Adding a Second battery, what else do I need?

[bthessel]

I am looking to add a second battery this year to my boat, 97 Maxum 1900 SR2. I was looking at the Blue Sea 7650 for it. What else will I need besides the switch and the battery? I have seen some say you need a bus bar, fuses, I assume I need some battery cables. Is that the correct switch to get?

 

[Don S]

Re: Adding a Second battery, what else do I need?

The 7650 is more than just a battery switch, it also includes the ACR. You will also need some battery cables, other wires of the proper size, fuses, etc. Just look at the instructions and figure out how you want to install it and what you will need.
You will also need to make sure your engine and house systems are not connected together in any way, or it will defeat the purpose of the ACR and switch.

Add-A-Battery - 120A - Blue Sea Systems

 

[bthessel]

Re: Adding a Second battery, what else do I need?

Thanks for the info Don. is the 7650 overkill for what I need? Am I overthinking this?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Adding a Second battery, what else do I need?

I think its a great kit. I would put it in. I use the Blue Sea ACR as well.

 

[calvinator]

Re: Adding a Second battery, what else do I need?

I had the ACR on my last boat. I just added one to my Motorhome. I like them because it is set-it-and-forget-it in terms of dual batteries, charging, etc etc.

Current boat has just a Perko switch. ACR is on order for this boat too.

It is not overkill, just a $100 solution to lessen battery maintenance.

 

[bthessel]

Re: Adding a Second battery, what else do I need?

So how do most people mount these switches, ACR and bus bar? just mount them in the space near the battery or mount them in a box somehow? Right now my single batterys is just mounted in a battery tray near the engine under the sun pad.