battery problem

[kim r]

this is my biggest problem - these battery's are not secured - i was told 'build a shelf- but any ideas ??? if i were to actually use my boat.... this is the biggest problem i am told .... thx kim

[kim r]

is the photo there ?

[skipmac]

No photo so without seeing the photo some ideas.

Buy a battery box with a strap secured lid and screw/bolt it to the floor.

Build that shelf. Doesn't have to be fancy but do paint it well since any acid leaks will quickly eat away plain wood.

[noelex 77]

I think this is the photo you are trying to put into the thread:
(Go to manage attachments to download photos into a post)

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by noelex 77

I think this is the photo you are trying to put into the thread:
(Go to manage attachments to download photos into a post)

If that is the photo then this is pretty scary. I wouldn't leave the dock without securing that battery in some way. If you have to move the boat urgently then at least put some straps around it so it won't slide off at the first wave you hit. Also need to put something over the terminals to keep from shorting out if something drops on top.

[rebel heart]

My batteries sit in plastic trays that go about halfway up, then I have eyelets around them that I run line through to strap them down. In the compartment they're in there's maybe 1" of space from the tops to the overhead. I feel pretty good they're not going anywhere.

[colemj]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Also need to put something over the terminals to keep from shorting out if something drops on top.

Like that clamp sitting 1/2" above the terminals!

Mark

[brutb]

Originally Posted by colemj

Like that clamp sitting 1/2" above the terminals!

Mark

Might want to secure the panel that is held by the large C clamp Mark is talking about. Find some way to support the panel without using the clamp. Make sure you can easily access your battery for checking the water(distilled ONLY) to insure longer battery life. If you go to an auto parts or marine store with the outside measurements of your battery you can find a plastic battery box WITH lid and straps at really inexpensive $$.

Fires are a NO NO on any boat....happy sailing

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by colemj

Like that clamp sitting 1/2" above the terminals!

Mark

Also, look closer and you see a pair of vise grips just behind the C-clamp. This whole installation is major short circuit waiting to happen.

[kim r]

thanks !!! i will tend to this immediately !!!

[MarkSF]

I'd love to know who committed this death-trap....

I know from experience that those shelf brackets fatigue really easily... then your C clamp is on top of the battery terminals.

Why are there a bunch of IEC mains leads?

It looks like one of those horrible example pictures from that marine surveyor's site....

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Also, look closer and you see a pair of vise grips just behind the C-clamp. This whole installation is major short circuit waiting to happen.

Think that is clamping a hose shut isn't it

What ever you build make sure it is strong enough so that if the boat turns upside down the battery stays put. Mine are in a GRP box with a flat steel bar across the top to stop them moving. The plastic boxes that Defender etc sell are not great but even worse is folk using self tappers to hold them down. Do it once properly and then its done. This photo might give you some ideas from a previous boat I had. However, it assumes that the battery cables will be properly secured so they don't rub on the ali frame.

Pete