Bottom Line on Dual Batteries - WHICH ONES??

[Darin Jordan]

Hi folks.

I've done the searches and read what I could find, and I have all my questions about the wiring configuration, switches, ACR, etc., answered. Howerver, I'm still left wondering about the actual batteries themselves.

My 1990 Maxum 2400SC w/ 7.4L/Bravo is currently wired with a dual battery switch (off-1-both-2 Perko switch). I'm going to pick up an ACR and get it wired in as well.

Currently, my boat is outfitted with a heavy duty Starting battery (850cca) for battery 1, and a Deep Cycle (which I suspect has seen it's last days) for battery 2.

The motor has been turning over slowly when cold, and then almost not at all when hot, so I have a brand new, heavy duty starter on the way (MES5399MHT from eBasicPower http://bpi.ebasicpower.com ). All the wiring is very good, heavy duty cable, so hopefully the new starter will fix that part of the equation.

Finally, I'm planning on getting a 2-bank... or maybe even 3-bank (just in case) onboard charger to help with battery maintenance when the boat isn't in use.

The question I still have is WHAT type/kind of batteries do I want for this boat? Two Deep Cycle? A Starting and a Deep Cycle? Two Starting??

I'm going to get QUALITY batteries, I'm just not sure which type is preferred/optimum for reliability? I'm tired of having battery issues, so if someone can give me some direction here, I would appreciate it. Would like to get this done in the next week so we can salvage what's left of the summer here in Seattle!

Thanks!!

 

[seabob4]

Re: Bottom Line on Dual Batteries - WHICH ONES??

Starting for the motor, deep cycle for the house. The batt charger will treat them the same. I'd consider Cabelas AGM batts...

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Bottom Line on Dual Batteries - WHICH ONES??

If you already have a dual battery switch, why add an ACR? No problem doing it but the switch allows you to do anything the ACR does and more. Set the swtich to BOTH and both batteries charge and you can start the engine from either battery or both of them if needed. There is nothing more versatile than a switch. Unless the ACR has a COMBINE feature you cannot start the engine from the house battery unless you carry jumper cables. Just curious as to why you feel the ACR is needed.

 

[Darin Jordan]

Re: Bottom Line on Dual Batteries - WHICH ONES??

Just curious as to why you feel the ACR is needed.

Because I want to wire things up like the attached diagram. I am under the understanding that the ACR will allow both batteries to be charged, regardless of where the switch is located (1, 2 or both). Generally, We don't use the 2nd battery much, so it would be nice to not have to worry about switching to both everytime we are running, just to keep it charged.

So, back to batteries... anyone else have an opinion??? Am I going with a GOOD starting battery, and a dual purpose or deep cycle on the #2??

 

[Darin Jordan]

Re: Bottom Line on Dual Batteries - WHICH ONES??

Turns out a bad/old starter was the majority of my problem. Starting battery is just fine. Just picked up a new Deep Cycle for battery #2 and have it all wired up. Can't believe how much faster the motor turns over with the new starter.

Ordered an ACR and an onboard charger, so hopefully, now that things work, we can keep them maintained over the winter.