Hi Folks, I'd like to install a 2nd battery to beef up my cruising capability. I'd like some thoughts or experience in putting a 2nd battery in. I'm sure I want it on the starbord side to counter the weight of the outboard and perhaps under the quaterberth. Thanks in advance for your thoughts and suggestions.. /Chuck S/V Windsongs '85H23
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If it were me.....
Chuck, I don't think I would want to lay on my belly and try to lift a heavy battery out from inside the quarter berth seat. If your existing battery is mounted like mine, it is merely 1/2" plywood made into a 4" high box with a cutout in the top for the battery to sit down in. This assembly is then glassed into the bottom of the bilge area with a little cloth and resin. I think I would make a similar battery box and glass it in on the starboard side of the bilge. It still isn't ideal to get to, but I think it would be easier and if it fumes or spills anything at least it is in the bilge. Just another option. Ward
Chuck, I don't think I would want to lay on my belly and try to lift a heavy battery out from inside the quarter berth seat. If your existing battery is mounted like mine, it is merely 1/2" plywood made into a 4" high box with a cutout in the top for the battery to sit down in. This assembly is then glassed into the bottom of the bilge area with a little cloth and resin. I think I would make a similar battery box and glass it in on the starboard side of the bilge. It still isn't ideal to get to, but I think it would be easier and if it fumes or spills anything at least it is in the bilge. Just another option. Ward
Second Battery
Actually I just installed a second battery on my 87 h23 in the storage area furthest aft under the starboard quarter berth. Access doesn't seem to be a problem because you gain some leverage from the quarter berth when you may have to take it out. I located my battery switch in the locker above the original battery so the run from the new battery was short and easily installed.
Actually I just installed a second battery on my 87 h23 in the storage area furthest aft under the starboard quarter berth. Access doesn't seem to be a problem because you gain some leverage from the quarter berth when you may have to take it out. I located my battery switch in the locker above the original battery so the run from the new battery was short and easily installed.
What gauge wire did you use?
Dave, what gauge wire did you use? And would I need a heavier gauge than you used if I were to move the battery up forward under the V-berth?
Dave, what gauge wire did you use? And would I need a heavier gauge than you used if I were to move the battery up forward under the V-berth?
Thanks
Thanks for your responses. Seems that installing the 2nd battery in the quaterberth isn't a bad idea. I'll persue that further after trying to just fit the battery there. /Chuck S/V Windsongs H23
Thanks for your responses. Seems that installing the 2nd battery in the quaterberth isn't a bad idea. I'll persue that further after trying to just fit the battery there. /Chuck S/V Windsongs H23
wire gauge
I used #6 gauge. I would think you would be fine with #6 as well depending on the load. I have just Cabin & running lights, cd player & VHF, I mostly added the battery to gain a few extra days out without having to recharge (my small solar panels won't quite keep up. Dave s/v Wind Dreamer
I used #6 gauge. I would think you would be fine with #6 as well depending on the load. I have just Cabin & running lights, cd player & VHF, I mostly added the battery to gain a few extra days out without having to recharge (my small solar panels won't quite keep up. Dave s/v Wind Dreamer
speaking of which...how do i close the battery box
the battery box wont close on my h23. this is kind of a problem because of the wires sticking out. whoever bought this boat before us did a pretty terrible job wiring up the electronics.
the battery box wont close on my h23. this is kind of a problem because of the wires sticking out. whoever bought this boat before us did a pretty terrible job wiring up the electronics.
Stock Battery Box
The box provided is minimal so it's hard to fit the battery in and all the cables. My box does not close all the way either so I close it as much as I can and secure the strap. /Chuck S/V Windsongs H23
The box provided is minimal so it's hard to fit the battery in and all the cables. My box does not close all the way either so I close it as much as I can and secure the strap. /Chuck S/V Windsongs H23
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