Reposition batteries

[C-Pelican]

Has anyone ever put two batteries on the floor of the cockpit between the two fuel tanks on a 22' cruiser?

I like the sound of it to even out the weight and gain more storage in my lazarettes and under the sink.
It also seems it would make battery access easier.

Worries:
I ocean most of the time and wonder about the splash (and yes, sometimes huge amounts) of salt water coming into the cockpit from over the stern splashwell.

I picture putting them in plastic battery boxes with a battery switch between them.

Thanks in advance.

Jeff

[C-Hawk]

Jeff,

My main concern would be the fumes from the fuel tanks. Could get rather explosive

[breausaw]

I don’t see it being a problem; the fuel tank vents are located on the outside of the hull-at least on a 07. They make marine battery cases exactly for this purpose that have vents and sealed terminal connections. If you use a Perko type isolation switch you’ll have to find a location for it. I managed to put both my batteries in the starboard laz along with my battery isolation switch.
If your worried about hydrogen gas go with a marine Gel or AGM instead of a Flooded battery, they also last longer and are more immune to the harsh saltwater environment.

[Da Nag]

Did it on my 19 a few years back, which would be the same as a 22. Worked out great. However, I kept the battery switch mounted on the inside of the lazarette - doesn't take much more cable, and I liked being able to turn things on/off without crawling into the boat (think engine tilt when flushing...)

I also mounted a charger to the box, along with a waterproof plug - made for easy charging from an extension cord. Here's a link with a few more details and pics.

[thataway]

We have two of the batteries in the 25 on the cockpit deck under the splash well. Not much difference between there and between the tanks of the 22. Batteries can explode and short--so that is a point. I certainly would put them in boxes--could be self made of fiberglass or the off the shelf plastic. Be sure that you can still get to the bilge pump.

We had other things we put in there when we owned C Pelican--but each of us has our own uses and makes modifications which fit our lives better.

[Jeanie P]

Both my batteries were under the splashwell between the fuel tanks. They were in plastic off- the -shelf battery boxes with lids, held in place with tie-down straps.
The battery switch was located in the starboard lazarette. Never any problem.

Allan

[T.R. Bauer]

What's wrong with putting them both in the lazarette? That is where mine are. It is a perfect spot for them.

[Sea Wolf]

[smittypaddler]

I have two group 27 deep cycle batteries in plastic battery boxes on the cockpit floor between the two gas tanks on my CD22. They're easily replaced, which I can certify, since I just replaced mine (took 15 minutes). The two disadvantes are: (1) Mine are flooded batteries, and it's a pain in the butt to get down there to check the fluid levels; I bought a small mechanics mirror on an extendable handle, which helps. (2) The second disadvantage is the extra weight (about 120 pounds) that far aft means my engines don't quite clear the water in the up position.There's a photo here:

http://smittypaddler.com/cds/cd7/fl08/photos/large/d080228/IMG_0299.JPG

In this position my sacrificial zincs are clear of the water, but the lower housing is still in the water, so I have a potential electrolysis problem, which I hope to've solved by hanging a fish made out of zinc over the side in the water, with an alligator clip attached to a piece of bare metal on the engine steering assembly (I also have to make sure to remember to lift that zinc fish out of water before casting off .

[jlastofka]

I feel like my boat is somewhat stern heavy and I run with a fair amount of trim tab down. I've been thinking of moving my two batteries forward under the V-berth area, putting them in sealed boxes vented overboard.

I saw this thread and I just did a couple quick calculations. (As an engineer and former airplane pilot I learned how to do weight and balance calculations. It's actually pretty easy.)

If you assume a 2500 lb boat with a vertical CG 2 ft away from some reference point and then move 120 of those lbs another 2 ft vertical distance, the overall vertical CG would move just over an inch. I did that one because someone here mentioned it.

In my case of interest, moving 120 lbs 10 ft forward in the boat would move the CG about six inches forward, again assuming a 2500 lb total.

I guess the boat probably weighs more like 3500, and I'm just guessing on the batteries, but these calculations show the approximate effects of these kinds of changes.

I don't think we'd ever notice a small vertical CG change, but I'd think the fore/aft CG change would make a noticeable change in running trim.

Next time I'm out with a passenger I'll get everything stabilized with the passenger near the stern battery area and then have him/her move up to the V-berth area. The effect should be about equal to my proposed battery move.

Jeff

[marvin4239]

[Levity]

Jeff,
My C-Dory 22 came with the batteries under the splash well and between the tanks. They were in boxes and secured to the deck with nylon straps. The nylon straps were secured to the deck with nylon tie down anchors. The tie down anchors were secured to the deck with stainless screws. This was satisfactory for 2 years after which inspection of the stainless screws showed them to be significantly rusted and improperly set(no epoxy). The area under the splash well was very dirty as the batteries trapped gunk. The transom drain hole was not easily viewed and extremely difficult to access (spare plug in emergency). Maintenance of the batteries was not easy as they had to be released from the tie downs and dragged into the cockpit to remove the covers. Installing and maintaining a bilge pump in the aft depression proved to be difficult with the batteries in this position. The batteries were relocated to the starboard lazarette. They are crowded in there but easier to access, yet more difficult to remove. The under splashwell area is cleaner, easier to inspect and bilge pump maintenance is easy. I am glad I made the change.
Mike "Levity"

[thataway]

Moving the batteries forward may be more complicated than you think. You have to cut into the V Bunk structure, remove foam--and have less floatation. You have to make a door for this aperature. You then have to run heavy cables to the engine for the starting--not too hard to do, but costly and some weight in the middle of the boat.

I assumed that the battery in C Pelican was put under the galley for the Wallas--the run is short, and the battery didn't take up much room there. I didn't move it because I didn't see the need to..If it works better for you between the fuel tanks--go for it.

[C-Pelican]

Thanks for the replies everyone, darn, now there is more to think about!

At least my trailer is now fixed (broken cross member) so I can think deeply about the battery repositioning.

Doc Bob, still using those same batteries that came with it when I bought it from you...and they are strong and sure!!!!

Jeff

[thataway]

Jeff,
Those batteries were on the boat when I bought it--and were not new then. Maybe you can set a record for battery life!

I have to ask--did you fix the road to your house, as well as the trailer?

Regards,