Never wired 2 batteries together

[Zraden]

Quick question guys.

I have space for a second battery on the boat and want to utilize it
with upgrading the stereo system.

Do you wire them in parallel or series?

I'm assuming its parallel but wanted to double check as I have never
wired two together before.

 

[Don S]

Re: Never wired 2 batteries together

Parallel for sure. Series would give you 24 V

 

[Zraden]

Re: Never wired 2 batteries together

Thanks Don!

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Never wired 2 batteries together

If your concern is about running the battery down and not being able to start the engine;
Adding a second battery for of the stereo would not involve wiring the two batteries together.
In this case they would be kept separate, one for all the electronics, the other only for the engine.

 

[blackhawk180]

Re: Never wired 2 batteries together

Parallel for sure. Adding a selector switch is easy and allows you to leave one battery fully charged for starting and using the other for electronics. When the motor is running, you can charge both.
Don S has published several amazingly good diagrams on how to wire things up.

 

[Duke_]

Re: Never wired 2 batteries together

yes, don is the man, he suggested i go with an "add a battery" switch and ACR setup for ease of use. when you get to the boat you just turn the switch on and your good to go, 1 battery stays isolated for starting and the ACR keeps the 2nd house battery charged and senses when to isolate the 2 banks( when you shut the motor off and have something using the house bank)

heres the diagram he posted for me, ignore the twin motors,