Needed new pants...

[bucks448]

Good thing there were stores near the ramp...mopped up and still had a nice day on the water. Now to reevaluate my battery choices.

 

[Bruce]

Did it freeze? Is that even possible?

 

[bucks448]

Exploded when I turned the key!

 

[Bruce]

That is crazy!

Are you calling Interstate tomorrow? I am curious what they will say caused the problem.

 

[GTBRMC]

Sounds like you are OK.
That's a bit scary.

 

[itsdgm]

YIKES. I had a battery blow one time in a car. It stranded me 1/2 mile from LAX, and trust me you don't want to be stranded near LAX. Sounds like you recovered nicely!!!

 

[bucks448]

It was a "gently" used battery I've had for 2yrs. Also, not knocking Interstate, just no more led acid batteries. I may call them for a better explanation, but from what I gather gasses can build up and cause this. It's been on a pulsetech charger since I've had it, so the charger shouldn't be the cause.

No one was hurt, and hopefully the baking soda water mix saves the carpet.

 

[itsdgm]

I switched my battery boxes out to these. They were only $10 each at Walmart.

 

[bucks448]

@itsdgm yep, that's another change I'll be making.

 

[bucks448]

@itsdgm I only saw your pics when I replied. How are those battery boxes different? I just have trays now, and assumed any battery box would be better.

 

[jcyamaharider]

I am actually getting ready to buy interstate batteries. I have always had good luck with them. That and I cant justify AGM prices.

 

[Gym]

Hydrogen gas is created when charging led acid batteries. They recommend charging only in well ventillated areas. I'm wondering what the source of ignition was.

 

[bucks448]

Not sure, but it had to be internal, no loose connections or burn marks. The seat is always off during charging, and it was disconnect from the charger 2hrs before turning the key.

 

[biglar155]

Yow. Scary.

I'll give a guess as to the cause: As lead-acid batteries age, the plates inside can become loose in their mounts. If you jostle it enough (drop it, hit a bump in the road, hit a wave hard) a plate can break free. If it lands in the wrong spot, it can create an internal short inside the battery. This means that current is flowing inside the battery even with nothing connected to the terminals. Sulfuric gas will be generated. From there, all it takes is a spark.

I had this happen to me in my car on a trip from here in WI back to MI to see my in-laws. (The battery puking and leaving us stranded in a rest-stop after dark in 90+ Degree weather with a 13 month old baby and a dog was only one small incident in that trip from h-e-double-hockey-sticks.) Once a lead-acid battery is 2+ years old, I become EXTREMELY cautious around it. My current battery is going on it's 4th full summer and I consider it due for replacement.

 

[itsdgm]

@itsdgm I only saw your pics when I replied. How are those battery boxes different? I just have trays now, and assumed any battery box would be better.

These boxes keep the battery contained within a box and lid. So any spillage should be contained. They come in different sizes too. I leave the lids off when charging.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Snap-Top-Everstart-Marine-Battery-Box/16781379
Here's the OEM that was on the boat when I bought it,
And here's the type that I replaced it with.