battery box, what is the point ?

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

My Dufour 30 Classic has a battery enclosure under the bunk in the aft cabin, integrated into the internal moulding. It will contain any spillage from either the start or domestic batteries and there is another smaller space beside it which could contain a smaller start battery should I elect to double the size my domestic bank.
Edit; it is fitted with straps to restrain movement of the batteries and is close enough to the extractor vent in the engine space to be reasonably ventilated.

 

[capnsensible]

I think anyone who has had a serious lump of seawater arrive down below will get the benefit of a battery box. Keeps the oggin out in that Mebbe once in a lifetime event.

It's happened to me.......?

 

[Gary Fox]

I think anyone who has had a serious lump of seawater arrive down below will get the benefit of a battery box. Keeps the oggin out in that Mebbe once in a lifetime event.

It's happened to me.......?

I get your point. But..batteries need to be very well ventilated, so how can you put them in an oggin-proof box and fulfil that need?
(FYI, I have repeatedly watched Das Boot and know the dangers of chlorine )

 

[capnsensible]

I get your point. But..batteries need to be very well ventilated, so how can you put them in an oggin-proof box and fulfil that need?
(FYI, I have repeatedly watched Das Boot and know the dangers of chlorine )

Reckon that a lid with vent grills on the side work. When we got knocked down near the Azores on my older moody 33, we got helped by a big lid and the batteries being properly strapped.

Rather it was for once in a lifetime rather than last time in a lifetime.......?

I personally don't think yacht batteries gas that much when being charged, but I might be wrong. Bit different on submarine batteries that are huge. Fans suck the air across to avid sparks getting in. Poor lads on that Aregentine boat found out the bad way about salt water in batteries....

 

[dankilb]

Let’s hope on those big new Benes - where they put them under the floor, amidships - that the lid is well-sealed! ?

(it looks like just another sole board)

We have very minimal wiring in the bilge (only terminals @ bilge pumps and a few unavoidable cable runs) and like the idea of keeping it that way!

 

[AntarcticPilot]

I've had to handle batteries in fairly challenging conditions (power source for ice sounding radar mounted on a sledge in Greenland and Svalbard). Of course, we had to move the battery for charging every morning and evening. After a very few days, those of us handling the batteries developed holes in our outer clothing and gloves where acid from the batteries had leaked. These were batteries in reasonable condition, subject to similar movement to that in a boat. Batteries DO lose acid, and a battery box keeps it confined. Others have noted that a battery box also contributes to ensuring that the batteries don't go walkabout in the event of a knock-down or other violent incident!

 

[anoccasionalyachtsman]

I'm not sure I'd go for the tight fitting purpose built box either, but I would want a grp lined area for them to live. I had three melt their tops and boil on a brand new X-Yacht and the collateral damage was fairly depressing (lightly varnished wood looked lovely, turns rather unpleasant as time goes by).

 

[jwfrary]

In general the likelihood is low, but the risk is high.

To that end, on commercial I install, batteries regardless of type in a grp box, usually custom made. This has a lid, fitted securely but in such a way air is allowed in but hydrogen is captured and vented safely to the exterior of the vessel and away from ignition sources.

On a yacht, if you are using fast charging sources then u think this is something you should consider.

Regardless they much be secure and ideally if an open battery contained so they will not spill in a potential knockdown.

This may be difficult on some vessels however it can and should in my opinion be overcome by the practical boat owner