Re: 1976 22' Starcraft Islander Rebuild
I thought you might come around Jas. I found that by increasing the engine bay length only about 4 - 6" (mine's a short 4 banger) there was sufficient room for two 27 batteries. It also provided sufficient space at engine mount level that I was able to simply slide the engine forward enough to replace the transom without having to hoist the engine out of the boat.
I placed a 2 x 4 between the stringers with the top level with original plywood front engine mount platform. This provided a base upon which to place the battery cradle, also basically 2 x 4 construction for strength. The battery boxes fit snuggly inside the pockets. By offsetting the batteries slightly, I was able to use the space on the starboard side to run the cables and wiring harness. Rear view CAD pictured.
This also provided a sensible location for the battery switch, a fuse panel and the bilge pump control. I then made a solid oak cross piece to fit on top of the battery boxes and tied it down with a knob on a stainless steel all thread rod that passes down through the added 2 x 4 cross brace between the stringers into a recessed captive ss nut in the bottom.
By dropping the battery boxes below floor level, there was enough room for adequate ventilation below my seats. - Grandad
Thanks!
