Too Much Battery Weight in old icebox location? 1983 H34

[H3newdog]

I'm planning on locating 2 - GC2 batteries with space for an additional two in the area where I removed the icebox. My question is the batteries are heavy (62# each) and the liner sounds hollow to the hull so I'm wondering if it will hold a new custom battery box. I like the location and it's about the only place to put them. I have no clue if the liner can support 240# on the starboard side so I'm looking for suggestions.
I plan on making the box large enough to accommodate all four instead of making two boxes.
I made some mockups out of foam to see if they would fit due to the compound angles.


Any thoughts?

 

[splax]

The fuel tank and original battery location provided the characteristic stbd list to the 34. In an attempt to counter that list I placed two house batteries in the aft berth next to the longitudinal bulkhead. I had planned to place the batteries under the port settee for better balance, but took the quick and easy solution. If you are not placing a battery on the shelf by the fuel tank, the original icebox location is a slightly better place for you batteries because it lowers the center of gravity and reduces the moment lever arm when heeled. You will still have the stbd list, though. If you split the batteries, for example engine start batteries at the icebox location and house batteries under the port settee, you will have a better balanced and more stable boat. I still plan to do that myself, but I don't know when...

 

[H3newdog]

Hey Splax, I plan on following MS's advise on only "house" bank so I'll need to keep them close together. I'm curious how you mounted your two in the "aft stateroom". Did you give up the "twin berth"? I've read several posts here about how the admiral's didn't like the confined space. I've also seen where others have used the space for everything other than an "aft stateroom". I prefer to call it the second aft dungeon on the boat.

 

[splax]

Yeah, mine is storage. Here are the pics on file.

 

[markwbird]

I do not think that is a good location based on weight distribution. The boat already lists to starboard because everything is on the starboard side. If you can get creative and find a way to move the batteries to port and more forward to the center of the boat you will get a better balanced boat. I moved mine under the port settee next to the water tank but I only had two. Why so many batteries, anyway? Planning a long cruise? Also, construct some kind of platform for them to mount to and strap down.

 

[H3newdog]

thanks for the pics. splax,
markwbird, I agree on the list but I want to keep the weight as low and as close to the center line of the boat as possible. As for cruising, I'm not sure what counts but I do plan to spend several days away from the dock. I guess most use this boat to sail for an afternoon or weekend. By the way I do like my electricity...coffee, microwave, frig, not to mention laptop.