My two 12v deep cycle batteries (very long) and my starter battery both reside on a platform between the vertical panel aft of the steering and the transom. While I’m not terribly worried about this distance from the starter itself, and/or the weight so far aft, what is a concern is the nest of wires that lead to/from these batteries from the engine, the circuit panel, and the chargers. These wires make a real mess.
I’d like to move the batteries forward. I’m thinking the starter battery could go in the locker to port of the companionway stairs (the one that you uncover when you convert the setee to a double bunk. This would put it within a meter of the starter.
Where could I put my two large house batteries? They are about 24" long, but narrow (152Ah each). I’d rather not put them in that same locker, as that would put the fuel tank and the batteries all on the same side of the boat.
What does everyone else do?
John
NS30U#400
Tauranga, NZ
PS - the fuel system development is moving at pace now, I have most of my brass fittings to put the control centre together.
Perhaps all three could just go there. The two deep cycle house batteries weigh 70kg combined (150lbs). I suppose if I tuck them as close to the centreline as I can it won’t make the boat list.
That location you mentioned (starboard next to the companion way) is where my boat’s house batteries are located. The other location you mentioned underneath the helm is where my boats starting battery was located (when I use to need a starting battery). It might be tight to fit all three batteries in the location you mentioned in my opinion. But, the two group 27 house batteries fit there fine.
Perhaps all three could just go there. The two deep cycle house batteries weigh 70kg combined (150lbs). I suppose if I tuck them as close to the centreline as I can it won’t make the boat list.
I have two group 27s in that same locker to starboard of the companionway ladder. My starting batt is in the hanging locker to port. If you place a starting battery to starboard, you will have to build a platform due to the slope of the hull. BTW, I had to rebuild the floor for the 27s just this past week, as it had rotted out .
I’m going to measure up the area directly above the 2nd aft-most keel bolt to see if the two house batteries would fit in a vented box on the boat’s centreline, below the cabin floor and above the bilge pump. They might be too tall or too long to fit between the floor stringers, but this would be a very good location for them. The start battery could then go in the locker we’ve been discussing, less than a meter from the starter itself.
I need to start finding a permanent home for the batteries, as with winter approaching I want to start my re-wiring project, which will include a full conversion to LED lighting, and a complete re-design of my electrical system, which I find wanting in a few areas (the electric head was wired directly to the battery switch, and I have a number of outdated and confusing fuse block all over the place).
I sure hope your winter will not be as bad as we had in the northeast. U.S. I got. I spent very little time on board over the winter and still have a long list of things to work on as a result.
As far as batteries in the bilge it. Is a good location if they fit. One concern I would have if they are flooded cells (as opposed to sealed AGM or Gel) is battery acid that may spill into the bilge might affect the keel bolts over time. I’d make sure to house them in a good battery box.
John, I have three batteries in that compartment. One starting battery plus two golf cart batteries. The starter battery snuggles under the forward lip of the opening and I must move one of the golf carts to service it. Kind of a pain but it works. I will try to get a photo for you. I’m on the hard doing bottom work now but should be done by the weekend.
