Thoughts on moving batteries from gunnel area to under console? - The Hull Truth

bahamascott · 04-15-2005, 08:25 AM

As you can tell I am doing a lot of modifications to my boat.* My batteries now live in the gunwale next to my oil tanks.* I would like to use that space for wash down pump and storage and I am considering moving the batteries up inside my console and placing them in battery boxes.** It will therefore require longer cable and relocation of my Perko battery switches.

Any suggestions?* Pro's and con's?

Thanks,

Scott

HOTSPOT · 04-15-2005, 08:29 AM

Good move in my opinion. MOving that weight out of the transom is a good thing.

Be sure to use the proper type and gauger of cable according to the distance.

Cracker · 04-15-2005, 09:31 AM

Be sure your console is vented. Batteries do release gases, however small in volume I would not like putting them in a totally non ventalated area...Good Luck

bahamascott · 04-15-2005, 09:54 AM

Quote:

HOTSPOT - 4/15/2005 8:29 AM Good move in my opinion. MOving that weight out of the transom is a good thing. Be sure to use the proper type and gauger of cable according to the distance.

Thanks, actually they are in the transom and not the gunwale....I think I have too many projects going on all at once.*

I think you are right....the weight moved forward should give me a little better weight distribtuion.

In regards to ventilation, my two console doors are both vented.....do you think that will be sufficient?

Scott

THE BARRACUDA · 04-15-2005, 10:17 AM

Great Idea!!

Batteries suffer less in the console, and boxed.

Nimrod · 04-15-2005, 10:23 AM

I've got three batteries, Perko, on-board charger and my fresh water reservoir in my console. No probleemo.

TG_190 · 04-15-2005, 10:31 AM

Why would anybody with a choice want them in the transom where they add extra weight to the rear and are likely to get wet/corrode?If you had no choice, OK, but given the choice it is a no brainer IMO.The Ancor site has a gauge vs length/current estimator. Try and mount the batts above the waterline if possible.

autobaun70 · 04-15-2005, 10:39 AM

I just moved my batteries within my console. They were installed from the factory right in the way of everything, as was the oiltank which is also in the console. They were originally mounted on a battery tray, which would do little to contain a spill if something went wrong. I put them in battery boxes, I have a group 24 starting battery, and a group 27 deep cycle for a house battery. They are now wired with a west marine battery combiner, so that they both charge whenever the motor is running, yet are issolated as soon as the motor is shut off. All accessory functions run off the house battery, and the engine itself is the only thing on the starting battery. You can still switch the motor over to the deep cycle in case of emergency, or tie the two batteries together to start if absolutely necessary.

White Bear · 04-15-2005, 11:05 AM

1989 20' BW Outrage - moved the twin batteries from splash well to console several years ago; decreased tendency to porpoise and generally improved ride. Moved battery switch as well and only had to extend power cables to engine using power point connectors located under starboard covering board. A worthwhile modification.

Cracker · 04-15-2005, 11:09 AM

[quote]bahamascott - 4/15/2005 8:54 AM

Quote:

In regards to ventilation, my two console doors are both vented.....do you think that will be sufficient?

Scott

Sounds good. Batteries dont give off large amount of fumes but they do give off some...

marlinslayer · 04-15-2005, 11:40 AM

i moved mine ( with alot of help and input from this site) and i am glad i did. make sure the RIGHT cableing is used and you should be happy. if yours goes under the deck and out of view as mine does then use atleast the recommended gauge for distance travelled (including bends and curves). don't want trouble down under there and you don't want to worry every time your out enjoying your ride. good luck!

cgrand · 04-15-2005, 11:59 AM

move them, and upgrade your wiring while you're at it
you'll learn alot about your boat and how to fix something if it breaks while you're on the water

Hub · 04-15-2005, 09:23 PM

Would suggest that you check the flooring under the console since the the batteries weigh a good bit. Have heard reports of batteries falling through due to insufficient re-inforcement(i.e. thickness) in the glass. Otherwise, a good idea.....

schmo · 04-16-2005, 12:13 AM

yep move em

Blue C's · 04-16-2005, 08:31 AM

On past boats I've owned, I built a nice shelf/tray from Seaboard and attached the battery boxes to the Seaboard. I also beefed-up the "tray" by adding a frame around it. I then ran screws from the frame into the sides of the console. It was not suspended, but just secured to the inside walls of the center console from port to starboard. The Seaboard tray helped carry the weight of the batteries.

Baja Bound · 04-16-2005, 03:53 PM

Scott,
Definately a good move. IMHO batteries do not belong in the transom and certainly not below deck, as in some boats. Unless the deck under your console is some type of seperate panel (not the same construction as your main deck), I can not conceive of weight being an issue in supporting the batteries. The footprint of each battery is larger than my shoe and each battery weighs around 50#. I weigh 170#, so your deck would have to support 85# for each of my feet. I am hoping I wouldn't break through your deck

, so I think you're safe.

bahamascott · 04-19-2005, 03:40 PM

Thanks Guys,All great ideas and confirmation. I am definitely going to move them to the console. All of your replies will help me.Warm Regards,Scott

Door#3 · 04-19-2005, 05:03 PM

I am thinking of taking on this project as well. For those of you who have done it, are you splicing the extra (appropriately sized) wire in to the existing motor & house wiring harnesses, or are you replacing the harness to avoid the splice and mismatched gauge?

Thanks

TG_190 · 04-19-2005, 08:38 PM

Door#3,I mounted terminal bolts w/ protective covers and dielectric grease w/ crimped, soldered, and heatshrunk lugs in a point to point fashion back to the console battery switches (in the case of positive wires), and to the daisy chained ground connected across all the negative battery terminals. I also put strain relief cable hold downs to prevent chafing, flexing and failure. I don't think splicing is adviseable, and butt connectors like they have for smaller gauge wires are not available nor advisable for large current carrying battery cables.You need to map it all out, and factor in wire routing into the lengths of your runs, and the appropriate gauges.You also need to be aware that moving the batteries forward in an offshore/rough water boat will expose them to more shock and vibration (AGMs tolerate shock and vibration much better than wet or gel cells- shock and shorted cells are a big cause of battery failure in wet cells). Pay closer attention to physically securing the battery, as the little screws and belt that come w/ a battery box are not gonna cut it in the forward parts of an offshore center console - A hold down tray bolted down through the bottom of the battery box (and an ample dose of 4200 to boot) is what I did. You also need to be mindful of the ventilation requirements batteries have, the ABYC rules regarding battery placement and securing. Finally, I would also avoid mounting your battery below the waterline for obvious reasons.

donald/tri-again · 04-20-2005, 10:09 AM

dont think twice about doin it ....get er done!!!!! we moved ours from bowels of transom to console on 1999 grady 222. you cant believe the difference it made. we did it cause we wanted batteries above waterline since we were going offshore it would give us a few extra minutes to call for help in a catastrophe, but it cured the water coming in scuppers when standing at transom, improved the ride, easier to keep bow down in nasty stuff, we sat our batteries on a fatigue mat incase there was more vibrations sitting on deck.