Batteries OK under seat?

[DogTubs]

Hello,

We are new to the group.

We just purchased a 1988 24-foot Suntracker Party Barge Pontoon.

It had four 12-volt batteries located around the boat (one on the hull, 3 on the bow). We want to make this a three battery boat and put these three batteries under the seat opposite the captains seat.

Does anyone see a problem with putting three batteries under the seat?

Thanks in advance! John & Dennis

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Batteries OK under seat?

The compartment needs to be well vented -- especially during charging.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Batteries OK under seat?

Yep, needs to be vented. If you don't want to vent the entire compartment you can get a sealed battery box that has vent tubes, there are boxes meant specifically for applications like this.

Just curious, but why does that toon have 4 batteries? Also, if you are concentrating the weight of 3 batteries in one spot, make sure the floor is solid... Don't want to lift up the seat and notice half of your batteries are gone!

 

[lncoop]

Re: Batteries OK under seat?

Mine came from the factory with the battery under the seat. The compartment is vented, but I still leave the seat up when charging (which is any time the boat is parked). I've never had any issues other than a little corrosion, which I easily remedied and now prevent with an occasional application of corrosion preventing spray from the shack.

 

[DogTubs]

Re: Batteries OK under seat?

Yep, needs to be vented. If you don't want to vent the entire compartment you can get a sealed battery box that has vent tubes, there are boxes meant specifically for applications like this.

Just curious, but why does that toon have 4 batteries? Also, if you are concentrating the weight of 3 batteries in one spot, make sure the floor is solid... Don't want to lift up the seat and notice half of your batteries are gone!

Hi Smokingcrater,

The guy we bought it from had 1 cranking bat, 2 bats for the 24 V TM, and 1 bat for a small winch for anchor. It was not the best set up. So, we are in the process of putting 3 bats under the seat with a Yandina Combiner100 and TrollBridge24. We hope (really hope!) the 35 HP Merc will charge all 3 bats and the new 10 W solar panels will maintain the charge.

With all the wiring we have planned on the batteries, and cost for sealed battery boxes, we hope that 4 to 6 large holes (3" diameter) in the seat box will provide enough ventillation.

Thanks!

 

[joebob14]

Re: Batteries OK under seat?

Something to keep in mind when moving your batteries around, I know ballancing the weight of the boat is important but if I were using a 24 v tm I would try to keep the batteries that suply it form fetting to far away. On a 24ft boat you could easily tripple the length of the wires feading the trolling motor. If you choose to do that remember you will need a heavyer power cable to reduce the resistance created by the distance you have to cover.