Batteries Inside Console Question

[PatchReef1650]

I am considering purchasing a boat that has the batteries located in the stern area of the boat. For weight distribution purposes I would like to move the batteries forward into the walk-in console (which has enough room for the batteries). The console has a head which will be used.

I believe I remember reading on another form, possibly THT, that there were some issues to consider regarding batteries in the console. I am not sure if the issues were safety-related or something relating to upkeep (ex: oxidation). Are there any other considerations I should know about regarding placement of batteries into the walk-in console area?

Thanks in advance.

[Blue Bayou]

I am considering purchasing a boat that has the batteries located in the stern area of the boat. For weight distribution purposes I would like to move the batteries forward into the walk-in console (which has enough room for the batteries). The console has a head which will be used.

I believe I remember reading on another form, possibly THT, that there were some issues to consider regarding batteries in the console. I am not sure if the issues were safety-related or something relating to upkeep (ex: oxidation). Are there any other considerations I should know about regarding placement of batteries into the walk-in console area?

Thanks in advance.

Mine are in an enclosed area in the console, and I think it's the best place to put them. Sometimes I leave the compartment door open to allow fresh air to pass over them so the contacts don't corrode. Most of the high quality manufacturers do it nowadays.

[mhg]

you will want to provide a ventilation path to your batteries in the new storage area

this will be needed to vent the gasses given off by the batteries while recharging

it is best to seal the battery comp. from any living space

to prevent corrosion to all your metal items in that space

this can be done by using sealed battery boxes with a built in vent tube

these are sold at speed shops for cars. they relocate there bats. to the trunks of there race cars

also make sure to use a large enough wire for the longer run to the engine

Mike

[petrel]

Mine are located in the console, which was on my prerequisite list when purchasing a boat. They are in a separate compartment from the head, and there are vents on either side. They are not boxed, just strapped down on battery trays with rubber terminal protectors. The cables look to be 1/0 or 2/0 - nearly as big around as a 30 amp shore power cord.

[Special K III]

Relocate them. No big deal...

[OReely]

Corrosion from the batteries gassing off during charging, properly securing the batteries, and getting the right size cables are the only issues I can think of. Ventilation, sealed batteries, and corrosion inhibiting spray will solve the first one. Good mounting points for the boxes or trays will solve the second. The third issue can sometimes hang people up because the amp draw info needed to properly size the wires is not always readily available. Contact the engine mfg for that.

[LuckyLady]

My McKee Craft came with lead acid batteries in a separate compartment in the center console. It was so difficult to acess them for maintenance/charging that I replaced the the batteries with AGM sealed batteries and added an on-board charging system. No maintenance needed, no gassing odors, and I just plug in an extension cord for battery charging. Oydssey makes the AGM batteries for Sears which is where I bought mine. Good Luck!!

I am considering purchasing a boat that has the batteries located in the stern area of the boat. For weight distribution purposes I would like to move the batteries forward into the walk-in console (which has enough room for the batteries). The console has a head which will be used.

I believe I remember reading on another form, possibly THT, that there were some issues to consider regarding batteries in the console. I am not sure if the issues were safety-related or something relating to upkeep (ex: oxidation). Are there any other considerations I should know about regarding placement of batteries into the walk-in console area?

Thanks in advance.

[A Few Dollars]

My present boat and my last two boats had the batteries in the console. I never noticed a problem.

My Edgewater and Scout had separate lockers in the console for the batteries. The Edgewater had plenty of ventilation, the Scout had none.

How much ventilation do you think the batteries get in their present location in the stern?

[jaydon]

Hi all,

Just saw this and was happy to see someone else had similar questions.

First off, I have an 18' CC. CC, but no head. I have been thinking of moving the batteries to the console.

The boat's a 2002 with a Zuke DF115. I'm thinking the boat was not designed with the weight of a 4 stroke back aft.

I got the boat with two batteries; but have been thinking of going to mone in the console.

I see a lot of opinion on 1 vs. 2 batteries and was wondering, since there is no 'below deck' area and only the normal

console radio & GPS fnder and the lighting, do I really need two batteries? I think one good one in the console would really improve the weight

distribution.

Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

Thanks

Jay in soggy RI