Mounting batteries under console - 75 SF

[Cape Codder]

Originally Posted by JohnC

I like these
http://www.amazon.com/Moeller-Marine...6XGV7GG770KH7R

As far as mounting it, I guess you could screw it and glue it. That's probably what I would do rather than pulling the hatch and trying to thru-bolt it. Drill a hole and dig out some core if possible, fill with epoxy then re-drill and screw it to the epoxy plug. I would probably make a few globs of 5200 around the screw holes and maybe another in the middle to insure it stays put.

Maybe someone has a better idea for mounting it.

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I think I will go with the moeller trays and epoxy the mounting holes.

They are going on either side of the fuel hatch under the console. Is there a depth i should drill out or should I just drill until I hit the bottom later of glass? And what size drill bit would you use?

Sorry for all the questions. I Have not done this before but i want to learn because the boat is original and need to start bringing it back.

[Bushwacker]

Originally Posted by Cape Codder

. . . Is there a depth i should drill out or should I just drill until I hit the bottom later of glass? And what size drill bit would you use?

I'd recommend mounting it like I did the brackets for my galley seat, which can have some significant loads on it in rough seas when occupied by a large passenger! Use machine screws instead of self tapping/sheet metal screws! (The threads on self tapping screws are much sharper than machine screws and tend to cut fiberglass if there is any relative motion!)

1. Use a large drill bit, like 1/2"-5/8".
2. Drill CAREFULLY until it hits the lower sheet of glass, which is only 1 layer (~1/16") thick! If it's a Potter hull with original deck, it's 1/2" balsa core.
3. Fill hole with thickened epoxy.
4. Redrill hole for a 1/4-20 machine screw, using a 3/16" drill. (0.1875" diameter; minor diameter of a 1/4-20 internal thread is 0.196"). Countersink top of hole to assist in starting tap.
5. Tap hole using a 1/4-20 tap. Or you can just cut a slot in a 1/4-20 screw and use that for a tap, as the epoxy is pretty easy to cut.