Batteries?

[LHensel]

I am looking to beef up my battery power. Should I go with the dual standard marine batteries tied together, or the oversized superduty battery. I've heard good things either way. Which way should I go? Any help would be greatly appreciated.<br /> Toomuch46@aol.Com

 

[azboatman]

Re: Batteries?

I would suggest going with two conventional marine batteries for several reasons. you can put in a battery switch which enables you to isolate either battery or use them together for those cold mornings. with the switch you can also put one battery on each side of your engine compartment for balance. they're less expensive and easier to find in a pinch( you know, when it's dead on the first day of the long weekend)

 

[Boatist]

Re: Batteries?

Lynn<br />Both ways have advantages. One large battery will be cheaper than two. Also you do not have charging and switch issues.<br />Two batteries with a switch adds some relibality. Two batteries work very well but I do not recommend just putting them in paralell. If you go with two then wire one for every thing that came with boat, Motor, Lights, Bilge blower, Bilge Pump, Horn. Wire the second for all the add on stuff, Raido, Gps, Fishfinder, Radar, ect.<br />Too charge two batteries I would suggest a batery isolator, that way if one batteries has a problem it will not run down the other. You can also add a battery switch so if main starting battery is dead can switch to back up. If you get a switch get one that has a field disconnect so that if you turn it with engine running will not blow up your alternator.<br />A little more info would help. Why do you fell you need more battery power?? Do you have a trolling motor in use?? What is the output of your alternator??

 

[Walt T]

Re: Batteries?

I wrote a series of articles on electrical systems, and covered batteries. The June 2000 newsletter covers how to determine how much battery power you need.<br /><br /> Newsletter

 

[golfer]

Re: Batteries?

Get two batteries and a Perko switch. One battery should be a deep cycle, the other a starting battery. Run your starting lines to the #1 on the switch, then out to the starting battery. Run all other electrical lines to your deep cycle battery, and lines from the deep cycle to the #2 on the switch. This way you are isolating the starting battery for starting, and the deep cycle for all else. If your deep cycle goes dead, you still have a fresh starter, or if both are low, you can use both to start your engine. The switch enables you to charge both batteries simutaneously, or singly. Always try to remember to start with #1 only, unless you are too low on juice...2 batteries and switch is the way to go, do not let anyone tell you 1 big is better than 2 small...