Replacing battery tray

[Newman]

So the new battery I bought is 2" longer than what was in the boat and doesn't fit the current battery tray. It appears that the one isn't stock because it looks excatly like the $6.95 versions on ebay. My father had a battery box laying in the barn so I snatched that. Two questions. 1) Any reason NOT to use the box vrs a tray? 2) It *looks* like the old tray is simply screwed to the bottom of the boat. To me this looks like a very BAD idea since I think the bottom of this is actually the hull. Better suggestions? See pic. Don't worry this will be nice and clean when I'm done with it.

 

[KC_Sundancer]

Battery boxes are actually better in my opinion. God forbid a battery should burst, everything stays contained. Also keeps water and such off the connections.
I think where the screws are is a step built into the engine area and not the actual hull :huh:.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Correct - that is not the bottom of the boat (the bottom of your boat is a "V" - that area is flat). Battery boxes and battery trays come in various sizes, as do batteries. They are sized appropriately to keep the battery from moving. When you buy a new one (whether battery or tray/box) you need to size it correctly. Tray vs box... somewhat of a personal preference. They will both do the job, but KC makes some valid points.

 

[Newman]

Thanks guys. I was hoping for an answer like that. I must be in too much of a hurry if I didn't notice the different angle between the inside and the actual hull.

The battery box is the correct size for the battery. I had the same thought process as KC. It's nice to hear someone else say it. Plus it was free! Well, sorta.