The 40Ah "leisure" battery on my P21 has finally given up the ghost after years of well-intentioned neglect. I am trying to buy a replacement but so far have only managed to find ordinary car batteries that will fit in the battery compartment.

The old battery has dimensions length 240mm x width 130mm x height 210mm and this is the problem! It is the size of the old ford and mini car batteries.

I would consider spending the extra cash on a deep cycle battery if I could find one, in the hope that it would take greater discharge without failing. But at the moment anything would be better than what I have.

Does anyone have any ideas?


Terry Gates
"Kitty" P21 No. 99

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I am going to add a battery box into the compartment in the step area.
I have unscrewed and removed the large storage box and there is space to fit a 85Ah leisure battery in a battery box with a lid.
I am going to do away with the standard battery and use the box for storage.
It will be mounted slightly lower and more central within the boat.
I am going to add a vent to avoid any gases being contained.
I am also installing shore power and will fit a charger/power pack within this area.
I will post some pictures as I go on.

Anyone see any problems with my idea. ?

Paul Burton.

Parker 21 Papillon.

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Sorry about the picture quality. (phone)

Done.

I have moved the battery and upgraded it to a 85Ah leisure battery, put it in a battery box and secured it.
The switch at the back is ready for when I buy a shore power charger/power pack.
I have fitted a Nasa BM-1.
The 12v outlet next to the 12v isolator is always one and protected buy an in-line fuse, I will plug a solar panel into it when the boat is not in use.
I have added a vent so any charging gasses don't build up.
I have also added a 240v socket for shore power.
The original storage box/step fits back in, a few screws need to be undone to get to the battery.

Paul Burton.

Parker 21 Papillon.

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I like what you have done and probably should have done something like that myself, but I'm afraid that I took the quick and easy way out and bought the deep-cycle battery. It has worked pretty well for me so far, but only time (and probably more battery neglect) will tell!

Terry Gates
"Kitty" P21 No. 99

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