Can I Weld The Base Of My Mast With Batteries Connected?

[YPSILANTI]

My mast has a single battery abeam its base to power my windlass. This battery is connected to my two banks of house batteries of 4 batteries pre bank. These are connected to my engine batteries via a system of transferring power when one has battery power issues. My engines are connected to three ground plates under my hull. In other words, all the batteries have extensive circuits of sorts. I need to modify my pulley at the base of my mast involving aluminum welding. Can I weld without disconnecting my batteries? Must I remove the positive and must I do so to every battery on the boat? If I disconnect my batteries, will I lose all my calibration settings on my fuel and water gauges?

Thanks for the anticipated replies.

[TreblePlink]

Aluminum is usually TIG welded, which uses a high current arc. If it were me, I would make sure it's well grounded, and disconnect all power sources. Some electronics may lose stored settings, but probably not.

[denverd0n]

How hard is it to disconnect the batteries? Answer is usually, not hard at all. How big of a hassle is it, and how expensive, if you fry your batteries because you did not disconnect them? Answer is usually, big hassle and very expensive.

I think the cost/benefit equation in this case is pretty clear.

[Adelie]

If instruments can tolerate having the batteries turned off then they can tolerate having them disconnected.

[boatpoker]

Also move the battery away from the mast while welding, any residual battery gas (Hydrogen) could explode. Hydrogen is the lightest of known elements and clears pretty quickly but I wouldn't risk it.

[YPSILANTI]

Thanks guys for the info. Disconnect it is, without a doubt. I didn't know about the hydrogen gas released so that is also good advice, all of which I will follow and apply diligently. Thanks so much.