Building Battery Storage for 36V System

I've been searching everywhere for a 3 battery group 29 box for a 36 volt system. I don't think they make such a thing at least I can't find one so I've decided to build one myself. It's going to be located at front corner of the pontoon boat just inside the fence. There is no furniture on my boat so I've got room to configure it in anyway that's needed. I was also considering a bait/live well box for the opposite side that would help to balance out the weight.

I',m asking for suggestion such as materials, diagrams, pictures are always helpful or any links on the web that you can point me to.

All advice is appreciated.

I would use aluminum. you could also mount a cushion on top for a seat. They make aluminum tool boxes for trucks, maybe you can find one to work or build your own.

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Originally Posted by wilbur

I would use aluminum. you could also mount a cushion on top for a seat. They make aluminum tool boxes for trucks, maybe you can find one to work or build your own.

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Good Ideal Wilbur, going to go look at an aluminum truck box later today that I found on craigslist for $50.

I'd build it big enough for group 31 batteries. You may need it, eventually.

Might look at those storage boxes that go on the tongue of a utility trailer, or even one of those plastic/abs truck boxes which would be lighter if weight becomes a concern.

those plastic totes that you store stuff in..lots of sizes..or..perhaps an old or new plastic fuel tank, cut to fit..real tuff stuff 5

Thanks for all of the suggestions guys I settled on a aluminum tool chest from Tractor Supply, L 46 in., W 19 in., H 16 in. This will fit nicely along the side and give some additional storage space as well. I'll be putting in some 1" rubber grommets for venting and wiring purposes. It is also rigid enough to serve as a bench seat. Attachment 207581

You'll still need to anchor the batteries down. Bass cat boats has the best battery trays out there, and yes they have a 36v tray..

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Originally Posted by rockmike

I'd build it big enough for group 31 batteries. You may need it, eventually.

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Same size for all practical purposes.

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I was also considering a bait/live well box for the opposite side that would help to balance out the weight.

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You'll be putting ~180lbs in one corner. If you balance with a bait well on the other corner, that's going to put nearly 400lbs on the front of your boat. That's as much as a big outboard.

Seems to me you'd want that kind of weight centered fore-aft, balanced across the beam and as low as possible.

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Originally Posted by CatFan

You'll be putting ~180lbs in one corner. If you balance with a bait well on the other corner, that's going to put nearly 400lbs on the front of your boat. That's as much as a big outboard.

Seems to me you'd want that kind of weight centered fore-aft, balanced across the beam and as low as possible.

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Good point, I'm probably not doing the bait/live well at least not for awhile think I'll just be using a ice chest for now.

Just my two cents but I have a buddy that is a heating and cooling guy. We went to his shop and built a batter box out of lightweight duct work material. Unlike the diamond plate steel, the weight of the box is pretty minimal.