www.iFourWinns.com

Regarding the question of wing nuts being used, they are allowed. The use of wing nuts are used when boaters are often removing batteries for charging or security purposes. The idea is to easily remove without using tools but you are limited in the amount of torque that you can use for "hand removal". This in combination with cable movement will often loosen the terminals causing possible heat and eventually spark.

I often recommend that they not be used and that your cables also be secured (wire ties) and hold down devices to limit their movement while underway thus eliminating stress on the connection (wire nut).

Below is a statement from the VSC manual"

Verify that battery cables are securely connected. The battery should be clamped down or otherwise secured so as to prevent movement. Battery terminals must be covered. Plastic battery boxes or other covers to protect the battery are recommended but not required. Installed battery chargers should be of marine type design. Batteries should be well ventilated while charging.

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2002 Vista 298 VP 5.0Gxi

MCLKS,
Thanks, I'm going to get a box for the battery and see how it fits. Should be plenty of room. I sure appreciate your help!
Brian

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Brian
2007 Four Winns H200 - VP 5.0L GL/SX
2003 Chevy Avalanche Z66
Canyon Lake, TX

MCLKS, thanks for providing your input! It's greatly appreciated.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Interesting that the manual states 'battery terminals' rather than 'positive battery terminals'. To my way of thinking covering the negative battery terminals provides very little protection against something 'charged' from shorting out against a ground (in the engine compartment). Still it'd only be a couple bucks in parts to do this, and might make the install look a little cleaner, so I'll add it to the list.

Thanks for the info!

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2007 Horizon 200
4.3L GXi/ SX 225 HP

I finally bought a battery box at Academy for $7 and passed the USCG VSC inspection. Our inspector said that meets the requirements and then some. Got the sticker and am sending the checklist/certificate to my insurance company for a discount. Sweet!

Brian

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Brian
2007 Four Winns H200 - VP 5.0L GL/SX
2003 Chevy Avalanche Z66
Canyon Lake, TX