Batteries- how accessible do they need to be?

[Kelpie]

In the process of reorganising my bilges, and I want to relocate the engine battery to a higher level.
One obvious location for it is under the cockpit sole. This is currently a big empty space with only the rudder and prop shafts running through. Plenty of room for a well secured battery box, and nice short cable runs too.
The downside is that there is no quick access to this space, as it is generally bolted down by eight machine screws. Only takes a few minutes to open it up but hardly convenient for everyday inspections.
The alternative would be a cockpit locker, but I'd like to use that big empty space for *something*.

 

[sailorman]

In the process of reorganising my bilges, and I want to relocate the engine battery to a higher level.
One obvious location for it is under the cockpit sole. This is currently a big empty space with only the rudder and prop shafts running through. Plenty of room for a well secured battery box, and nice short cable runs too.
The downside is that there is no quick access to this space, as it is generally bolted down by eight machine screws. Only takes a few minutes to open it up but hardly convenient for everyday inspections.
The alternative would be a cockpit locker, but I'd like to use that big empty space for *something*.

we have 4 x 115 Ah sealed lead acid abaft the engine under the cockpit sole but we do have good access

 

[LadyInBed]

Sounds like it's only one battery you want to put there, so would it be too difficult to put an access hatch over it, or turn the cockpit sole into a hatch?
Having said that, you shouldn't have to check / top up the electrolyte too often so it wouldn't be much hassle to undo the screws.

 

[Kelpie]

Sounds like it's only one battery you want to put there, so would it be too difficult to put an access hatch over it, or turn the cockpit sole into a hatch?
Having said that, you shouldn't have to check / top up the electrolyte too often so it wouldn't be much hassle to undo the screws.

Yup, I suppose the real question is- how often should I be checking the batteries?

The other thing on my mind is what happens if there is a fault (short, fire, etc?); is there any plausible emergency which would require access faster than the 5mins that it takes to lift the sole?

 

[Wansworth]

Yup, I suppose the real question is- how often should I be checking the batteries?

The other thing on my mind is what happens if there is a fault (short, fire, etc?); is there any plausible emergency which would require access faster than the 5mins that it takes to lift the sole?

What do you use as a seal for the cockpit hatch and what adhesive.....your boat is an Vega ? Ihave to re do my cockpit seal. thanks

 

[Billjratt]

I think I'd do it.
1 it is the engine start battery, so it gets a relatively easy life
(how often do you 'maintain' the car battery?)
2 you get a opportunity to make a safe and neat job of the installation.

Don't know the layout, can you fit an isolator switch on an accessible bulkhead near the battery? if not, there is a remote operable one available (used on Jeanneau mobos) Good quality cable, well separated, shouldn't ever catch fire.
It's a good idea to have the battery as high as possible if there's a sinking type emergency in progress...
Only caveats : make sure the box is good and joints are well protected as you say it is to share space with a couple of whizzing shafts that may at some time have seal issues.

 

[Stu Jackson]

You need a fuse close to the battery anyway, so why not also add a switch so if anything goes wrong you can turn it off without taking the panel off?