How to Replace Engine Batteries on Downeaster 32 - the "easy way" Engines and Such Forums

This is what I have discovered as the 'easiest method' of replacing batteries in the engine room of a Downeaster, when the batteries are stored on the shelf behind the engine.   The big Group 27 or larger batteries are tooooo heavy to safely pass over the engine.  So the solution:  Get some wood planks and temporarily place them between the battery shelf and the front of the engine.  The wood planks make a shelf from stern to forward.  Tie them down or together as needed for stability.  Crawl into engine compartment, lift the battery onto the wood planks.  Tie a line around the battery, make sure that tension will pull the battery in a centered direction.  Crawl out of engine compartment to the front of the engine then inch the battery forward along the planks by pulling the line.  When the battery reaches the front of the engine then it can be lifted up using arm strength to set on the cabin sole.  Then untie the line from the battery, close the engine compartment, and lift the battery by hand into the cockpit.   The reverse procedure is used to install new batteries except placing the batteries on the planks just requires pushing the battery aft with hands along the planks until it reaches the battery shelf, then crawl into the compartment to lift the battery into place.