Relocate batteries below deck? Should I or not?

[redarndt]

This is the link to my restoration thread. http://forums.iboats.com/forum/boat...und-pro-v-1800-dlx-rebuild-rewire-and-remodel

I'm kicking around the idea of putting 3 batteries below the deck in the center. Thoughts? Eventually I'll be upgrading to sealed lead acid or AGM batteries. I'll need to raise the deck up 1 inch for proper clearance. I think I would build a 1" square tubing "frame" that would run along the stringers and be all welded together. Then I'd attached the frame insert in the deck area and screw to the stringers. I would put a door over the battery compartment. I have an on board charger to charge them and I would route an extension cord hookup up by the gunwale. I hate having the batteries back by the motor because of the weight. Then I could repurpose the raised deck in the stern to hold all of my tackle trays.

This would accomplish multiple goals of mine. 1) Move battery weight forward. 2) Build tackle storage in boat. 3)Keep as much open room in the deck as possible.

I'm 75% ready to pull the trigger on doing this. Thoughts? What could I be missing that would make this a bad idea?


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[snowman246]

I am in no way an expert, with that being said, no way would I ever install batteries next to fuel tank and under the deck of my boat. NEVER!! One small spark mixed with a small amount of vapors equals....BOOOMMMMMM!!!!!

 

[redarndt]

I am in no way an expert, with that being said, no way would I ever install batteries next to fuel tank and under the deck of my boat. NEVER!! One small spark mixed with a small amount of vapors equals....BOOOMMMMMM!!!!!

Good point. I originally got the idea from skeeter boats who installs their batteries below the deck

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,... My concern would be, batteries don't like to be Beaten, 'n the ride is rougher the further ya move forward in the hull,...

 

[bruceb58]

I am in no way an expert, with that being said, no way would I ever install batteries next to fuel tank and under the deck of my boat. NEVER!! One small spark mixed with a small amount of vapors equals....BOOOMMMMMM!!!!!

Not an issue at all. Batteries are almost always in close proximity to fuel tanks. Besides, hydrogen gas dissipates so fast, it is not an issue in the least.

However, I say leave them in the back for the reason Bondo gave, Batteries like the least amount of vibration and that is in the stern.

 

[alldodge]

As snowman mentioned, it is a concern, but if the battery compartment is seal off from the tank compartment it should work. Place batteries in boxes so if there is a leak it would not start corroding the hull. Also I would suggest coating all aluminum with epoxy paint. Lead-acid bats can be sealed but they still have a relief valve built in if pressures get high enough.

Your also going to need some air flow in the battery area to keep condensation down and fumes vented if some develop. Another thought is battery cables should be secured so they don't move around or under the tank

 

[snowman246]

Not an issue at all. Batteries are almost always in close proximity to fuel tanks. Besides, hydrogen gas dissipates so fast, it is not an issue in the least.

However, I say leave them in the back for the reason Bondo gave, Batteries like the least amount of vibration and that is in the stern.

I have never seen a boat, car, truck etc where the battery and fuel tank is mounted next to each other with no division between the two. This is about mounting the batteries under the floor within inches of each other. Not to mention there would be almost zero ventilation unless you had holes in the floor. Not a safe move IMHO.

All I am saying is I would never do it. I believe you would spend more money in zip ties, battery cables, paint etc than what its worth. I would use that area for life jacket storage etc.

 

[Grandad]

Why not move the gas tank forward and keep the batteries at the stern? You'll need to raise a much smaller area that might also give some space for the fill pipe. Could the area then be beneath a raised storage area for your tackle or perhaps a seat or cooler? As long as the area behind this was left open under the motor well, there should/could be lots of ventilation. As long as the batteries are "boxed" and the area ventilated, I don't see a problem with the proximity of fuel and battery. By the way, the fill point on the tank being vertical in the picture above may present some issues anyway. - Grandad

 

[bruceb58]

Check out the ABYC and you will see the following:
E-10.7.5 No battery shall be installed directly above or below a fuel tank, fuel filter, or fitting in a fuel line.

Says nothing about next to a fuel tank.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Having had many different bass type boats over the years, I think all of them had the batteries close to the fuel tank.

 

[gm280]

I would think that if you installed a quality storage section that would both separate the batteries from the tank, and seal the battery area off from the aluminum hull, it would be okay and a good place to install them. I do remember some older vehicles storing batteries in some unusual places, like under the seat inside the vehicles, in the trunk, and in a lot of odd areas. If they are installed in sealed containments, there is no more of a problem then sitting in the engine compartment with all the fumes that exist there. JMHO!

 

[Watermann]

The belly tank doesn't vent under the deck so gas fumes won't be a problem.

I have to assume this is the starting battery? If so the problem for me is all the wiring and cabling being under the deck and you shouldn't run the wires on top of the tank.

 

[gm280]

The belly tank doesn't vent under the deck so gas fumes won't be a problem.

I have to assume this is the starting battery? If so the problem for me is all the wiring and cabling being under the deck and you shouldn't run the wires on top of the tank.

That is so easy to solve. First run all the battery cables through a PVC pipe to the engine and just don't run any over the tank. Easy Peasy.

 

[Watermann]

That is so easy to solve. First run all the battery cables through a PVC pipe to the engine and just don't run any over the tank. Easy Peasy.

Some schedule 80 conduit is a great way to run wires for sure, I'm not so much on board with PVC pipe but did you see what his set up looks like? How many 90 degree bends or sweeps would it take to accomplish that? He can't run conduit next to the tank so it would have to go through the deck supports. ​There's also the need to buy longer battery cables for the motor which would have to be heavier gauge for the increased length. It won't be so easy peasey to add or replace the wiring with it being under the deck inside conduit containing battery cables. It could be done but...

.Raising the deck an inch would be the biggest issue above all else just to have the domino effect spring up at every point along the way.

 

[redarndt]

.Raising the deck an inch would be the biggest issue above all else just to have the domino effect spring up at every point along the way.

This is the biggest thing holding me back. I think I'll just put the deck back in like it was supposed to be and use that center area to store some misc stuff(life jackets, etc.)

Thanks for all of the input! I have decided against it. Now just need to figure out where to put my batteries. I think the trolling motor batteries go back where they were, under the bow hatch. The starting and accessories battery will go in the back hatch. KISS- KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID.

This wouldn't be fun if I couldn't try out new ideas though, right?

 

[Ned L]

There really is nothing unusual about tanks and batteries on the same area. Visit some larger boats and that is amount all you will see,