Mounting stuff in engine compartment

jtupman · **Posted:** Fri Feb 17, 2012 1:07 pm

Is it ok to mount things to the wall below the water tank on the port side and to the wall on the starboard side by the battery? i have an onboard battery charger i'd like to mount in that area and just want to know if it's safe to run screws into those areas of the fiberglass.

thanks,

EvilZ · **Posted:** Fri Feb 17, 2012 1:45 pm

Hmm, I'd have to look at that area on mine (although my water tank is starboard). I mounted my battery charger in the engine comprtment bolted through the panel to the port storage compatment where my Igloo ice-chest is.

ric · **Posted:** Fri Feb 17, 2012 2:04 pm

As long as it's "ignition proof" since it's in a gas fume area it should be fine. Also use stainless screws and only the depth you need. You don't need 2" screws to hold a battery charger.

TX H210SS · **Joined:** Thu May 27, 2010 9:10 am **Posts:** 1488

My model is different but I would select a panel other than side interior hull wall. My model has a panel installed to prevent me from having easy access to the engine drains, battery and other things I need to reach. I mounted my 3stage charger to that panel.

You will enjoy only having to plug her in to charge. Makes it easy and I'm glad I did it.

wkearney99 · **Posted:** Fri Feb 17, 2012 9:37 pm

When mounting near a hull side it's common to glue down a mounting plate first and then screw into that. And to use screws that won't go through the thickness of that mounting plate. It's common to use marine plywood for this purpose. It's often a good idea to paint it up nicely first. Looks nicer that way. Just be sure of the location first before gluing it down solid with something like 5200.

And make sure to totally secure the wiring. You don't want to leave anything loose enough to move even the slightest bit. Zip ties and adhesive tie-down points are your friends here. Wires left loose will break internally due to engine vibration and boat motion. Best to make sure they're secure when you install the gear. And be sure to seal up the ends where the terminals are attached, to prevent corrosion from working it's way in from the ends.

Paul I. · **Posted:** Fri Feb 17, 2012 11:14 pm

Bill has all good points!!

You could also use "starboard" (it would last longer) rather that marine plywood. But you can not glue it down, you must use screws.

You could make it big enough, to mount a charger, water pump,.......

jtupman · **Posted:** Sat Feb 18, 2012 8:10 am

Good call Bill, that's exactly what i'll do!
Thanks for all the info guys.

wkearney99 · **Posted:** Sat Feb 18, 2012 2:44 pm

I specifically didn't mention Starboard due to glue incompatibilities. You can't just use any old adhesive with it. The nature of its composition makes for trouble bonding it to other surfaces. And for things that need to *stay in place* you really don't want to get it wrong. Thus a piece of marine plywood makes a better solution for most situations. If you want to make it look pretty you can dress it up with some paint or even coat it with fiberglass and gelcoat. Just make sure the bonding surface is suitable for making a good connection. As in, don't paint the back side where the glue has to stick. Otherwise you'd be depending upon the bond of the paint to the wood, not the adhesive.

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Mounting stuff in engine compartment

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