Batteries, charging, house, HELP

[legoman67]

Well, we are ready to start installing our batteries in the boat, but cant figure out exactly how we should do it. We have 2 105amp alternators and we want to have a seperated 'house' battery bank, and then the 2 starting batteries, but we cant figure out how to hook it all up to get the most effective use of the alternators... The house batterys will be deep cycle, and the starting batteries will be standard.

 

[PolishPrince]

Re: Batteries, charging, house, HELP

I would use one alternator for each bank of batteries. A 105 amp alternator should be more than sufficient for each bank.
OR Install a Blue Sea L Series ACR (Automatic Charging Relay) between the 2 banks of batteries. When the engine is running the ACR combines the battery banks when it sees voltage above 13.6 VDC. When it drops below ~12.75 VDC (engine off) they disconnect. Look at the Blue Sea website
http://bluesea.com/category/2/productline/overview/389
I bought my ACR online
And forget a battery isolator, the ACR is the way to go.
One more thing................I recommend using a pair of Blue Sea Cable Cap Insulators (4000 Series) when you attach you battery cables to the ACR posts. In case there's an errant wrench, screwdriver or watch band hitting that bare stud and a ground source at the same time, it will set off a fireworks display your Marine Insurance carrier will frown upon.

 

[Big Keepers]

Re: Batteries, charging, house, HELP

Ditto!