Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

I am in the process of installing a Minn Kota Ulterra 80#, 24 volt with 60" shaft, Minn Kota 5 amp dual bank charger, and 2 size 27 marine batteries. I know some people install the batteries under the helm. Have read some info that suggests it is not wise to charge batteries in an enclosed space. Is it enough to open the helm access door while charging to alleviate gas build up? Also would it be wise to charge while in battery boxes? Thanks for any information you may have.

It is what it is..bout a million boats out there right getting their batteries charged under the same conditions. Sure something could happen, probably won't. Have to have a perfect gas/oxygen mix and then some type of spark ignition. I think a small amount of ventilation like leaving a hatch propped open a little would be enough. If you really want, I guess you could us a couple of table top fans to move air around if your boat is like under a tarp or something. That would also maybe keep away some of the mildew problems.

As mentioned above, there are a million boats out there charging batteries in close quarters. Leaving the door open is more than adequate. Its actually way more than most bass fisherman do.

Think of all the cars with those 12V "bombs" under the seat or in the trunk, including mine.
Don't worry about it.

Many helms have a couple of those snap-in round grates to eliminate moisture and for the horn sound to get out.

My trolling motor batteries and charger are under the helm too. I can't say that I even prop the access door open when I charge them. Just plug it in and come back in when it's done. No explosions so far and it's been five years. You should be fine...

guy48065 wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 12, 2019 6:20 am

Think of all the cars with those 12V "bombs" under the seat or in the trunk, including mine.
Don't worry about it.

Many helms have a couple of those snap-in round grates to eliminate moisture and for the horn sound to get out.

I think most if not all of the vehicles with batteries under the seat utilize AGM batteries which have no vents, and are totally sealed. They can even be mounted in any orientation without issue.

Be good with it,, let's move to the next part of the project.