Securing batteries
 

You wouldn't think a person handy with tools would have to ask about this, but I haven't come up with a tidy solution. Our two batteries sit one above the other on shelves facing into the galley beside the port side of the engine front. Very easy to access for maintenance. They each sit in a plastic battery box, held down with a single web strap. The straps need replacing. The only ones I can find have those fiddly plastic loop mechanisms that never seem to draw down tight. Any suggestions? I don't want to build permanent boxes because then it will be hard to get at the batteries. A better tie down product would be ideal, I think.

I simply bought a new web strap with fiddly plastic buckle mechanism when one of ours broke.

I honestly don't understand those buckles. They're a hassle to get even moderately snugged-down and they're at least as big a hassle to get loose. rigspelt is right: There's got to be a better way.

Jim

Wouldn't it be great if you could buy a miniature version of the tie-down strap that truckers use to secure their load? They're the kind with a drum that you crank to wind in the strap, very reliable, strong and you can crank to exactly the right tension. Now maybe this is an opportunity for an entrepreneur to design and manufacture a range of different sized straps for all kinds of uses, I'd better rush out and apply for a patent!!
Bob (s/v Saga)

What about luggage straps?

I had never thought about it, but it just occurred to me that those goofy rainbow colored (and hopefully we could find them in black) straps that people have wrapped around their large checked baggage when hanging out in the baggage claim area.

I also have those funky plastic straps that I do not think would hold a 50+ lbs battery if it really wanted to take off across the boat.

rigspelt, don't you have a Catalina 30? My batteries are on the floor, farther outboard in the engine compartment, just forward of the sinks, but side by side.

-Shawn

I've used cargo tie downs to secure my gas tank and they haven't come loose in years. These are the spring loaded cam type, not the ratcheting type. I have seen the ratcheting type in stainless steel made in various sizes, but they weren't exactly cheap.

We have a C&C 27.

The problem with any of these metal ratcheting load strap solutions is the mechanisms are made of plain old untreated steel. They'll corrode/rust in no time in a marine environment--esp. if you're in saltwater and esp. in the vicinity of battery fumes.

Jim

That looks like my C&C 27 MKlll.... the previous owner fabricated some aluminum straps that bolt inplace over the baterry boxes.. nothing fancy but they hold the batteries from sliding around.

David

A hardwood cross bar with threaded rod holding them to the base, like in some cars. Aluminum is a conductor so I'd steer clear of that.

This approach makes most sense. A pair of stainless saddles on the shelft on each side, a hooked stainless upright bolt that hooks into each saddle, a hardwood bar across the top of the battery box lid, and a wing nut on each bolt. Just have to find long SS bolts and get a hook welded on the bottom. Or drill a hole in the shelf for each bolt and thread the bolt straight up with a fender washer against the bolt head underneath the shelf. Thanks, guys.

Go to any rafting outfitter, and you'll find a great alloy cam buckle that works on 1" webbing. I use them for everything, from battery hold-down to lumber rack.