how are your batteries secured?

[stevea661]

I have a 1986, 268 da. The batteries are sitting on the port side ledge in the engine compartment. Instead of over thinking this thing I though I would just ask how yours are fastend to the boat. Thanks in advance. Oh and it's finally ready for the shake down this weekend:smt038

 

[Lazy Daze]

Nothing special here. Really, any way you want to do it would work - just make sure they won't move.

The most easily available things are boxes and trays. Boxes are typically used when the battery will be out in the elements.

Trays are easier. I would suggest against using a hold-down strap - they're cumbersome. An easier way is the type of hold down that consists of a bar/clamp that goes across the battery, held down by two rods that attach to the bottom of the tray. These are readily available just about anywhere - about $10 a pop.

Isn't there already something there?

 

[Kameroo]

If you have room, I'd recommend a battery box. It contains the mess should you ever have a battery blow from age or lack of maintenance.

 

[VTSeaRay]

Hmmm, that's a good point! Hadn't thought of it that way, but acid can make a mess if it lets loose.

I think I'll get one for mine(battery box), I know SR added it in for the battery and trim in '08 on our model. Maybe I can just get those. (although, they're probably more pricey than I can imagine - I'll have to see.)

-VtSeaRay

 

[Asureyez]

If you are going to use Lead Acid batteries, then by all means epoxy coat that ledge and everything around it as the boil off acid will eat up everything.

The Rod to Bar clamps are the best way to go. Simple, effective and work. If you can't find the trays & rod system, they also make just the rods and bars that hook into strap eyes screwed to the ledge and secure the hold down bars.

 

[Tail Chaser 661]

I went with these. Screwed them down from the inside on all four corners. Used an excessive amount of 3M 4200 to help hold and seal everything also.

If the top of the batteries are not covered.
You need the them Red/Blk rubber covers over the terminals to pass CG inspection.

 

[JV II]

Take off your rings and watch

 

[stevea661]

I went with these. Screwed them down from the inside on all four corners. Used an excessive amount of 3M 4200 to help hold and seal everything also.

If the top of the batteries are not covered.
You need the them Red/Blk rubber covers over the terminals to pass CG inspection.

Well I guess I need to drive some where to get some boxes. I'm going to spash the boat this week in castaic and make a list of what else needs attention:huh:. It started right up on the muffs:smt038 but the temp on the gauge went up to 170 so I shut it down thinking maybe I put the thermostat in upside down. Just drained the coolant and popped the thermo housing and it was in right side up. So I'll run it and if it gets like over 200 I'll shut it down and make some phone calls:smt100
If Castaic goes ok I'll run out of Ventura this weekend and see what's going on out there. Keep your fingers crossed. How's your boat projects going?

 

[Tail Chaser 661]

Well I guess I need to drive some where to get some boxes. I'm going to spash the boat this week in castaic and make a list of what else needs attention:huh:. It started right up on the muffs:smt038 but the temp on the gauge went up to 170 so I shut it down thinking maybe I put the thermostat in upside down. Just drained the coolant and popped the thermo housing and it was in right side up. So I'll run it and if it gets like over 200 I'll shut it down and make some phone calls:smt100
If Castaic goes ok I'll run out of Ventura this weekend and see what's going on out there. Keep your fingers crossed. How's your boat projects going?

Did you put in a Marine thermostat?
I had run the 160 Performance Auto thermostat before.
That kept my temp gauge at 3/4 to the right on the gauge.
I think Mercs takes a 140 thermostat. My Gauge stays dead center with the 140 in there. Volvo may be the same.
Have you changed the impeller?

The boat project sucks,
Boat parts are to far away, Nobody carry's nothing. Mechanics being a useless liar. And I really don't want to work on the boat now. Other then that, All's good :lol:

Have you launched your 26' DA at Castaic before?
Ive thought of doing shake down runs there before.
I have concerns if the ramp drops steep enough. Also don't want any rookie lake boats bumping me at the ramp.

