1986 FOUR WINNS battery question

[coolmethirteen]

If someone knows that answer to this question. I have a 1986 Four Winns. It came with one battery hook up but has the capability to have two batterys. Would there be an avantage to having two batterys instead of one battery or it is not really a big difference.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 1986 FOUR WINNS battery question

If the single battery you have dies when you are 10 miles from the ramp, obviously a second battery is an advantage. So how worried are you about being stranded with a dead battery? What accessories are you running from the current battery? If you are on a relatively small lake with cell phone reception there is little need for dual batteries since you can call someone for a tow. If you frequently boat big water and/or remote waterways, be prepared. A second battery may save your life and that of your passengers. Do a search on DUAL BATTERIES -- this topic is discussed to death and there are a multitude of ways to incorpate another battery.

 

[Art Bernard]

Re: 1986 FOUR WINNS battery question

I'll second what silvertip said. Having dual batts can be lifesaver. While your running the engine, you have the selector switch set to both and the engine will charge both batts. While anchored you set it one or the other batt and your accesories will only pull off that batt leaving the other one fresh for starting your engine. I have mine set up port and starboard in the stern of the boat, when starting or running the engine I set the switch to both, while anchored I use the port batt for radio, etc.. and leave the stbd batt for engine only. I've never had a dead batt problem doing it this way.

Art

 

[GPomeroy]

Re: 1986 FOUR WINNS battery question

I agree that you should definitely add a second battery. I also have a Four Winns, and recently posted in this forum a piece "how to install a second battery", May 4, at this link:
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=475212&highlight=second+battery

 

[AZSenza]

Re: 1986 FOUR WINNS battery question

My current boat and my 85 4Winns have dual batteries. It can save the DAY! Has me more than once. The assurance of a dedicated starting battery is fantastic. I have one battery with only the starter hooked to it, the other has accessories and radio/amps. they are isolated. I start and run on Both and once parked switch to #2. Everyone on the boat is aware and all I have to do is say "Switch batteries" and depending on what were doing it goes to both or 2. Now I've read its not the best to run off "Both" all the time so sometimes I'll switch to #1 or #2 After the first start of the day to isolate the batteries. As always, I charge the night before so I'm aware of the state of charge before we head out. Take good care of them cause they take care of you! Keep the water topped off and charged, and place them on a load bank every once in a while to test their health! Happy Boating!