Battery boxes

[MattS]

If I were to fit a new 12V battery to my house bank, does anyone have any recommendations for the type of battery box / holder I should use?

It's likely going to be on the opposite side of the boat to the existing house battery, so will be a completely new installation (and some unfortunately quite long cable runs).

Should I use a completely contained battery box like this: Marine Battery Box with Security Strap and Fittings

Or a more open holder like this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/KingSaid-B...cphy=1006886&hvtargid=pla-1392643419033&psc=1

Wondering if there are any ventilation concerns / considerations with using a completely contained box?

Tips welcomed!

 

[[70521]]

Use whatever you want, you are the owner/skipper.

I'm making a new box out of some plywood and GRP.

What type of batteries do you have? I went for AGM as they don't gas off hydrogen when being charged.

 

[oldgit]

For the careful among us an disused chiller box can step up to the plate.
Older versions tend to be very robust indeed and just the right size for a not to big leisure battery.
Just needs a couple of holes drilled to enable the cables to exit and provide ventilation , pop the lid on and secure with the locking carrying arm.
Recently purchased an electric outboard and winced at the price of a pukker battery container. A redundant chiller box made a smart neat protective box from something that was due for the recycling bin.

 

[Tranona]

The battery boxes are fine. Just make sure the bottom is well supported. The other one is for use to hold down batteries in a box. However that particular design is very limited for battery size. Like Sandy I am making my own from plywood and using similar hold down brackets from Force4. You will almost certainly have to build some form of platform to provide a level base so making your own may be straightforward.

 

[Stemar]

Personally, I'd just make up a robust shelf and box it in to protect the battery, along with a lid so someone doesn't drop a spanner across the terminals. I'd make sure it's reasonably well ventilated At the top, but without worrying excessively. It's probably sensible to strap the batteries down on a monohull. On my cat, they're just padded with pipe insulation because, if the boat heels far enough for the batteries to escape, they'll be the least of my worries.

 

[coopec]

I don't have battery boxes and I wonder if I did the right thing getting AGM batteries. (My batteries are held in place by ss angle iron top and bottom. All battery terminals have plastic insulators). I have read the alternator can damage AGM batteries if it charges more than 15V.

"Most older car versions lack the float charge state. So, in case you install an AGM battery in an older car model, there is a higher risk of the lack of float charge stage, which may cause your battery to overheat on long drives. All these factors make it risky for an alternator to charge an AGM battery."?

AGM Battery With Standard Alternator – Replacement and Charger_Greenway battery | E-BIKE Battery-Custom Lithium Battery Pack

QUESTION:
I am installing a VSR. Will that overcome the possibility of overcharging the AGM batteries?

 

[Pete7]

QUESTION:
I am installing a VSR. Will that overcome the possibility of overcharging the AGM batteries?

No, actually you are more likely to destroy the batteries by under charging. However, easy enough to check the alternator output in volts is within the battery manufacturers recommended limits just to be sure. Also as the battery charges up the current (A) drops significantly as the battery internal resistance rises.

 

[MattS]

Thank you all. Useful tips. I think the answer is probably build myself a platform and framework primarily, and then work out best way of protecting the battery either with my own box, or a plastic box secured onto the platform.

It's also made me consider the fact that the house battery the boat came with is in the locker under the saloon berth, and although clamped down onto a platform does not have any lid or protection of the terminals. I should do something about that.

 

[Tranona]

Unless the locker is used for stowing other things that move about, really no need for a cover, just boots over the terminals. My Bavaria had 3 AGMs in a locker just like that, held down to the platform with plates and screws.