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The new box was built by creating a larger opening where the exiting access hole was.  A removable shelf and divider was then bolted in.

The stock IP37 comes from the factory with 2 Lifeline Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Group 27 batteries.  These are 95 amp hour batteries giving a useful draw of 95 amp hours total before they need to be recharged.   The refrigerator will pull 80-100 amp hours on its own, so it was obvious that more capacity was needed.

One of the recommended locations for additional batteries is under the seat at the Navigation Station.  To place them there requires long runs of very heavy cable, plus the loss of a large storage space.  

Behind the factory built battery box in the quarter berth is an access to the bilge and the propshaft.  This area is fairly deep and not usable for much.  It is a space that needs to be accessed if the propshaft has to be pulled.  It is also an access point for running cables and hoses from the cabin to the lazerette.

 

In this space a battery box was built large enough to hold two Group 30 AGM batteries with 105 amp hours each.  The two original Group 27's were also replaced with Group 30's. This provided a total capacity of 420 amp hours.  With three batteries connected to the house bank and one reserved for starting, the daily working power is 165 amp hours.   Enough for the refrigerator and other electronics.