Moving Battery Bank

Dougal

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6 Dec 2006
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Wiltshire / Brittany (50/50)
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I've relocated all the boat batteries from an outside locker, to an inside (under seat) location. This was primarily to better trim the boat in the water, by moving all the weight forward. However, its also benefited performance slightly during cold spells.

Question:... Should I consider fitting a powered air extraction system to remove charging gases?
 
Lots of boats keep their batteries under seats and bunks with no specific ventilation beyond perhaps a small grille into the cabin.

Sometimes there is a pipe or hose leading to the outside, but no fan. Our boat originally had this, but it was a very long length (maybe 8 metres) of 3/4" hose so I can't imagine there was much air movement along it. We now have AGMs which shouldn't vent so the issue doesn't arise.

How much (if any) gas is produced will depend how hard you charge the batteries. A standard alternator I wouldn't worry about, a fancy boosting charger, perhaps.

If you do opt for powered ventilation, remember you're planning to pump hydrogen through it, and use a spark-proof fan.

Pete
 
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