Batteries..... One or Two that is the question

[Mdub]

Hi, I have a 1984 17 foot bow rider with a merc 75 hp. It currently has one battery I believe a 24 series. This battery is for cranking an has deep cycle also. When I got the boat, it was pretty basic (Engine, Lights, Bilge Pump). I want to add a radio, a sterio, some more lights, and maybe a Espresso machine. Will I need a second battery for this? And if so, what would be the best way to hook that up?

 

[JoLin]

Re: Batteries..... One or Two that is the question

I would advise a second battery. If you're going to be anchored/docked, listening to tunes, making espresso, etc.- you don't want to run down your starting battery.

Simplest install is with a Perko (or BEP, Blue Sea, Guest, etc.) rotary switch that lets you direct the battery drain in several ways. Wiring it up is very straightforward and it allows you to completely reserve one battery for starting purposes. It's a pretty cheap and effective way of doing things.

You can step up to more automated switching solutions, but it's a little more expensive.

Look around the forum here for discussions on adding a battery. Easy job.

 

[Mdub]

Re: Batteries..... One or Two that is the question

Thanks for the info.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Batteries..... One or Two that is the question

An expresso machine requires 115 VAC (unless a 12V version is available). Heating elements take a tremendous amount of power so you will definitely need a big deep cycle if you intend to run something like that. You will also need a large inverter if you intend to use a 115 VAC unit. You will also need an on-board charger to keep these batteries charged up as the alternator on the engine is not capable of doing it. If you don't have power at the dock to run the on-board charger, you now have a power issue to deal with. The only practical solution would be a small generator. I would at that point re-think the need for an expresso machine.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Batteries..... One or Two that is the question

I would at that point re-think the need for an expresso machine.

Brew at home.