Battery storage

[Ponape]

Does any one have any suggestions of where to store the batteries? Also, what type of batteries are recommended and how much amp hours do people find they need?

We are just in the process of buying and fitting a new battery system. When we bought our Nik 38, she was fitted with three car batteries, which were stored alongside the engine in a customised box. After some research, we have decided to replace these with four trojan golf cart batteries (450 Ah in total) as our house bank and keep one of the car batteries for starting the engine. The problem we have is that they will no longer fit next to the engine (which has been upgraded), and in any case we thought it best to keep this space clear for engine maintenance etc. One option was to put the batteries in the starboard cockpit locker but as there is currently a second water tank here, there is not really enough room either. We now are considering using the locker under the bunk in the aft cabin. The problem with this seems to be lengthy wires to the engine and distribution panel.

Any recommendations of storage, battery type and set up would be most appreciated!

Thanks,

Katy

[Jeff]

Hi Katy,
I have 3 ‘Lifeline’AGM 220 Amp Hr batteries. They’re installed 2 on Stbd side of the engine, one above the other, inboard of the stbd fuel tank on a custom made support-shelf, glassed onto the hull & strapped down firmly. The 3rd battery,on the Port side,is tucked under the side-deck on a shelf underneath the Port cockpit locker. The shelf is level with the top of the Port fuel tank. Accessibility is’nt a problem as these batteries are maintenance-free. (Google ‘Lifeline’ batteries in UK for more info)
My engine-access is not a problem,on all sides.
May I bring to your attention that I have a 4th battery which is stored ashore & never been used, which I am trying to sell. I planned to install all 4 but didn’t have any more space in the engine comp’t, so it’s just sitting in the shed.
I think it’s still listed in our ‘For Sale’ pages here, but email me if you can use it.
These are the ‘Rolls-Royce’ of batteries.
Regards, Jeff
(Sea Eagle)

[John Arthur]

I am in the privileged position of being able to start afresh with the inside of Blue Skye as I stripped it bare inside. At the moment the only electrical items connected on board are the fresh water pump and new led cabin lights both on temporary connections. I have fitted two large golf cart 6v batteries (domestic supply) + one large 12v battery for the windlass in the seat locker immediately behind the main mast. The engine starter battery is a fairly small one fitted quite close to the starter motor. I have room to increase the number of golf cart batteries should the need arise. The batteries were all in the port cockpit locker which seemed a lot of weight that ought to be lower in the boat and central. I haven’t decided yet where to fit a distribution panel but it won’t be at the nav desk as that has gone in favour of more space in the saloon. If your existing battery cables to the panel are the same size as the starter motor cables they can be left as they are and new ones added from the panel to the new battery location at the base of the mast via the seat lockers or under the floor.
John.

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