![]() ![]() In some cases we’ve used the same method recommended by Todd, securing the box to the boat with four large fender washer-equipped screws shot through the bottom of the box. While we’ve used this type of box and strap on boats for many years, it’s not, in our opinion, very secure, especially with the small screws provided. The strap clamps are meant to be screwed to the deck at the front and back of the box, and the strap then encircles the box and is tightened. Each is packaged with the same plastic strap, a pair of plastic strap hold-downs, and four small screws. The two small boxes we looked at from West Marine and Tempo Products (see photo above) are nearly identical in shape and construction-single-wall molded plastic with shoebox lids. The Todd box is not as well designed or constructed as the Blue Seas 4021, in our view, but it will get the job done for less money. The Todd Double to single-8D boxes range in price from $40 to $64. Two 1-3/4″ holes cut into the lid provide for cable exit. The nylon bolts were difficult to get through the holes and fit poorly. No hold-downs are provided holes need to be drilled through the bottom of the box so that it can be fastened to the boat’s structure with fender washers inside the box and bolts or lags into the deck.Ī shoebox joint on the cover keeps it from sliding, and two nylon bolts and wingnuts are provided to secure it in place. The Todd Enterprises Double Battery Box is of single-wall construction and designed to have the batteries sit flat on the bottom. We found the Blue Seas boxes priced between $59 to $64, depending on model. We like the protective features found on the Blue Seas 4021, and it appears to be well constructed. The cover has four matching outlets at one end it can be flipped in either direction to accommodate a maximum of four cables from the box. They remain with the cover even when it is off the box, held in place by nylon washers.Įight outlets molded into the box rim allow for battery cables to exit, each sized for a single cable. Threaded bronze fittings pressed into the top of the box receive the bolts. ![]() The plastic cover is attached with a pair of bolts, one on each end, with large plastic knobs for easy hand tightening. ![]() Hold-downs are molded into each outside corner and sized for 1/4″ fasteners. The bottom is molded to hold the batteries above the actual bottom of the box, which leaves space to hold spilled electrolyte in the event of a leak. The Blue Seas 4021 has a double wall molded into the top 2-1/2″ of the box, helping to secure the batteries firmly in place and increase strength. However, there are differences in design and construction. This means they’re capable of a sustained pull on the battery in five different directions with a force of 90 pounds. When properly mounted, the big boxes from Todd and Blue Seas (see photo) should have no trouble meeting CG regulations for security. The small battery boxes came from Tempo and West Marine. The three tray-type hold-downs we tested were from Gil Marine, T & H Marine, and West Marine. Other models are the 4D, 8D Low, 8D High, and 8D High Double. We selected the Double Battery Box, designed to hold a pair of group 24 batteries. Our second big box came from Todd Enterprises. ![]() Two other models are also available the 4022, built to hold a single 4D, and the 4023, sized for one 8D battery. The first big box purchased was a model 4021, built by Blue Seas Systems. For that crowd we examined two smaller battery boxes and three tray-style hold-downs. Smaller boats, carrying size 24 to 31 batteries, often don’t have the room for big battery boxes. One option for securing the big, heavy batteries commonly found in larger auxiliary sailboats (like 4D, 8D, and GC2 golf cart batteries) is a plastic battery box. A wet-cell battery not held firmly in place cannot perform its intended function, does not comply with Coast Guard regulations, and in rough seas can be dangerous. Batteries boxes are often overlooked, yet are an essential and integral part of a vessel’s electrical system. ![]()
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