I just pulled out my two large 4D batteries and replaced them with 4 6v deep cycle batteries. There were originally two glued in fibreglass boxes that I had to chip out. I then put in the 4 batteries, each one turned at 90 degrees to the next one. I did not have room to put two end to end.

I used 4 separate battery boxes so each battery can be strapped down separately. The lids would not fit so I discarded them. Each box cost $12.

I also removed the chair that swings out for the nab station and built a cabinet to fit under the desk. In there I put a small starting battery so that the 4 golf cart battles are all for the house battery. The cupboard also has a drawer for tools etc and we have not missed the swing out chair.

Good luck.

Jon Paine. [email]Jpaine@snowcountry.bc.ca[/email]
Oceanus III
Hull 1247

I used a 1" chisel and chipped horizontally along the bottom corner of the long sides that are back to back. I then went up the corners to cut out the side of the box. I then did this to the other box. It was a lot easier than I though. The 4 new battery boxes now fit inside the two old battery boxes with the two long sides that were back to back removed. I did not attempt to move the bottoms of the old boxes as they were solidly glued in.

Because I placed the 4 new batteries in a square with each one turned 90 to the other, it left a square space in the middle of the boxes about 3" square. I screwed the anchors for the 4 battery straps in that space.

The top of the battery terminals is tight to the plywood lid that covers the batteries (that the cushion sits on), but it all fits well. If you want a photo, send me an email.

Jon P

There have been many posts here about installing six volt golf cart batteries in our boats. I made this switch some time ago. Latitude 38 this month had a short article about battery explosions on boats and stressed that the battery compartment should be well ventalated. When installing my batteries I noted at least on the MKI boats there is no form of ventilation of the compartment that I am aware of. I have not heard of any issues with the installation but, the potential threat is there.

Many folks have added higher output alternators to feed our battery banks. Many of us have inverters to run microwaves and large screen TV's. All of these activities can cause heavy gassing from the batteries. The build up of hydorgen only needs an ignition source to become a danger.

Have any you seen or installed a battery vent system on your boats?