Battery box requirements

josrulz · #1 (**permalink**) 07-05-2011

Hi all,
I know this general subject comes up, but I need some clarification help. Regarding battery boxes, what are the actual ABYC requirements for wet cell batteries? AGMs?

It appears that if they are in a dedicated compartment, there's no requirement for an additional box. Am I incorrect? Is a tray required?

I realize there are other requirements regarding venting and hold-downs and protecting the terminals. I'm just asking about battery box requirements.
Thanks!
-J

Maine Sail · #2 (**permalink**) 07-05-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by josrulz

Hi all,
I know this general subject comes up, but I need some clarification help. Regarding battery boxes, what are the actual ABYC requirements for wet cell batteries? AGMs?

The rules are the same for flooded, AGM and GEl. ABYC makes no exceptions for gel or AGM.

Quote:

Originally Posted by josrulz

It appears that if they are in a dedicated compartment, there's no requirement for an additional box. Am I incorrect? Is a tray required?

This is correct if the compartment can handle acids, and is sealed so the acid can't leak out if it did leak.

deniseO30 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-05-2011

Good to know! Now I can leave the tops off the plastic battery boxes and add 2 more 6volt golf cart batts!

josrulz · #4 (**permalink**) 07-05-2011

Well Maine Sail, you're familiar with the S34 configuration--that battery compartment isn't really "sealed". So would it be accurate to say that a box is needed (to catch liquids), but it might not need the "top" to the cover?

Maine Sail · #5 (**permalink**) 07-05-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by josrulz

Well Maine Sail, you're familiar with the S34 configuration--that battery compartment isn't really "sealed". So would it be accurate to say that a box is needed (to catch liquids), but it might not need the "top" to the cover?

You don't need a cover but if placing them in the factory compartment that would not qualify as "acid proof".. It could be made as such but would require some serious re-work....

You could build a drop in box out of plywood then have it Rhino Lined. I did that on one boat and they only charged me $20.00 and did it on the tail run of a pick up truck bed. Two group 31's fit nicely in there...

Ilenart · #6 (**permalink**) 07-06-2011

Why do you need a battery box for AGM batteries, which are sealed batteries?

Ilenart

pdqaltair · #7 (**permalink**) 07-06-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ilenart

Why do you need a battery box for AGM batteries, which are sealed batteries?

Ilenart

They can still burst. Google it.

And of course, ANY battery needs good protection from a short across the terminals, which can be done many ways.

josrulz · #8 (**permalink**) 07-06-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maine Sail

You don't need a cover but if placing them in the factory compartment that would not qualify as "acid proof".. It could be made as such but would require some serious re-work....

You could build a drop in box out of plywood then have it Rhino Lined. I did that on one boat and they only charged me $20.00 and did it on the tail run of a pick up truck bed. Two group 31's fit nicely in there...

Thanks Maine Sail. That really helps.

I have a couple of Group 29s (came with the boat) in the main battery compartment (in boxes). Still trying to figure out where to put the reserve. There is physical room in the compartment just aft; however, that compartment also has a big access hole so the stuffing box can be reached (the shaft is angled to port). Any battery in there would block access to the stuffing box, which doesn't seem like a good practice! This was a bummer, as I was thinking that the most likely location.

So that got me asking about requirements, etc., because the only way I could fit 3 batteries in my main battery compartment would be if I converted to AGMs (I was planning to stick with wet cell batteries) and even then, only if I skipped the battery boxes. So then I'm thinking the most likely location would be in the starboard cockpit locker, which I'd prefer not to do simply because it's valuable storage space. I can't help feeling like there's some space to be had at the main compartment or nearby that I'm just not thinking of--some other way to approach it.

Anyway, so there's where I am...trying to find a place for more batteries in a Sabre!

Ilenart · #9 (**permalink**) 07-07-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdqaltair

They can still burst. Google it.

I personally think placing sealed batteries into battery boxes is overkiil. The principle reason for battery boxes is to prevent spillage of acid in a knockdown or roll, which is not required with sealed batteries. And more often batteries "explode" rather than "burst". I've seen batteries blow through metal engine covers, your normal plastic battery box will not make any difference.

Ilenart

josrulz · #10 (**permalink**) 07-07-2011

You may be right, but I've been leaning away from AGMs more because of expense than anything else. I have two perfectly good wet-cell batteries that were purchased at the same time (2.5 years ago), and would be good for the house bank if brought together for as long as they hold up. Adding another single wet-cell battery for reserve/starting is one thing--replacing all my batteries with AGMs is much more expensive. So if I can find places for the wet batteries that work OK, then that's what we're going to do.

But I agree with your point about AGMs...though it sounds like ABYC doesn't see it the same way.