[C320-list] Battery boxes

[Jeff Hare]

Hi,

I can't say whose right.  *I* believe Catalina however.  With well over 1000 hulls built and shipped all over the world this way, it's a non-issue for the intended use of the boat in my opinion. 

Given that the batteries are in a well protected area and securely held down, sit in a spill tray,  there's little to be gained by a battery box. One wouldn't fit anyway without downsizing the batteries. 

The real danger of flooded batteries I've heard is the chance of seawater contacting battery acid. A box won't likely solve that since they MUST be we'll vented. 

If using the boat for serious offshore use you'd use AGMs anyway for maximum safety. 
Just keep the 4Ds we'll secured and enjoy the boat. 

-Jeff
-----Original Message-----
From: LOCALJG at aol.com
Sender: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
Date: Fri, 13 Aug 2010 17:58:15 
To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Reply-To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Battery boxes

In April I bought a beautiful Catalina 320.  During the survey, the 
surveyor noted that the Catalina's three batteries were not in battery boxes.  The 
broker said that Catalina has a waiver for the 320 and the boats come 
without battery boxes from the factory.  The surveyor had never heard this and 
didn't believe it.  The surveyor believed that the Coast Guard would have a 
serious problem with a boat that had its batteries that were not in battery 
boxes.  
 
So, who's correct?  
 
Due to the age of the batteries, it is time for me to replace all three 
batteries and this would be a great time to place the batteries in boxes if it 
is truly required by the Coast Guard. Just for the sake of safety, I believe 
I should place the batteries in boxes but I am curious as to the broker's 
veracity on this subject.  
 
Is there anyone out there who can state categorically and without a doubt 
who is correct, the surveyor or the broker?  
 
If the Battery boxes are truly required, It appears I will be somewhat 
challenged due to the space available to me.  The group 27, starting battery is 
up in the front of the starboard settee and just behind it is the first of 
two Rolls, 4Ds.  The second 4D is in the compartment just behind the other 
two batteries.  I think the problem is going to be getting the group 27 
battery in a box due to its location at the front of the settee.  
 
So, how do the rest of you 320 battery box people do it? 
 
Thanks for any input you care to share.
 
John.  #329