Help on shared battery sources..

[gonfishn]

I'm now into the wiring phase in connecting my electro gizmos to my batteries. I have two batteries in front and two in back. Right now I have Troll and Fish finder connected to front. In the back the live well,lights,fish finder,and motor are on these. My question is should I share more power to front batteries or am I ok with the way I have set them up at present? Some have told me I went overboard on the extra batteries.<br /><br />Do I have battery paranoia ? Weight wise I have no problem getting to a quick plane. Thanks ahead of time...

 

[Franki]

Re: Help on shared battery sources..

What kind of equipment have you got that requires four batteries..???<br /><br />I have seen the pic of your boat,, you don't have a electric troller, so what do you need so much capacity for?<br /><br />Also, what is the output of the 65HP Suzi's alternator?<br /><br />Also, if you are using car batteries.. be aware that they may not last long up the front of the boat when the going gets rough.. up the front is where they will cop the most hammering.. and an auto batteries plates may not handle the shocks all that well.<br /><br />Generally, its a good idea to have the battery that starts the motor not running gear that could leave it in a position where it can't start the motor..<br /><br />Also, how have you got the batteries wired together now, and how are you charging them??<br /><br />I have a huge 200 amp relay between mine, and I can use it to totally switch from one battery to the other and yet keep them isolated.. works great.<br /><br />You will need to provide more info on your setup (equipment and such), and your requirements before you can get an accurate answer..

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Help on shared battery sources..

YES... You have the much feared and dreaded Battery Paranioa Desease (BPD) for which there is no cure... <br /><br />Basicly you can never have too much juice especially if your out for an extended period and since the extra weight is not effecting performance I would not worry about it too much... If I were in your position I would go with a bare minimum of three of the largest group 31 batteries I could get my hands on...<br /><br />I'd say you've got it spilt up good, as long as your engine battery is dedicated only to the engine and not running anything else except for maybe a small bilge pump on occasion...

 

[gonfishn]

Re: Help on shared battery sources..

As alot of can see My boat knowledge is sparse. I bought this boat cheap and tore it completely down and started over(First Mistake). Used all Marine Ply on floor,sides and platforms. Compartments added for Batteries and accessories.<br /><br />This is a 86-65 Susuk-Engine blew first test drive(had sat for three years). Mechanic very happy to meet my request to completely rebuild. He now I'm sure is 3200 big ones happy.<br /><br />Picture is older one. I Now have Mini-Kota 40 and a fish finder on front. Batteries are parallel series together. <br /><br />Its my understanding that charge system is inside engine which I think should be used as starter only, serves multiple purposes(live well,lights,fishfinder and coffee pot). I thought two would help in stay power. I use only Marine Batteries.<br /><br />Batteries are encased on Nasa Memory Foam and attached to floor(actually is an air ride in comparsion to the seat I use to sit on). Stuff is really soft and is excellant cushioning for about anything. I fish alot of small lakes have to use my Kicker but I still use rest of acessories.<br /><br />Since I usually fish by myself(fish stories get bigger) I use my front troll for spot and general trolling a lot. I thought two would be better for those all nighters in stay power.<br /><br />Usually have to recharge after dry land is reached(14 hours or less). The kicker has an extension with a side flip to change gears. I know using kicker will save on batteries but I like the front view better. When I run the big one how fast do I need to be going to actually be charging the battteries? Since my boat isn't all that fancy is a charging system appropiate or stay with my 12v plug in. Thanks SB for the support on my mental health... Hope this helps I know its rather long in length.

 

[Franki]

Re: Help on shared battery sources..

It sounds like you have a pretty good handle on things already...<br /><br />That coffeepot would chew alot of power I imagine <br /><br />you said:<br />Batteries are parallel series together.<br /><br />Do you mean that you have two sets of batteries <br />in parallel together and the total in series?<br /><br />if so are you using 24 volt appliances???<br /><br />If the weight doesn't cause you any issues, then keep the four batteries... <br /><br />couple of things I might mention.. <br /><br />Batteries that are discharged and recharged regularly will last nowhere near as long as a battery that is kept topped up by some method..<br /><br />For this purpose I bought a small solar panel for my boat, its about 2 feet long and one foot wide.<br />Its designed to keep your batteries in optimum charge. (and it does a great job at daytime, making sure the batteries are full for the night shift.<br /><br />It only cost me about 40USD.. so maybe you should consider getting one (or more). you have spent alot more then that on batteries. <br /><br />rgds<br /><br />Franki

 

[gonfishn]

Re: Help on shared battery sources..

Thanks Franki. Never thought of the solar issue. Makes sense to me. Batteries are married together. <br /><br />Thanks again....