Battery box??

bijou22

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 3, 2005
Messages
302
I am just about to put my boat back in the water but before I do was thinking of buying a battery box, as it is currently just sitting there in a tray and often gets wet.
Boat is a Wellcraft 21sl 1997.
Do I really need one?
 

rickdb1boat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 23, 2002
Messages
11,195
Re: Battery box??

As long as it's secured in the tray, you really don't need a box. They are nice though and offer a little more protection....
 

JUSTINTIME

Captain
Joined
Sep 2, 2006
Messages
3,284
Re: Battery box??

if u have it in the box u do not need covers on the terminals
 

ricksrster

Commander
Joined
Jun 19, 2005
Messages
2,022
Re: Battery box??

Boxes also keep little hands away from the battery.
I use them to keep battery from getting splashed and to cover the terminals.
They are not expensive. they also come with straps to secure them to the boat.
 

Barnacle_Bill

Admiral
Joined
Feb 8, 2004
Messages
6,469
Re: Battery box??

To pass a coast guard safety inspection the terminals have to be covered. Been there done that.
 

Drowned Rat

Captain
Joined
Jan 20, 2004
Messages
3,070
Re: Battery box??

The Coast Guard does not require terminals to be covered. They aren't even covered on their own boats.
 

JUSTINTIME

Captain
Joined
Sep 2, 2006
Messages
3,284
Re: Battery box??

FEDERAL LAW

183.420 - Batteries

(b) Each battery must be installed so that metallic objects cannot come in contact with the ungrounded battery terminals.


so no cover then, i do not think so
 

rickdb1boat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 23, 2002
Messages
11,195
Re: Battery box??

Would something like this pass?

1076881786517_IM001223.jpg
 

Drowned Rat

Captain
Joined
Jan 20, 2004
Messages
3,070
Re: Battery box??

Bill, sounds like a Coast Guard Aux. inspection. Very different. They may want you to have it, but the U.S. Coast Guard does not require it and you cannot be ticketed for it.
 

ted655

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 21, 2003
Messages
252
Re: Battery box??

I just bought a nice box. It has a built in 12 V. socket in the lid
 

Boatist

Rear Admiral
Joined
Apr 22, 2002
Messages
4,552
Re: Battery box??

They are cheap and it gives you a good way to make sure your battery stays is place if you pitch or roll.

Keep the positive wire from hitting some ground and starting a fire.

Keeps any acid leakage away from other parts of the boat

Keeps battery clean and dry if get water in the boat or land a big Shark, Sturgeon, halibutt, Salmon or Tuna.

Boarded By Coast Guard OffShore Last Year and they check all the saftey Gear. In Engine area only checked Bildge Blower, Flame Arester, and Fuel Lines.

Very nice group of young men.
 

Saskatoon2005

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 27, 2005
Messages
810
Re: Battery box??

Cheap for easy insurance. I should practice what I preach because I don't even have a battery box, but was planning on getting one this spring. So now I better. Some have battery gauges attached to them so you can check whenever you want how much power is left in your battery...pretty cool I think.
 
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