1/0 or 2/0 battery interconnections

[rgleason]

For John


But if I had to mod my boat to fit a new form factor in the NA market, I would make sure that my setup accommodated all GC2 sizes (includes plain GC) from

Duracell Sam's Club GC2 215ah
Duracell / Deka (EPM) 8GGC2 180ah 10.25 x 7 1/8 x 10 7/8
Trojan T-105 6v 225ah 10 3/8 x 7 1/8 x 10 7/8
Rolls / Surrette EIG 210 6v 210ah 10.4 x 7.1 x 10.8
Crown B-CR-6CRP290 6v 225ah 10.25"L x 7"W x 11"
US Battery US 1800 XC 6v 208ah 10 1/4” x 7 1/8” x 11 1/4”
Superior
West Marine East Penn GC2 230ah 7 1/8" x 10 7/8" x 10 1/4"

That way I would rest easy I'd never need to do the mod over again, and could buy great-value batts at reasonable prices pretty much anywhere in the world.

[Zil]

With you John. I think the only difference with GC2 sizes would be the height. I used 2/0 cables and do not regret my choice. The inter connections are 12 inches. The positives to bus are 24 inches. The negatives the same. Next up size, 4/0, were just too much bear.

[john61ct]

The Duracell GC2 215AH, aka Deka GC10

Length 10-1/4 Width 7-1/16 Height 10-7/8

______
The EGC2 version at 230AH aka GC15

Length 10-1/4 Width 7-1/8 Height 10-7/8

______
So, the box inside dimension I'd go for

Length 10.7
Width 7.3
Height 11.5 (plus clearance for safety cover, wiring etc)

Note any side post model ? need to take that into account

[captprogreso]

I have choosen the trojan lp16 because i can use all the aviable space for the battery bank and meet the amp need with only 4 bat of 6 volts, so less need for equalization. I was looking for the amps need for a all night nav without the need for the engine or gen.

[john61ct]

Don't forget to keep a straight back and bendz at zee kneez.

[billknny]

Originally Posted by captprogreso

I have choosen the trojan lp16 because i can use all the aviable space for the battery bank and meet the amp need with only 4 bat of 6 volts, so less need for equalization. I was looking for the amps need for a all night nav without the need for the engine or gen.

Good heavens! How much juice do you USE underway that 800 amp-hours is needed to last overnight?

[john61ct]

That's not that large a bank, for a decent sized boat.

A great cook with an all-electric galley will make good use if it, or movies on a big screen, extensive computer use, ham radio etc etc

Most people size so even three sunless days doesn't draw too deep.

[Zil]

I don't know of any 6V golf cart with side terminals. The box size needs to allow length and width for cooling space. Most recommend 1/2 inch between batteries, but I have seen some with 3/4 to 1 inch spacing. The top clearance must allow for any cables and as I like terminal fuses I need another good inch or more.

[john61ct]

The ideal is to design for no movement when the boat is being picked up and tossed around by the hand of dog.

If you enclose just their bottom in a "partitioned tray" to prevent lateral motion, and

the top cover clamps down to prevent them jumping out,

then they aren't actually "boxed in" and get better ventilation.

If you have space to allow for circulation between the batts, that helps as well.

[rgleason]

Would it help to direct a 3" vent direct into the battery box at the top and provide an equal inlet opening at the bottom somehow? Thus extracting heat from the battery.

[john61ct]

No, just talking about slowing down aging effect.

Safety issues are handled with temp sensirs on high-amp charge sources.

[Zil]

I have a small fan exhausting one end of the box and a inlet hole at the other.