I've got a typical single engine setup on a Baja. I've got dual batteries side by side on the starboard side in the engine/bilge compartment, which of course is blower ventilated. The batteries are secured but not covered or enclosed, and are switchable via a Perko switch outside the engine compartment. What are the USCG regs regarding battery boxes? It seems like I've seen many cigs without them. I'm sort of planning on putting some on this year, but would like to know what the rule of law states in this instance. Thanks for any guidance.

What I have been told....Don't need to be in boxes, but secured solidly, either by a battery tray or in a box that is securely fastened. I hardly see the fully enclosed boxes anymore.

i was CG inspected 2 years ago and they didnt say anything about my batteries not being inside boxes but dont buy those cheap azz plastics holders spend a little more money and get good ones like eddie marine or similiar

Battery posts/terminals must be covered in some way to prevent something from falling onto them causing a spark /arc and possibly a fire. They also must be secured to deck or bulkhead to prevent movement. If enclosed in a box it must be ventilated.

I think that now we are required to use nylocks instead of the common wingnuts?????

my tops / post were exposed and the inspector never said a word but i am putting eddie marine in now and putting the powder coated covers on them so i will be safe if i get inspected again by someone else that might happen to notice that