Battery Relocation

[David Analog]

David,
Yes, in both cases, those are group 34 batteries, which are a little smaller than the standard group 24.
And, in both cases they are AGMs, and even though they are sealed they still should have some degree of venting or the tops exposed.
Many people use AGMs mounted over on their side and under the observers seat to clear out the locker. However, not all boats will have the height of seat console to accomplish this.
Having to run both the starter/alternator feeds plus the engine block ground farther forward, and, duplicating this with longer amplifier trunk feeds does add a lot of expense but also adds enough length that you might consider upgrading the gauge.
Just too much IMO.

[MLA]

I am thinking about movinng on from the port locker to the starboard bow in front of the drivers foot well.

Can we get a clarification on how many batteries you are considering moving? Im reading it as one (1) and im assuming its only one of the two house batteries?

If just one of the house batteries, thats fairly straight forward, just add longer parallel cables.

If all are getting moved, for sure its more work, but still doable.
The helm BUSS B+ and B- would likely end up getting shortened
The Amp feed cables would need to be longer and possible upgraded to accommodate the added length.
The main starter B+ and B- may just have length to be pulled back into the bilge and then pushed up through the starboard/helm locker. If they will not reach, then replacing them with longer cables is the way to go, and they may need to be upgraded in size.
Move the battery charger with the batteries, rather than extend the charge leads. Much easier and better to extend the chargers AC cord if you have a shore charger outlet mounted somewhere.

[rdlangston13]

Can we get a clarification on how many batteries you are considering moving? Im reading it as one (1) and im assuming its only one of the two house batteries?

If just one of the house batteries, thats fairly straight forward, just add longer parallel cables.

If all are getting moved, for sure its more work, but still doable.
The helm BUSS B+ and B- would likely end up getting shortened
The Amp feed cables would need to be longer and possible upgraded to accommodate the added length.
The main starter B+ and B- may just have length to be pulled back into the bilge and then pushed up through the starboard/helm locker. If they will not reach, then replacing them with longer cables is the way to go, and they may need to be upgraded in size.
Move the battery charger with the batteries, rather than extend the charge leads. Much easier and better to extend the chargers AC cord if you have a shore charger outlet mounted somewhere.

This. I am going to stick with my 3 battery set up, two house and one starting. One house and the starting battery would stay where they are, all I was thinking about moving was ONE of the house batteries. The shelf idea is good but looks like it would take a whole to get right and since my boat is kept 120 miles from my house I don't really have the convienence of spending a lot of time on this project to custom build a shelving system.

I like the idea of stacking them but I am not sure if I have the time or handy skills to tackle that project. Our port locker is overly crowded and with a baby on the boat this summer it will be even more so. Also my seat bases are too low to put them under the seat.

[gregski]

Routing the cables wouldn't be too hard. Stick your head down in the center locker and look up to the sides. There are openings that are used for running wires from side to side.

[rdlangston13]

Routing the cables wouldn't be too hard. Stick your head down in the center locker and look up to the sides. There are openings that are used for running wires from side to side.

Yeah I already filled these opening up with RCA cables lol

[moombadaze]

david, what about putting the starting battery in the rear--could it fit under the seats, that would clear up some room and keep a heavy battery out of the bow

[jmvotto]

you really need all three batteries? I have the same setup with two and never had an issue.. .02

[wolfeman131]

you don't party like Langston, old man

[mmandley]

Dave you best option to open that cubby is extend all the lines to the drivers side were you want to place them.

Also the cheapest option.

Next is upgrade your batteries to gel, or optima do they can lay on there sides. Then they will fit under the back seat in the V Drive. I dealt with this same problem in my LSV.

I ended up accepting the loss of space for my batteries and dealt with it.

[jmvotto]

you don't party like Langston, old man

Ha!!! try me! he's got a newbie, mine get me the beer now a days....