Batteries for a 25 ft cruiser

J

jkswor

New member
Have a new to me 07 25 ft cruiser. There are two wet cell batteries in the starboard compartment where fuel seperators are located used for starting motors.
The compartment is sealed with the door. No vent
Am concerned with the situation ie battery fumes around fuel lines
What is a better battery choice for an unvented area around fuel lines and used for starting twin 90s. or is this ok the way it is.
 
Why not put ventilators in the aft compartment? Then the hydrogen gas from the batteries will dissipate and you can quit worrying about them.

I cut 3 holes and covered them with small round grills: 2 ea at the top of the port and starboard compartments and one just above the cockpit floor to let air in.

Or you can buy AGM batteries at great expense.

Boris
 
Many of the 25's have their batteries in these compartments. We had lead acid no problem. These hatches are not air tight--actually ours didn't have any hatches--but my son's does. You should not outgas the batteries, unless overcharging the batteries. There should be nor source of ignition in this area.
If putting vents, I would put clam shell covers over them. Vents are not a bad idea...especially with the hatches there.

Yes AGM's are more expensive. I like the Duracell Group 31 from Sam's Club and they are $180. For us, the AGM are worth while--lower self discharge, better charging characteristics. These are made by East Penn--same as Deka.
 
Jkswor: I had an '07 25 footer. That's the only place to put the batteries and that's how the boat was designed by the manufacturer. It's fine. Don't waste your money on buying AGM batteries and new expensive wiring to move them to the bow area.

Enjoy the boat!

PS: Good point by Thataway. Those hatches aren't air tight. They are already sufficiently ventilated. BUT, if if makes you sleep better at night then you could add a small vent to each hatch like Journey Boris suggested.
 
Well, think about it: The leaking hatches are down close to the deck, there is a hole halfway up the stern where the cables come out and then there is an opening at the rear of the cockpit coaming. All those holes are half way up to the aft sheer line, below where gases from the battery can gather. Add that to the Honda charging at 14.8 volts and there's a good reason to put vents at the top of the aft compartments. It's 3 holes covered by 3 grills.

I'll also point out hardly anyone does it.

Boris
 
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