Does this battery location need to be vented?

[gkosel]

Hi,​

I just purchased a 24V trolling motor and need to find a place to install my 2 deep cycle batteries. At some point in the future I may build a casting deck that would allow me to store the batteries under the casting deck in my bowrider, but that is a project for next year.​

I have a box on the port side of my boat that I built last year that is enclosed. See pics (ignore the goofy kid) below:​

As you can see this is an enclosed box, currently with no venting. My plan is to use about half of this box and install a divider to still allow area for accessories, etc. The batteries would be placed to the front of the box. I also plan on installing a MinnKota three bank on board charger.​

Do I need to cut a hole of some kind in this box to provide some venting?​

If so, where should I cut the hole?​

How big?​

Do they make a vent cover of some type that could be attached?​

Thanks for any help/advice you could provide.​

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Does this battery location need to be vented?

The batteries will give off some hydrogen while being charged. They do not give off anything while being used. Probably that box has enough venting they way it is, but when you install the charger leads, you will open the box and it will be vented.

 

[dwhite1031]

Re: Does this battery location need to be vented?

Only thing I might do is put the batteries in battery trays and not directly on that carpet. Also, if you're going to install the onboard charger in the same box, don't mount it on the carpeted surface. I have a Guest charger and they specify not doing that due to heat and also it prevents air from circulalting around the back of the charger as they use convection cooling.

Let the kid act goofy as long as he can. He'll grow up way too soon and it's times like these in the picture you'll always miss down the road.​

 

[gkosel]

Re: Does this battery location need to be vented?

Both of the batteries will be secured in plastic trays (already purchased).

I am happy to hear that the venting from the size of the box and the hole for the charger will suffice to vent. The divider that I am putting in is not going to completely seal off the remaining compartment, so there will be room for air to flow through the other department as well.

I am currently debating where to put the charger. It is going to depend on how long the bank wires and power cords are. I haven't actually bought the charger yet, so I am not sure how long these wires are.

Anyone with a MinnKota Charger want to give an estimate?

Thanks for the tip about not installing on Carpet. There are easy ways to get around that.​