Battery mount question

[Moody Blue]

Trying to get this boat finished and one of the last things to look at is getting the battery in place.

1970 16ft deep V fiberglass runabout. Floor is plywood(?) covered in fiberglass. Plan on placing the battery under the splashwell in the rear of the boat on the port side.

This boat is new to me and did not come with the battery and can not see any sign of where or how it was installed. Space is limited and is shared with the power trim pump and fuel tank.

Goal is to keep the battery from bouncing around but also to be able to get it in and out easily. Any suggestion?

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Battery mount question

Something else to consider. The Coast Guard down here requires that the battery be covered in a situation like that. I don't know if you have the same requirements up there or not. Maybe a battery box?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Battery mount question

In a battery box strapped in position using a "U" clamp screwed to the floor on both sides. Otherwise a battery tray screwed to the floor and the battery strapped down to it.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Battery mount question

Interesting point about needing to have it covered. No idea if its a requirement in Canada or not but I was planning to keep it in a battery box anyways.

Out of curiosity, why the requirement to have it covered?

As for strapping it to the floor, I was concerned about the possibility of the screws pulling out.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Battery mount question

Interesting point about needing to have it covered. No idea if its a requirement in Canada or not but I was planning to keep it in a battery box anyways.

Out of curiosity, why the requirement to have it covered?

As for strapping it to the floor, I was concerned about the possibility of the screws pulling out.

Mainly safety. They don't want something falling on it causing a major short. That could ruin your day.

 

[ebry710]

Re: Battery mount question

Mainly safety. They don't want something falling on it causing a major short. That could ruin your day.

Safety is the first consideration, also a battery box looks better and will protect the battery from the elements.

 

[83mulligan]

Re: Battery mount question

make sure you treat those screws and screw holes with 3M 4200 or 5200 so we don't have to see you over in the boat restoration forum for soft spot in the deck

 

[ebry710]

Re: Battery mount question

That is a good point.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Battery mount question

Didn't even consider the possibility of shorted terminals on the battery. Was going to use a battery box just to keep things neat and tidy.

Think what I will do is glue a piece of 3/4" PVC plate to the floor then bolt/screw the battery box to the plastic. That way no holes in the floor and the PVC will not rot.

 

[ebry710]

Re: Battery mount question

Didn't even consider the possibility of shorted terminals on the battery. Was going to use a battery box just to keep things neat and tidy.

Think what I will do is glue a piece of 3/4" PVC plate to the floor then bolt/screw the battery box to the plastic. That way no holes in the floor and the PVC will not rot.

Sound well planned. I like the PVC plate.