Replacing port batteries on 44 Sundancer

Magic34

Member
Jul 7, 2015
149
Live in AZ, Boat in San Diego
Boat Info
Former 44 Sundancer Owner
Engines
Currently Self Powered
Before starting this for the first time, are there any tricks to make this as painless as possible.

where and why Sea Ray installed these there is a different thread
 
I know some guys unhook battery cables for the winter by laying on the floor and hanging upside down. I don't know if they could change batteries that way. I need to change mine, I'm just going to take that horizontal metal floor support out so that I can get in there.
 
I've done it. It's a PITA for sure. Here's what I did. I pulled off the long narrow side hatch and unhooked the batteries. I then lifted the most outboard battery straight up and on top of the battery next to it. I came around into the bilge and swung the battery over onto of the little diamond plate step that sits over the transmission. After that you just heave it up onto the deck. The next battery is easier because it'll just swing straight over to the step.

Keep in mind I have gassers so you may have other obstacles that I don't.

Good luck and by Advil for your back.
 
Take picture with your cell phone as you take things apart so you will put them back the same way.
 
If your referring to the 14"-18" wide, 5' long hatch panel that runs from the cockpit door to the sink on the Port side, then yes.

Thanks, haven't lifted the carpet since we got it last summer. Access panel works perfect. I was able to get all 3 out within 20 minutes. New ones are getting delivered now.

Thanks again guys
 
Resurrecting an old thread. I'm fixing to tackle this job this weekend. Anything new that anyone wants to add? My existing batteries don't have "handles" on them. So I bought a gizmo that hooks on to the terminals to facilitate lifting. I'm also replacing the original Intelli-Power PD2040 charger with a ProMariner ProNautic 1240P. (I have one of these on my bowthruster charger already). BTW, I found an awesome price: https://www.anchorexpress.com/promariner-pronautic-1240p-battery-charger-63140 $338........ I'm going in with the Duracell AGM's from Sam's Club.

In a few days, I should have a wet cell watering system available. Flow-Rite Qwik-Fill. I have one circuit that will handle two wet cell batteries, and another circuit that will handle three wet cell batteries. The system works nicely. PM me if interested. Purchased and installed in 9/2017.

Jaybeaux
 
Jaybeaux, I am about to install a new battery charger. Thank you for pointing me to the sale on ProNautic battery chargers. I would like your input as to why you went with the 1240 vs. the 1260? Thank you in advance for your input, Robbie
 
My charger is a 40 amp. I was thinking of upgrading to the 60, I guess it makes sense to stick with the original factory rating. Thank you!
 
I had to replace my bow/stern thruster battery charger, which was an original ProMariner 2425 this year. This is for two 8D batteries. My other four 8D's have a separate charger. When I contacted ProMariner, they informed me they no longer made the 2425 model but that the replacement was a ProNautic 2430 (58DB's equipment are mostly 24V). Of course the new unit was oriented horizontally, while the old one was oriented vertically. The wiring to and from the charger was also configured differently. All that conspired to cause this change out to take 2 hours instead of a half hour. Of course I have now rambled and none of that was the point of my posting on this thread. My point was....ProMariner sold me the new unit directly for a significant discount from anything I could find retail. You might want to check with them before buying.
 
Oh, and I agree with using a rope to hoist batteries in and out of the engine room. Two of my 8D's are buried outboard and aft of the other two. The only way to get them in and out is up and to the side. There's just no way to get any lifting leverage on them other than from above.
 
Oh, and I agree with using a rope to hoist batteries in and out of the engine room. Two of my 8D's are buried outboard and aft of the other two. The only way to get them in and out is up and to the side. There's just no way to get any lifting leverage on them other than from above.

LOL … im just picturing u doing this … Beer in one hand . Beer in the other hand. Who actually removed the batteries ?

: )
 
I replaced port batteries last year...what a PIA... The hardest part was coming up with new swear words for this contraption... Getting the damn hooks back in... Who ever came up with this disaster design should be punished.

image.gif
 
I replaced port batteries last year...what a PIA... The hardest part was coming up with new swear words for this contraption... Getting the damn hooks back in... Who ever came up with this disaster design should be punished.

View attachment 66776

You got that right. Especially when the little hook/rod falls down between the batteries. :mad:
 

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