Battery in cabin?

[kenn]

Our little boat has a bit too much weight aft... outboard, gastank, battery, skipper (ahem), and as a weight distribution fix I'm thinking about moving the battery forward, into an unused spot in the interior, near the bow.

It's my understanding that deep-cycle lead-acid batteries don't outgas much under normal use and charging, and that the only times batteries are dangerous are when they are way overloaded or shorted, or if they're dangerously overcharged. Assuming the battery will be well protected against shorts, and a known-good charger is used, is there any danger or downside to having the battery in the cabin?

Thanks.

 

[sinnettc]

I can't speak for the safety part, but ours makes using the portapotty a challenge . . .

Prior owner moved it there for the same reason you want to. I haven't noticed any issues charging from my solar panel mounted on the stern.

 

[Joe]

My 2 group 27 wet cell batteries are in a compartment under a settee amidships in the salon. I use a hard wired smart charger, the compartment is vented and the batteries are secured in hard plastic cases that are tied down to a wood platform. I like them in that location because they help the boat's trim and they are easy to access for maintenance.

 

[Mike Turner]

On our Rob Roy 23 the original design located the battery in a vented compartment under the cabin sole - it was intended to be placed in a battery box to guard against water in the bilge. In our larger 32' schooner the battery banks are located under a storage locker in a built-in battery box. As long as they are well ventilated and secure, there shouldn't be any issues with them being in the cabin.

 

[Chuckbear]

Pretty much most of the Hunters have batteries under settees and under the floorboard in the main salon and I am not aware of any issues as a result. Chuck

 

[jsalley]

Nearly all current production boats locate the batteries in the cabin. As long as the space is ventilated, there shouldn't be any problem with putting them there. Be aware, however, that you need to appropriately upsize the cables to account for the longer run.

 

[Warren Milberg]

I'd try to find a different interior location nearer the center of the boat, if possible, as you probably ought to not add weight at the bow.

 

[Ross]

You may place an AGM battery anywhere.

 

[kenn]

Thanks all.

sinnettc, I have the same location in mind... we're thinking of relocating the head to the side near the companionway. Most Sandpiper owners find that a little more weight forward is beneficial, so it wouldn't hurt boat trim.