RE: Outgassing
Based on experience I'm in full agreement with Frank that out gassing from
the batteries is a non issue. But, I have seen, on both Westies I've owned
and on others, a dark stain on the back bottom of the drivers seat, the part
that sits right above the battery compartment for those of us with long legs
that drive with the drivers seat all the way back.  No rotting of the seat
material but a stain there.  I've assumed that this was from a very slight
amount of fumes even though my aux batteries have been vented through a
small plastic hose attached to the vent point on the battery.

And BTW Mike, you mentioned the heavy use of batteries in the older
submarines.  I recall reading about the occasional burning of of the
hydrogen buildup inside the boat, everyone ducks down and the hydrogen is
lit, flame runs along the overhead briefly. I now there are a couple of
Submariners on these lists, can you confirm that this is true?