Battery Boxes
 

Are they really necessary? I guess they help keep the batteries dry and covered, but I don't know how much of advantage this really is.

I'm asking as I'm considering moving them from the port locker in my Malibu LSV to under the passenger seat. That seat is so big and we never store anything there, so I figured it was worth opening up the entire port locker for storage. But the batteries will have to come out of the boxes to fit under the seat.

Cover the battery posts so you don't accidentally throw something metal in storage that links the positive and negative....

They are not totally necessary but if you have room, I would absolutely do it. They project the terminals from potential arcing like Diggs said, if you don't have anything covering them. They also give you a good, simple and clean way to mount the battery, yet easily remove it when needed.

I think the biggest reason to install your batteries in a battery box (besides a cleaner install) is in case the batteries spill or leak battery acid, it won't leak all over your boat.

It's the law in Texas that batteries have to be secured in boxes with a cover or in a mounting tray with posts covered.

AJ - I had no idea. I guess it kills that idea! Thanks for all the replies...just saved me some money and time. :-)

I believe the coast guard or ABYC or both require that the battery posts be covered and the battery secured. A box does both.

I actually have a battery with a bit of a crack by one of the posts. Since it leaks I am kind of glad it is in a box...That way I can keep running it a couple more years with no worries.