Dual Batteries in Starboard Lazarette

KickerDRB

All,

I would like to move the house battery from the port lazarette to the starboard. I think it would balance the boat better as the kicker and water tank are both to port, and the trim tabs are maxed out when running.

From prior posts I have gathered it is possible to put both batteries on one side . Does anyone have any pictures or advice on the install?

What size batteries did you use? A pair of 24's. I made a cardboard template of a 24 and 27 and it does appear physically possible. Where in the world would everything else go? 50A house breaker, battery switch, blue sea relay and the monster "stud busses".

It is an 05' 22 cruiser, wired by the factory at the time, they apparently lacked wire cutters as there is miles and miles of cables just stuffed into the hatch.

Thanks for all the help in advance.
Regards,
Dave

Jazzmanic · Posted: Tue May 01, 2012 6:36 pm Post subject:

KickerDRB,

Check out our starboard lazarette. Like you, we have a 2005 22' Cruiser. I just finished installing an Add-A-Battery system by Blue Seas. I had to add additional battery cables, terminal fuses and two dual bus bars to minimize the amount of wires connected directly to the battery terminmals. I thought it worked out pretty well. But it is extremely tight in there. The batteries are held in place with a small piece of starboard screwed down onto the bottom of the lazarette. I've had both batteries in the lazarette for years and had put off doing this project until earlier this year. Piece of mind.

I posted the one picture showing both batteries. Look at my album to see the rest.

ferret30 · Posted: Tue May 01, 2012 8:05 pm Post subject:

If you're installing battery terminal boots, isn't it important to also cover the exposed automotive posts on the battery terminals?

I had to find boots to cover both the screw posts and the clamp posts, and also fit in a tight area height wise. The ones I settled on do not swivel like some do (too tall), so it meant the cables had to be oriented in a specific direction for the boots to work.

Huge pain, and I only have one battery per compartment! I couldn't imagine having anything larger than a pair of group 24s in one compartment!

potter water · Posted: Wed May 02, 2012 9:43 am Post subject:

I have a 27 house battery and a 24 starboard engine starter battery in the starboard lazarette. ALL of the power distribution electronics and relays are located in the port side however. So, without anything other than batteries in the Starboard Lazarette, there is plenty of room. Getting them in and out takes some art and time, but once in, plenty of room.

hardee · Posted: Thu May 03, 2012 3:13 am Post subject:

I have a Group 27 in each Laz. My mechanic put them in there, and I have no idea how, but they fit, and the are some wires and storage there too.

Harvey
SleepyC

Levity · Posted: Thu May 03, 2012 8:14 am Post subject:

Levity (2003 22) came with two batteries under the transom well. They were relocated to the starboard lazarette. The battery switch and large bus fuses were relocated into the aft section of the starboard gunwale pocket. A StarBoard enclosure with sliding access door was fabricated to isolate the battery switch and fuses from elements and inadvertent contact. This configuration is 6 years old and works well. I'll post photos later today.
Mike-Levity

KickerDRB · Posted: Fri May 04, 2012 2:40 pm Post subject:

Thanks, Pictures are always appreciated. It sounds doable, it just may take some time... and a bucket of wire connectors.

As always, I really appreciate the help!
Regards,
Dave

Levity · Posted: Sun May 06, 2012 4:04 pm Post subject:

Finally loaded the pictures in Levity's album.
Mike-Levity

Boomer · Posted: Sun May 06, 2012 4:30 pm Post subject:

We have two group 24's in our starboard lazarette, along with a voltage sensitive relay and a 50 amp breaker. It's a somewhat tight fit, but it works well. We also have the kicker on the port side, so I think you're right that it balances things out nicely. I'll step out to the boat later today and take a photo.