Battery holders

[j_martin]

Got tired of my batteries migrating just because I don't know how to drive and broke all the plastic and strap chit, so I made some stainless hold-downs.

I've got room for 6 or more screws in each one, spread out well. I'm bolting them down in a 88 Tracker bass boat, in the aft compartment where they belong.

This hold down will hold a group 27 battery in a Wal-Mart battery box, and the cover will set on snugly over it. It's made out of 10 g stainless, so the limit to hold down power is the screws into the wood or whatever it is in the bottom of my bote.

What size screws should I use? I'm thinkin' #10 by 5/8 inch.

I'll post pics when I get it all assembled.

Thanks for the help
John

[j_martin]

please:D

[Shenanigans]

I think 6 #10 x 5/8 should do. Really depends on how thick the floor is though. The tip of the screw hanging in air won't do you any good.
Make sure to seal your holes.

I got tired of chasing my battery around too. I ended up glassing in a couple of 2x4's on their flats to screw into. Now I just have to get the back seat to stay put!

And just so you know, if you throw an optima battery around on its side for a while they'll leak too. Even though the sales guy at the HP shop says "there's no liquid in them"!! Well then what is that clear, skin irritating stuff running down the side?

[j_martin]

[quote=Shenanigans;1084347]Make sure to seal your holes. quote]

How do I seal the screws I'm putting in?

I plan to ream out the holes left by the old screws and fill them up with epoxy.

[Shenanigans]

I'm no expert but your resin should do.
Or maybe marine sealant.

[mr_velocity]

[quote=Shenanigans;1084347]Make sure to seal your holes. quote]

How do I seal the screws I'm putting in?

I plan to ream out the holes left by the old screws and fill them up with epoxy.


I use 5200 for everything. But some on the bottom of the bracket and you'll need less screws.

[j_martin]

Thanks for the help
John

[j_martin]

I pulled out the old plastic Swill-Mart battery holders and found that the screws were black. There's a little moisture in the hole. Some were "sealed" with bath tub calk, and some not at all.

I think it's closed cell foam. I'll have to use stainless screws for sure.

I decided to pull the fuel tank and clean out this filthy bilge while I'm at it. I found crimped connections to the bilge pump under the tank, laying where a little water would normally be. I think I just prevented myself from getting sunk unexpectedly because the bilge pump craps out.

This is a 1988 Tracker. I though those folks new better than that.

Thanks again
John