I'm looking for a little advice, I'm considering moving the batteries to gain some convienient storage space. I have a 27ft Catalina Dinette Layout. Currently 2 batteries are located in the aft dinette seat, closest to the center line of the boat. The battery switch was right in front of the companion way ladder and was destroyed, its a terrible location for the thing. I'm building a recess in this seat to install the new switch too so it will be out of the way. The seat represents a signifigant storage space and I'm considering intalling a hatch so I can access it easily, without having to remove cushions etc and the access to this space from above isn't very good. If I build a shelf for the batteries farther out, they will be easer to access thru to top hatch and I'll have a ton of space accessible from the hatch I want to put on the side of the seat. Currently the fuel tank is on this side, as is the sanitation. Opposite is the galley, a grey water tank, the ice box and a closet. The fresh water storage is in the V birth on the CL of the boat. My question is 2 batteries, approx 36inches off the center line of the boat? How badly will this affect the balance, could this cause a list to any signifigant degree? I wish there were accurate drawings of the boat, I could do an analysis to gauge the effect. Given the weigh of the keel, balancing all moments about the center of flotation.
Battery Location?
- Thread starter John rolka
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When I had an '85 Catalina 27, the batteries were located at the bottom of the port lazarette. I do not think this outboard location affected boat balance at all and it preserved interior storage space. The only downside to that location was that batteries were difficult to remove. Good luck with this.
Two batteries are about half the weight of an average person. How much does the boat heel when you move that far from side to side? Right, not much. Now cut that in half. Don't worry about it.
The type of batteries, ease of access for maintenence and avoiding damage to other stuff from fumes and spillage should also be taken into account. If you had not planned to do so I suggest they should go in individual battery boxes, held down by much more than the silly straps that come with those boxes. This not only makes sense but will get you by a coast guard inspection or insurance survey.
As Roger notes, balance is not a big issue.
As Roger notes, balance is not a big issue.
Battery Position
I recently replaced my batteries on my H33 (two house & one start; starboard nav seat also close to the centerline). The bottom line is that if your batteries are properly secured in your salon (low somewhere in your seating area) then not much to worry with. Consider a couple of no maintenence AGM's with a good box and straps and that will be all you need.
I recently replaced my batteries on my H33 (two house & one start; starboard nav seat also close to the centerline). The bottom line is that if your batteries are properly secured in your salon (low somewhere in your seating area) then not much to worry with. Consider a couple of no maintenence AGM's with a good box and straps and that will be all you need.
John, Not likely to be a problem since lots of other things already on the boat probably weigh more than the batteries. At the very worst, and I doubt it will be needed, you might have to shift some other things in storage around. Don't worry, go sailing. Chuck
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