Spare battery

[flashback]

I picked up a spare battery and set it in my boat next to the existing battery and find that the extra weight causes it to list quite a bit. So I'm gonna mount it on the other side. What size cable would be good for this. Probably need about 6 feet for the positive, I suppose I connect the ground to the engine most anywhere close to the battery.

 

[Scott Danforth]

We starting an 11 cubic inch 7.5hp tiller? Or a 632 cubic inch 1500hp Big Block?

 

[flashback]

350 sbc LOL

 

[Scott Danforth]

Tying the battery back to a battery switch? 6' one way, I would do 2 gauge or 0 minimum

 

[flashback]

Thanks, that's what I was looking for. 0 it will be.

 

[flashback]

Any problems routing the cable under the engine? It would be a shorter run than going behind or in front.

 

[04fxdwgi25]

Any problems routing the cable under the engine? It would be a shorter run than going behind or in front.

Preferably, I would want to keep the cables out of the bilge

 

[flashback]

Preferably, I would want to keep the cables out of the bilge

Why? What is the reasoning.

 

[04fxdwgi25]

Why? What is the reasoning.

I consider it lousy cable management. Cable could be exposed to water and oil, which in general, is not good for the insulation. Just spring for an extra couple of feet of cable, route correctly and secure correctly, instead of flopping around in the bilge.

That's just me.

 

[Scott06]

I consider it lousy cable management. Cable could be exposed to water and oil, which in general, is not good for the insulation. Just spring for an extra couple of feet of cable, route correctly and secure correctly, instead of flopping around in the bilge.

That's just me.

Agreed would not route them where they can be under water if boat fills up.

 

[flashback]

Good points all and thanks for the thoughts. A lot of stuff to negotiate on the transom maybe route it around in front of the motor.

 

[JASinIL2006]

I added a second battery and, while it was a pain in the neck, routing the new cables back behind the engine (across the transom) was much cleaner. No way I'd run them through the bilge. Do it right the first time and you won't need to do it a second time...

 

[Stinnett21]

FWIW I added a second battery and two mounting locations, port and starboard but did not wire it up. The beauty of this is it allows it to be moved for ballast based on load. If needed I can run jumper cables to the port location or swap it out. Yes it takes a little effort but I love the system and I don't find myself having to do it very often. I hate a listing boat. Plus saved the cost and complication of a dual battery system. In my many years of boating I have never ran down and group 24. Granted I don't run amps/subs, etc.

 

[flashback]

FWIW I added a second battery and two mounting locations, port and starboard but did not wire it up. The beauty of this is it allows it to be moved for ballast based on load. If needed I can run jumper cables to the port location or swap it out. Yes it takes a little effort but I love the system and I don't find myself having to do it very often. I hate a listing boat. Plus saved the cost and complication of a dual battery system. In my many years of boating I have never ran down and group 24. Granted I don't run amps/subs, etc.

That's a good option. The boat I have already has the switch. It didn't have a second battery when I got it. I suppose the po just never got around to it. I picked up a group 27 at a yard sale for 5 bucks. It holds charge so maybe I got lucky. I'm a bit addicted to yard sales and sometimes do stupid stuff.