easier than making something. Geoff
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