[SantaAna12]

I have a new 50 amp battery charger to install:

ProNauticP Series | ProMariner

and I want to keep it close to this fuse block:

SafetyHub 150 Fuse Block - Blue Sea Systems.

My boat is a Cal34 MkIII that has limited room for the install. The old charger was located above the batteries. In the search I did on Sailnet, several threads talk about (and the install instructions) avoiding installing the charger directly above the batteries. I am using wet cell batteries in plastic cases. The old charger lasted for many years, but I would like to do it to spec. I tried accessing ABYC specs...but it costs 50.00....and I am not sure I would follow it anyways. The place where I would like to use has 10 inches above the batteries to the bottom of the charger. The new charger is sealed.....I can install acrylic or lexan or....??? in an attempt to route charging gases away from the charger. A friend suggested Nigel Calder's battery box design with a computer fan inline. I do not have fiberglass skills....but if that is the best route....I can learn.
Any ideas appreciated!

 

[SantaAna12]

Thanks Steve.
The battery boxes I have now have vents on the top. They are the standard issue Attwood ones. The little I read on the subject seemed to say that that wouldn't pass the surveyor? The Promariner install notes say not to do that......is that directed to no box at all applications?

 

[SantaAna12]

Thanks. I could see how that would work for you with a battery forward.

A fisherman friend had one of his wet cells blow up and ruin his squid boat engine compartment....now he will only use agms. I used Prevailers and wet cells for years without problems, and I don't know how big an issue this really is. That is why I was wondering what the ABYC had to say....if and when I sell her I wouldn't have to rewire the charger.

Anyone know the spec?

 

[SantaAna12]

ABYC A-31 anyone? Distance above battery box?

 

[SantaAna12]

Thank you Brian...especially the last....that makes sense...as does your remark to shortening the charger's life. I do not want to use the quarterberth, and do not want to through-bolt into the cockpit. I think I will use Steve's suggestion and hope for the best with the surveyor. It will be directly above, but I will route the gases and have a better and more secure battery box at the far end.
Thanks for all the help.