I have a 1986 HUNTER 31. My 2 gel cell batteries are located below the aft port quarter berth. They sit on a shelf inches above the prop shaft. My question is how to secure them since there is no clearance for battery cases and tie downs. I currently have straps around the batteries that are screwed into the shelf. Any other suggestions?
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
That is exactly how we do it.
Alan: That is exactly how ours is setup. We do NOT have battery boxes. Our Gels sit on the platform and are tied down with straps that are screwed into the platform. These batteries do not leak, so I saw no reason to worry. The only thing to consider is putting some type of a cleat to prevent them from working their way forward which could contact the shaft.
Alan: That is exactly how ours is setup. We do NOT have battery boxes. Our Gels sit on the platform and are tied down with straps that are screwed into the platform. These batteries do not leak, so I saw no reason to worry. The only thing to consider is putting some type of a cleat to prevent them from working their way forward which could contact the shaft.
D
David
Battery hold down
The two major requirements for a battery are, a secure hold down and secure cover. The cover requirement is necessary for only the positive terminal.
The two major requirements for a battery are, a secure hold down and secure cover. The cover requirement is necessary for only the positive terminal.
R
Rick Webb
Stop the Slide
If you added a boundry around the edge of the battery like some of the plastic moulding found at the home centers your batteries could not move unless they jumped over it which the strap should prevent. Covers on the terminals are an absolute must. The tops of batteries seem to be a magnet for metal tools and such, just one slip and it is spark city. Seems like a good idea to cover them both to me just to be extra careful.
If you added a boundry around the edge of the battery like some of the plastic moulding found at the home centers your batteries could not move unless they jumped over it which the strap should prevent. Covers on the terminals are an absolute must. The tops of batteries seem to be a magnet for metal tools and such, just one slip and it is spark city. Seems like a good idea to cover them both to me just to be extra careful.
B
bill walton
Envision your boat upside down
I once read an article that suggested one should climb down the companionway and envision your boat upside down. Whenever I've added something or modified something I've tried to keep this in mind. Where would your batteries go if you were knocked down by a sudden squall or thunderstorm microburst?
I once read an article that suggested one should climb down the companionway and envision your boat upside down. Whenever I've added something or modified something I've tried to keep this in mind. Where would your batteries go if you were knocked down by a sudden squall or thunderstorm microburst?
That means you should ACID all over the place!
Bill: I guess that means you should consider the acid from these batteries on everything. Then what is going to happen when the acid starts reacting with other fluid aboard?
Bill: I guess that means you should consider the acid from these batteries on everything. Then what is going to happen when the acid starts reacting with other fluid aboard?
B
bill walton
Acid
I meant that one should be sure that the battery straps are sufficient and that containers are a good safety item. Personally, I can no longer see any application for flooded cell batteries on a sailboat. Gel or AGM are safer and considering the ramifications of a knockdown, possibly cheaper. Of course, I'm more risk averse than most people I know and tend to spend in excess for the event that may never happen.
I meant that one should be sure that the battery straps are sufficient and that containers are a good safety item. Personally, I can no longer see any application for flooded cell batteries on a sailboat. Gel or AGM are safer and considering the ramifications of a knockdown, possibly cheaper. Of course, I'm more risk averse than most people I know and tend to spend in excess for the event that may never happen.
Acid II
Bill: I agree with you. Gel or AGM technology is the only way to go as far as I am concerned. We use our boat year round but are sometimes away for several weeks. Having to worry about water levels in our batteries is not something I want to care about. But, thinking about your comment of the knock down and the acid draining out of the batteries. This just happens to reinforce the idea that true sealed cell technology is just another reason NOT to deal with flooded batteries. My previous Gels lasted for over 10 years. If I consider not having to worry about them, not having acid on any cushions, clothes etc. They were very inexpensive.
Bill: I agree with you. Gel or AGM technology is the only way to go as far as I am concerned. We use our boat year round but are sometimes away for several weeks. Having to worry about water levels in our batteries is not something I want to care about. But, thinking about your comment of the knock down and the acid draining out of the batteries. This just happens to reinforce the idea that true sealed cell technology is just another reason NOT to deal with flooded batteries. My previous Gels lasted for over 10 years. If I consider not having to worry about them, not having acid on any cushions, clothes etc. They were very inexpensive.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.