"RGarri7470" wrote in message
...
My bass boat has enclosed compartments for the batteries - like many other
kinds of boats. I have always opened the hatches on those compartments
while
charging - seems I remember that hydrogen gas is released while batteries
are
being charged and a spark can cause an explosion if they are not
ventilated.

Anybody else heard that? Do you ventilate your batteries while charging?

Ronnie

http://fishing.about.com

Yes Ronnie, I've heard it. Matter of fact I think my charger's owner's
manual even had it in it in big bold letters.

I had to work around mounting it (Promariner Sportsman 12 charger) on my
boat because it also said not to mount the charger within the same
compartment as the fuel tank, and in my little boat (G3 Pro 175) the
batteries and fuel tank are in the same compartment at the back of the boat.
Sooooo, I mounted my charger on the lid to said compartment and fold it
completely open (no springs or gas shocks) to use the charger after a day on
the lake. Since when it is laid back like this, it is literally outside the
compartment, sitting on top of the rear casting deck (near where the
pedastal "would" be). I usually open up the compartment for a good half hour
to hour prior to plugging in the charger so gas fumes and what have you can
dissipate, and then plug it in. Seems safe thus far, besides, I'd be sitting
a regular charger in almost the same position on the deck if it weren't
already mounted to the bottom side of that hatch lid, so I figure it's ok.

I still don't get how gasses can escape from sealed AGM batteries, but I go
through the precautions anyway. Don't wanna blow up the boat or my nearby
shop building...