Replacing batteries.

[kjoverbeck]

I posted this on the Facebook page but thought I would reach out here also. I have a 2015 R-27 and need to replace my Group 31 batteries. They seem to be packed in very tightly. Does anyone have any suggestion as to which ones should be removed first? To me it looks as though the engine first, thruster second then the house. I have labeled all cables. All suggestions as how to proceed would be appreciated.
Thanks, Kent

 

[Red Raven]

The approach you suggest is the one I used. My recollection is the Engine and Thruster batteries have to at least be moved aft to remove the House batteries.

Curt

 

[S. Todd]

I concur with Curt. We recently sold our 2015 so I cannot confirm exactly which battery is which. There is only one that can be lifted out first. Do that then either the one to the port of it, or the other one next to it. Finally the fourth comes out. Install them in the reverse order. You had the right idea to make sure every wire is labelled first before disconnecting them and even a cell phone picture or two helps make sure you get them back wired up correctly.

 

[kjoverbeck]

Thanks for the replies. Keep'em coming. I think the engine batt.(aft/starboard) needs to come out first but just how do you do that. Battery pan restricts that aft movement and same with forward movement of the house batteries. Also drain hose is in the way but that could be removed.

 

[S. Todd]

I removed mine last spring without taking anything off other than the battery cables and the battery hold down straps.
I did not recall it being too difficult once those items were removed.

 

[rpmerrill]

Agree on most all counts.
The aft batteries can be lifted a little out of the tray and slid aft about an inch. That gives you enough room to hoist out the forward batteries.

All my lines are labeled but a couple are a little mysterious. I'm not the original owner but the existing lines are staying where I found them.

A cell phone photo is priceless in a situation like this.
Print the photo!

As you're disconnecting, wrap some tape onto the terminals just in case a loose wire or wrench happens to fall into the wrong place. And disconnect shore power and turn off the solar charger too.

They're about 70 lbs apiece. Enjoy.

 

[knotflying]

Not sure if your configuration is different than mine. My house is forward, engine aft starboard thruster aft port. I remove house and engine first, both starboard. Then just slide the other two over and pull them out.

 

[rpmerrill]

That is how mine are arranged.

 

[kjoverbeck]

I want to thank all of you Guys for your replies. I will be labeling, taping and zip tying in the endeavor. Also have decided to remove batteries in the order that knotflying suggested. Makes sense. Thanks again.

I have also thought that in the future to make the engine and thruster batteries a group 24 as they are several inches shorter. Then make the thruster battery included with the house. If the engine battery ran low I could always turn the parallel switch on and this would also give me more amp hours for the house. Thoughts?

 

[knotflying]

You will most likely lose amperage with the smaller batteries. Check to make sure the engine will be powerful enough to do the cranking. I have group 27 on my boat for all four.