Battery Shelf support

[Dmksails]

Hi all -

I've been working along and hen remembered that I will need a battery shelf at some point - and now would be the best time to install it while I still have good access to the compartment.

I'm wondering if this setup would work. The pics show a mockup of the framing I am thinking of. I would epoxy cleats to bulkheads 1 and 2. The cross pieces would be notched and screwed into the cleats so that the top surface is level all around. The center cleat is also notched into the side arms and screwed in place. Finally a plywood deck would tie it all together and provide a level surface for the battery. The box is approximately the same size as the battery. What I havent' shown is the tie down, which would be straps connected to BH2.

What do you think?

BatShelf1.jpg (80.86 KiB) Viewed 28110 times

BatShelf2.jpg (99.03 KiB) Viewed 28246 times

[dbeck]

Hi, I have opted for a 30Ah LFP in a waterproof rugged case (just used for our VHF-radio; enough capacity for 1 hour transmission plus ~60 hours standby). There is simple support preventing sideways movement plus a strap for fixation. The battery will remain in place even if Pocketship would turtle. The strap and the anderson connector make it very easy to take out and transport (~4.2 kg) the battery for recharging. Most of the space between bulkheads #1 and #2 remains available as storage area.

We keep it simple and don't require a large battery as we basically run the boat without electrical installation. But we had to install a fixed VHF radio, as portable VHF radios are not permitted on German inland waters.

Dietrich

Photo-2025-03-14-17-18-06_7872.JPG (182.58 KiB) Viewed 27602 times

[Dmksails]

That looks pretty good! I calculated my power needs and will be going with a 50 ah battery, which should be good for 3 days without charging. I'm going to look for something similar to what you show. THANKS!

[Dmksails]

Dietrich -

Can you post any additional info on the battery and case? I'm searching online, but the cases I'm finding cost 3 times what the battery costs, or they will be twice the size needed for the battery.

Thanks!

Dave

[dbeck]

Dave,

I'm in Europe, its a product from Austria, https://www.rigbee.at/produkt/rigbee-ma ... -lifepo4/# ; Yes, it's about 3x the price for the cells and I had exactly the problem you have right now. Besides the mandatory battery management, there is internal fuse, a pressure release valve (just in case) and an additional waterproof 12V connector and it looks really well done. I thought about building my own, but in the end this would not have been cheap and much bulkier. I wanted to have a solution that is as safe as possible (fire!), built by professionals. I found a shop that made a good price and finally decided to bite the bullet. One item less to worry about.

Dietrich

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I have a smaller, lighter lithium battery, and it simply rests on the bottom, against the bulkhead.
It is held in place with a strap attached to the bulkhead, and there are a couple of rubbery protector pads stuck
to the bottom beneath the front corners of the battery.