Charging deep cycle battery off engine?

lrdchaos

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Feb 11, 2008
Messages
265
I have a two battery setup with a deep cycle for when I’m anchored out and a starting battery for our 350 mag. Is there any reason why on the longer runs I cant turn my battery selector to the deep cycle, by itself, and charge it off the boats alternator?
 

JASinIL2006

Vice Admiral
Joined
Feb 10, 2012
Messages
5,682
I don't think there is any reason you couldn't do that... an ACR does essentially the same thing when the starting battery is fully charged.
 

crazy charlie

Vice Admiral
Joined
May 22, 2003
Messages
5,512
I prefer to have both batteries "on" for long runs and have both of them charge.Remember to turn one off when you reach your destination.Charlie
 

dingbat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
16,152
You will have no problems unless a battery fails on you while combined.

Just keep in mind that anytime you "combine" batteries you are physically combining the two and they will equalize their outputs.

A 12.7 volt battery combined with a 11.2 volt battery makes for one large 11.95 volt (dead) battery.

Like wise, if a battery goes bad for one reason or another, ie. shorted or dead cell, its possible it could damage both batteries. Seen it happen twice.

You would be better off to stop playing switch roulette and install an ACR.
Best $100 you can spend on a boat.
 
Top