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I finally finished installing two new 6 volt golf cart batteries, and cleaned up all the wiring in the aft compartment.

First, I needed to make a new platform to hold the two 63lb batteries. The original platform was not going to cut it, only big enough for one battery.

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I made it out of 3/4 Birch plywood and Poplar, cutting and shaping it to fit the contours of the hull, in an effort to maximize surface area. I primed and sealed it real good with three coats of Rust-Oleum Topside paint. I used Oyster White, which is a real close match to the color of the inside of the boat. The new platform is fastened to the old one with six #12 SS screws. A 3/4 piece of Poplar provides the starboard side with vertical support. The new platform is very strong, Im sure it will hold the 126lbs. nicely.

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I plan to add a Flow-Rite battery watering system to make it easy to top off the batteries, as they are not easy to access.

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I ended up moving the 1800 watt Inverter to the starboard side away from the batteries, along with the battery charger and shore power GFCI outlet.

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Im happy with the way it all turned out. Next I am working on a replacement bulkhead panel to replace the one the PO hacked up. Then I plan to install a Solar system.

(It has been suggested to install a 1 inch high frame around the battery boxes to make sure they cant move around and pull free of the straps. So, I will heed the warning and will be adding that for safety.)

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