To Box or not to Box

[Carpediem44DB]

My 44DB has a six group 31 batteries in total all tied down in trays with guards on the positive terminals. I understand some surveyors write up discrepancies on their surveys and recommend the batteries be in boxes. Has anyone had this happen to them or have strong opinions one way or the other? I’m quite happy with the installation as is and feel it’s perfectly safe for a diesel vessel anyway.
Carpe Diem

 

[Little Ducky]

Terminals being covered yes.

Haven't heard of boxes being a requirement.

 

[bmac]

My 6 8D's are in boxes, with terminal covers on both positive and negative posts. My Group 31 battery for the generator is only secured to a tray, but still with covers on both terminals. My surveyor mad no mention of either arrangement being out of compliance with any rule, regulation or accepted practice, though that was 5 years ago.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Batteries do not need to be in a box. They do need to be secured tight enough, though, that they would not slide more than an inch (I believe that's the spec) in any direction. Only the positive terminal is required to be protected, although it can't hurt to have the negative protected, as well.

As long as your batteries are secured properly, it sounds like you're in compliance. Quite honestly, personally I prefer NOT to use boxes as they're kind of a pain. The batteries would still need to be secured within the box so they don't move (wedged with something would suffice, if they don't already fit tight).

 

[MonacoMike]

Batteries do not need to be in a box. They do need to be secured tight enough, though, that they would not slide more than an inch (I believe that's the spec) in any direction. Only the positive terminal is required to be protected, although it can't hurt to have the negative protected, as well.

As long as your batteries are secured properly, it sounds like you're in compliance. Quite honestly, personally I prefer NOT to use boxes as they're kind of a pain. The batteries would still need to be secured within the box so they don't move (wedged with something would suffice, if they don't already fit tight).

The CG squadron guys always give me a hard time if the negative is not covered also. LOL

MM

 

[sbw1]

Our 4 group 31s came in trays from the factory with positive terminal caps. Had to have been legal in 2004 and has worked well for us.

 

[M Prod]

No boxes ..secured snugly in trays made for 31’s with straps, both terminals covered.

 

[Havana Shamrock]

My house batts needed replacing over the summer THANK GOD that where not in boxes.
But my 4 Golf cart Inverter batts sit in front of each engine in boxes for safety reasons.
Used every ounce of strength to get them in the boxes....

 

[Korkie]

My 5 are not in boxes. Very secure mounts and all terminals covered. I prefer no boxes as it makes it much easier to do visual inspection when doing my pre flight of the engine room. This is how it came to me and surveyor had no comment reference they needed to be in boxes.

 

[Craig]

No boxes just trays and covered terminals.

 

[bbwhitejr]

No boxes, tied down in trays, all terminals covered. No mention on survey.

I dislike the boxes. Another place for dirt to accumulate.



Bennett

 

[fwebster]

I have no authority for this but I do not like lead acid batteries in the open and not contained. Acid can leak, spill and get were it isn’t supposed to be , batteries an crack, abd explode and I would rather contain leaked acid than to have to clean up the aftermath.

Sealed or AGM batteries pose no potential for leaks so they don’t need to be contained.

 

[Carpediem44DB]

Thanks for all the input guys, I knew I'd get good info just incase I get some BS from a surveyor. I figure it would be an easy gig to write up to get some $$ negotiated off the ask. I am sure there will be no other major deal killers as I keep the boat as Bristol as it gets. I am going to change out all of the water intake hoses on the engines as they are original. I did run into an issue locating the 2 1/2"ID Corrugated Heavy Duty hose though. Frank from MPI said that it was special ordered for the 44DBs. Looks like I will need to substitute for the wire reinforced hardwall instead. Has anyone done this job lately on their QSC 500 HDs

 

[bmac]

....... I did run into an issue locating the 2 1/2"ID Corrugated Heavy Duty hose though. Frank from MPI said that it was special ordered for the 44DBs. Looks like I will need to substitute for the wire reinforced hardwall instead. Has anyone done this job lately on their QSC 500 HDs

That's BS. 2 1/2" corrugated hose is generally available at any good marine supply house. If you can't find it locally you can order it from Defender. You just missed their annual sale last week where the hose was 15% off. I changed out all of my raw water hoses this year. Tough job.