[C320-list] Battery boxes

[Karl Mielenhausen _/)]

I have also heard that boat owners were getting dinged on surveys for not  
having their batteries in boxes. Depending on your insurance company, you  
may be forced to fix such an observation made in the survey report.

Here is what I have been able to find out:

1/ There is no USCG requirement for battery boxes as such.
Reference 33 CFR 183.420:
http://tinyurl.com/2f4dyg7
There are specific requirements, such as to constrain motion, vent  
hydrogen gas, prevent shorting of terminals, etc.

2/ ABYC standards call for a method to contain electrolyte leakage, which  
might include a leakproof compartment dedicated to batteries only, boxes,  
or trays.
Reference E10:
http://tinyurl.com/2abujku
Note that these are industry standards, not specifications or  
requirements. As such "a waiver" seems to be marketing-speak.

ABYC Technical Board Rules provide that all reports, including standards  
and recommended practices and technical information reports, are advisory  
only. Their use is entirely voluntary. They are believed to represent, as  
of the date of publication, the consensus of knowledgeable persons,  
currently active in the field of small craft, on performance objectives  
that contribute to small boat safety.

Unfortunately, most insurance companies require periodic surveys (usually  
every 4 or 5 years) in order to insure "compliance" to some standards of  
safety and structural integrity. More and more recognized marine surveyors  
are inspecting and reporting their results to ABYC standards. As a result,  
it is becoming virtually impossible to not adhere to the ABYC standards  
and still carry decent insurance coverage and, therefore, such  
"recommendations" have become a defacto standard for us boaters. Like it  
or not, we cannot obtain a boat loan without it being secured by insurance  
coverage.


Karl


On Fri, 13 Aug 2010 17:58:15 -0400, <LOCALJG at aol.com> wrote:

> 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
>


-- 
Karl Mielenhausen
Catalina 320 Hull 690