Impact Of Moving Batteries About 6m From Current Position - What To Consider?

[Deleted member 36384]

Hi Folks,

My battery bank sits in the engine bay in what used to be the base for a generator, so quite convenient and relatively short cable runs from the alternators. I am planning on moving the batteries from the engine bay to the saloon, either under the chart table or, more likely, under the starboard saloon seat/berth. This will make the batteries more accessible by far as well as distribute quite a bit of weight to starboard; the yacht has a slight port list anyway (two heads and galley on the port side). The battery cables are about 15 mm diameter. The system is 24V dual alternators, split charging.

What are the issues that I may have to consider and plan for? I know that battery cable size may have to be increased but what else?

Thanks,

BlowingOldBoots

 

[Monique]

My NTM boat has a similar layout given your description and a similar list to port. To reduce this angle, we moved the batteries to under the passage berth to starboard and increased the numbers from 5 to 9. Additionally, as the washing machine (small ENO marine) was carp, we searched for a suitable replacement but could not justify the monies for another carp ENO given our experiences. Instead, we sacrificed the wet locker starboard aft of the nav table and installed a Miele washer/dryer in this position. (Boat has a hard dodger and full canvas covers... we should rarely be wet and we can hang wet gear in the aft heads/shower) She now floats on a more even keel. Wait till SWMBO starts loading the extra space to port....

 

[William_H]

OP might consider the ventilation aspect of the batteries in the cabin. Open celled types can give off hydrogen when being charged. Clamp the batteries down properly and cover the terminals. For a 24v system wire size is not so important. For same power 24v means half the current. However the voltage drop also has half the effect. good luck olewill

 

[Monique]

Greets Olewill, we considered your point regarding ventilation and terminal covers... all fitted. Additionally, we have over 500W solar and the batteries will seldom get to a "deep discharge" state. Batteries are closed celled.