Place for batteries

[Pavel24]

I am going to replace two old batteries and i want to put 4 new golf batteries. The bad part is the compartment that used to house them ( under the quarter berth) is to small. I have a huge space above my motor that is occupied by old water heater that i can trow away or sell .

From what i have read , if the motor compartment is well ventilated it shouldn't be a problem but it will place the batteries right above fuel line and filter.

In very old post from 2003 on another forum they quoted "International Standard ISO 10133 (DC systems)"

5.6 Batteries shall not be installed directly above or below a fuel tank or fuel filter.

So now the question , if the batteries are installed in a acid proof case ( no top cover) is it safe to install them above the fuel line and filter ?

[coopec43]

I'm sure there are plenty of experts here who can advise but my only thought is that the batteries will be quite heavy and it is better to have them as low as possible in the yacht. (I assume that is not possible?)

[Pavel24]

Sadly the easiest place i see for the moment is a little aft above the motor, i am thinking about raising the quarter berth by about 3'' but i will need to make all the measurements before(it will add more weight to port side but it will be lower by 2 feet~) .

[JPA Cate]

Hello, Pavel 24,

I would not place them over the engine. It is the thought of the acid spilling out into the engine compartment, eating the fuel lines that bothers me. All it would take is one rollover, could be the end of the boat. Too risky, for me.

Our present installation doesn't have much acid protection, but is low in the boat, and the batteries are secured in a fool proof fashion, so they can't get loose, even if we rolled. I think it would be better for you do do something like that.



Ann

[GILow]

Another reason to avoid over the engine is that the heat will NOT be good for them.

Edit: I don't care what anyone says about how good the engine room ventilation is, engine rooms are hot on small boats and it's no place for a battery. Radiant heat alone will diminish their lifespan.

Like others have said, low and central. (Unless, like me, you use them to correct a port or starboard list).

[GILow]

Also, if the currents being delivered are not great then you can distribute the batteries a little. Yes, the extra cables carry some inherit complexity and risk but they may be a better option than poor trim or otherwise unsuitable placement.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Pavel24

... In very old post from 2003 on another forum they quoted "International Standard ISO 10133 (DC systems)"
5.6 Batteries shall not be installed directly above or below a fuel tank or fuel filter.
So now the question , if the batteries are installed in a acid proof case ( no top cover) is it safe to install them above the fuel line and filter ?

NO.
In addition to the ISO Standard, USA & Canadian standards say the same:

ABYC E10
10.7.5 Batteries shall not be installed directly above or below a fuel tank, fuel filter, or fitting in a fuel line ...

Transport Canada TP 13313E:
10.3.3 No battery should be installed directly above or below a fuel tank, fuel filter or fuel line fitting.

[Pete7]

That is quite a bit of weight on a small yacht, why do you need 450AH? We have the same problem btw, golf carts won't fit due to the height restriction.

Pete

[Pavel24]

Thank you all, i will search for a new place for batteries. Will look in to raising the quarter berth to house them all there or separate them like suggested above.

[Pavel24]

Originally Posted by Pete7

That is quite a bit of weight on a small yacht, why do you need 450AH? We have the same problem btw, golf carts won't fit due to the height restriction.

Pete

I counted every thing to run 24h with out recharge (autopilot , lights, laptop with navigation, fridge,etc.. ) for security. Previous owner had 230 AH (2 x 130AH, 12V, 30KG).4x golf cart batteries at 30kg each, I will be adding just 60 KG more in batteries .

[john61ct]

If you can afford a proper LFP setup, double your Ah capacity with less total weight.

[GILow]

Originally Posted by john61ct

If you can afford a proper LFP setup, double your Ah capacity with less total weight.

Less total weight in the wallet... that's for sure.

[Don C L]

How is the room under the salon berths?

[laika]

Originally Posted by Pavel24

I counted every thing to run 24h with out recharge (autopilot , lights, laptop with navigation, fridge,etc.. ) for security. Previous owner had 230 AH (2 x 130AH, 12V, 30KG).4x golf cart batteries at 30kg each, I will be adding just 60 KG more in batteries .

Have you looked at all your options in terms of finding suitable batteries that will fit your space without having to modify? Given the charging systems you have onboard and where you plan to sail, how do you know the original 230 Ah is inadequate? Worst case maybe you have to run the engine for an hour occasionally..? Have you considered adding additional charging sources?

[Lemsteraak]

I would be concerned about weight placement and maintenance. Placing the batteries above the engine means this weight is above the waterline. My guess is roughly 280 pounds, high and aft. Access to check battery water might be difficult.

I don't know if it is possible or advisable, but what about making a battery box to put the batteries in line in the bilge? My thought is that if I remember right your Columbia was one of the first racer/cruisers so she should be a sweet boat to sail. Having weight low and centered is good for performance.