my dad came home the other day and told me that i had to have the battery in a battery box or a compartment, he said it was regulation but i searched our states website and it said nothing of this...does anybody know if this is true or not? btw i live in Kansas

I don't find it anywhere in my KS boating regulations book, but it is a very good idea to have one.  I'd especially reccomend it if you're using a gas powered motor and have fuel on board.  If you're only running off of a trolling motor, I wouldn't be nearly as worried, but it's always a good idea to have the battery securely mounted and in a battery box.  Just a dad being cautious.  Just go pick one up at O'Reilly's or Wal-Mart for $10 and be safe and make dad happy!

haha alrighty

not a state boating requirement...it is a Coast Gaurd requirement. In Indiana it is also covered in the Electrical Code. It is in the NEC as well ( National Electrical Code)