Possible Modification Project?

[SLOWDUK]

Thanks to everyone who took the time to comment.
Axespino’s suggestion to close off the motor well in front of the engine is a good one that the previous owner already incorporated. He mounted a piece of starboard about 8” tall with quick release clasps to separate the engine well from the cockpit. It’s not waterproof, but will inhibit a wave that enters the motor well from entering the cockpit.
Based on your advice, I went out to the boat today to take a closer look and take additional measurements.
As the most common advice was to move weight forward, I surveyed the possibilities. Currently, the batteries are installed in a compartment on the starboard side about one to two feet forward of the transom. On this dual console configuration, there are compartments port and starboard at the feet of the passenger and helm stations suitable in size for a dual battery installation. There is also a central compartment at the very bow of the boat that two batteries could fit in. Obviously, the most forward option is best for weight distribution, but does the longer cable run (approximately 25’) have negative impacts on the starter and charging systems? If the cable run has minimal negative effects, I will move the batteries to the bow. If a shorter cable run is better, I’ll move them to the amidships position at the base of the helm. Port side at the base of the passenger station would be better for left and right balance, but the helm location is easier because all of the other electrical, steering, and fuel lines run along the starboard side.
Let me know what you all think about the cable run issue.
As moving the batteries forward is the simplest and most inexpensive option, I will try that first and reassess the situation.
Thanks again for the assist and I’ll report back on the results.
Take Care, Slow

[SLOWDUK]

test

[bradford]

Slowduk I moved my batteries to a custom in deck hatch right before the cabin entrance on my cuddy. I used 1 gauge cables. I think putting them a little closer to mid-ship is better in that you don't have SO much dead weight in the bow, they won't get as much of a beating from the waves, and aren't going to get as wet with pulling in wet anchors and rode.

[Destroyer]

Originally Posted by bradford

Slowduk I moved my batteries to a custom in deck hatch right before the cabin entrance on my cuddy. I used 1 gauge cables. I think putting them a little closer to mid-ship is better in that you don't have SO much dead weight in the bow, they won't get as much of a beating from the waves, and aren't going to get as wet with pulling in wet anchors and rode.

Exactly correct. There's an unused compartment in your hull, just behind the hatchway into your cuddy cabin. Cut your deck and install a hatch big enough to get your batteries through and you'll be good to go.

[randlemanboater]

Just curious...could you cut the access hole in the cabin?

Like if you were standing in the cabin well facing toward the transom, cut into the wall at your feet?

Or is there something structural between there and the void?

[SLOWDUK]

Thanks for all who have weighed in on this project.

I know that most of the forum owns center consoles and cuddy cabins, but my boat is a dual console. The bow is an open area with a compartment in the deck for the anchor and another compartment with drains to the sea. The bow area is about the same size as the cockpit, placing the windscreen at about amidships. At the most forward part of the bow area in front of the anchor well is a hatched compartment on the forward bulkhead that I am considering for dual battery installation. Like I said in a previous post, the other options are the compartments at the base of the helm or passenger seats.

I'm going to try to attach a pictures that show interior layout and the bow compartment that I'm considering to clear up any confusion.

This link shows the most forward compartment I'm considering. The one with a tinted clear hatch that appears black in this photo. My grand daughter's knee is on the anchor compartment:

http://s944.photobucket.com/user/slowduc/media/630_zps44944fc6.jpg.html

This photo shows the helm station. At deck level immediately below the engine instruments is a hatched space suitable in size for a dual battery installation:

http://s944.photobucket.com/user/slowduc/media/631_zps34e0901b.jpg.html


Although at an angle, this photo shows the relatively equal size of the bow and cockpit areas as well as the area beneath the helm that could house the batteries:

http://s944.photobucket.com/user/slowduc/media/639_zpse316a87f.jpg.html

On another note, my preliminary research into long battery cable runs has led me to several wire size calculators. Has anyone used these? The variables required are generally the, acceptable voltage loss (3-10%), total circuit length and current in amps. I assume that the current requirement should be the output of the alternator (45 amps in my case) and not the battery cranking amps. Am I on the right track here?

Thanks Again, Slow

[SLOWDUK]

First I just re-learned how to drop a pic into a post:



And from the pic above the two locations I am considering to move the batteries forward are below the helm behind the starboard cooler and in the bow compartment below the forward cleat.

Is it possible to cushion the battery mounts to limit the pounding they receive farther forward in the boat?

Thanks, Slow

[bradford]

Originally Posted by randlemanboater

Just curious...could you cut the access hole in the cabin?

Like if you were standing in the cabin well facing toward the transom, cut into the wall at your feet?

Or is there something structural between there and the void?

Randle, there is a bulkhead under the cuddy door between two stringers just aft of the cuddy step down/storage well in the forward liner.