Ive got shot exhaust risers and some water in the oil.
If I change the risers. Castaic may be better then MDR for another shakedown. Major bummer, I want to hit San Clemente, And my old engine is taking a dump.
I turned the computer on to check prices and whats needed for the 496ci Merc Smart craft controls, gauges, etc.
Got on CSR 3 1/2 hrs ago :smt021

 

[stevea661]

Did you put in a Marine thermostat?
I had run the 160 Performance Auto thermostat before.
That kept my temp gauge at 3/4 to the right on the gauge.
I think Mercs takes a 140 thermostat. My Gauge stays dead center with the 140 in there. Volvo may be the same.
Have you changed the impeller?

The boat project sucks,
Boat parts are to far away, Nobody carry's nothing. Mechanics being a useless liar. And I really don't want to work on the boat now. Other then that, All's good :lol:

Have you launched your 26' DA at Castaic before?
Ive thought of doing shake down runs there before.
I have concerns if the ramp drops steep enough. Also don't want any rookie lake boats bumping me at the ramp.

Ive got shot exhaust risers and some water in the oil.
If I change the risers. Castaic may be better then MDR for another shakedown. Major bummer, I want to hit San Clemente, And my old engine is taking a dump.
I turned the computer on to check prices and whats needed for the 496ci Merc Smart craft controls, gauges, etc.
Got on CSR 3 1/2 hrs ago :smt021

I put in that sanjuan engineering fresh water cooling system. The system comes with a 160 thermo. The guage reads in degrees and went up to 170. I probably didn't give it long enough to stabilize, too paranoid. Any how like I said the stat was in right, I just got it reinstalled but its starting to blow and rain outside so I'm done till that stops. The stupid wind up here blows all the time, I should have been tipped off by all the wind mills :smt101. I haven't launched this boat at castaic before but have launched others. Ive seen bigger boats launched from there before so I think it should be ok:thumbsup:. Exhaust risers aren't too bad if you can get away with that till the end of the season. I'm getting burnt too. Ive been working on that mf boat every day. Yesterday I didn't. Today it said WORK ON ME, so I did. I found boxes at auto zone:smt038. Thats the next thing. Keep us informed if your project. Good luck.

 

[Tail Chaser 661]

I put in that sanjuan engineering fresh water cooling system. The system comes with a 160 thermo. The guage reads in degrees and went up to 170. I probably didn't give it long enough to stabilize, too paranoid. Any how like I said the stat was in right, I just got it reinstalled but its starting to blow and rain outside so I'm done till that stops. The stupid wind up here blows all the time, I should have been tipped off by all the wind mills :smt101. I haven't launched this boat at castaic before but have launched others. Ive seen bigger boats launched from there before so I think it should be ok:thumbsup:. Exhaust risers aren't too bad if you can get away with that till the end of the season. I'm getting burnt too. Ive been working on that mf boat every day. Yesterday I didn't. Today it said WORK ON ME, so I did. I found boxes at auto zone:smt038. Thats the next thing. Keep us informed if your project. Good luck.

:grin::grin::grin:
It seems like im on my 5th year of doing nothing but working on the boat.(upgrades) and thinking of the boat.

Things like the battery boxes seem like nice easy stuff to do.
Then decide, Hey move the batteries up on the higher shelf away from the engine. That will give more working room next to the engine :smt038
Then find out you have to reroute all your wiring to accomplish this :lol::smt013

Five hrs on CSR. Getting to late to call the midwest and east coast for EFI, Smartcraft junk today.
Almost time to get on another site and help someone with there Volvo diesel. I think I need therapy
With the leaky riser. Ive had saltwater in the 5.7 engine twice now :wow:
After 1 hr on the phone talking to a dealer trying to find out what SmartCraft junk I need.
I found out nothing.
I then called the dealer where I bought my 8,1. Turns out I do not need to run the Smartcraft.
My 10 pin connector on my 5.7 will fire up the 8.1. (Progress)