Non-Sealed Lead Acid Batteries

[odysseymarine2009]

Good evening all. I have a questions about lead acid batteries. I just purchased a 26' SeaWard that did not have any batteries in it when I received it. I installed 3 lead acid batteries, the kind you can add water too, inside the enclosed area of the boat before I gave "venting" a second thought. Any of you done the same and if so what issues did you experience, if any.

Thank you

 

[Sail123]

Great Question!

 

[CalebD]

If you installed the batteries in battery boxes that are strapped down then no problem.
The plastic battery boxes available at most auto parts stores work fine. One thing they do well is confine the electrolyte which is highly acidic.
I'm certain that any off gassing the batteries do during discharge/recharge cycles is pretty minimal and slow in process and not likely very harmful. I've seen some boats with the batteries mounted in compartments in the bilge (Beneteau).
Our batteries are in boxes mounted inside our engine room and we do use a blower for our engine.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Not necessary to vent them - it's a "feel good" action. Normal charge/discharge cycling will not produce any significant gassing.

 

[Ian McGain]

One thing you should do is check the water level at the end of July.
Reason is the batteries in the sealed-up boat will lose electrolite due to evaporation. If your plates become exposed you will lose cranking time.

Make sure you house them in battery boxes that are locked down.

 

[kenn]

Alot of modern boats have the batteries in the cabin, even right under a berth. The batteries should pose no hazard and won't require special venting, as long as your charger and engine alternator are all operating correctly.

Use battery boxes, keep them charged, top up when necessary with distilled water, and they should give good service.