parallel batteries

[jwhitm]

is there anything wrong with using batteries in parallel ? what would be a

good charger to use ? should i use a 1 or 2 bank ?

thanks

 

[jtexas]

Re: parallel batteries

nothing wrong. charge 'em together with a 1 bank charger - it'd go faster if you used a 2-bank, but you'd have to unhook 'em from each other.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: parallel batteries

I would suggest getting a switch where you could parallel them when you absolutely have to. By paralleling them you pretty much give up the redundancy of a two battery system that would help you get started in case you left something on and completely drained the parallel battery setup.

 

[PondTunes]

Re: parallel batteries

What are you going to use them for? 2 in parallel for extended run time? Like bruce suggested if you go with a switched system you can seperate your loads from your cranking battery, thus ensuring you always have plenty of power to crank the boat.

If you are looking for a simple automatic battery charging/switching setup check out this thread:
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=215068&highlight=add-a-battery

 

[jwhitm]

Re: parallel batteries

if i go with a switch ; what would you suggest ? as for use, 2nd battery is

for electronics,radio ,ect. i've been using 1 batt. for every thing but would

like the extra protection.(starting 150 yamaha 2 stroke )

thanks for info

 

[PondTunes]

Re: parallel batteries

My vote is use one for starting, the other for your electronics and such, Although it being an outboard you might want to ask around to see how your outboard will do charging 2 batteries!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: parallel batteries

My vote is use one for starting, the other for your electronics and such, Although it being an outboard you might want to ask around to see how your outboard will do charging 2 batteries!

It will charge them fine given enough time. The problem, of course, is it may be a really...long...time.

 

[C-VENN]

Re: parallel batteries

i have been thinking about this for a while.

What i am going to do is

1 cranking batt
1 group 27 trolling batt
1 perko 2 batt switch
1 2 bank charger 5 or amps per bank

Link the motor and all small electrical to the cranking batt, and the radio and all large draes to the troll batt

I will wire the + of batt 1 to the switch and the + of batt 2 to the switch, along with only the + from the motor to the common post on the switch.

If i am correct Then you leave the switch on #1 to start and charge out crank batt, while letting all the high amp draws suck the troll batt dead, leaving your crank batt fine. You can also switch to #2 while under way to charge batt#2 but like has been mention my takes a long time. or both the charge both at the same time or start from the 2 batts.

the only thing i am not sure of is you may have to link the neg terminals together or split the negative to the 2 batts coming off of the motor.


The use of the 2 bank charger is the assure never a dead batt, worth the extra $100 rather than a problem on the water.

 

[jtexas]

Re: parallel batteries

a caution if you plan on switching while the engine's running........if your switch breaks the connection of #1 before making the connection to #2, even just for an instant, you risk smoking your rectifier, in which case neither battery will charge.

 

[C-VENN]

Re: parallel batteries

That is why i listed the "perko" switch. it is a marine grade switch, $35 may seem like alot but do not save money by using a cheap switch. It makes the connection before it breaks. The only problem with the switch is it is very big like maybe 3-4" diameter

 

[PondTunes]

Re: parallel batteries

Yeah use a make before break switch like the perko, if you're not going with an automatic setup. But either way you do it you can link the negative terminals of the batteries together you do not have to run each one to the engine.

 

[jwhitm]

Re: parallel batteries

thanks for input from all. i went with the perko switch. super simple to install and use. once again thanks for input.