Adding A Second Battery?

[BornBlue82]

Ok so I know this topic has been out for ages, but since i'm still new to the boating world, I thought I would ask about it. I would like to add a second battery incase my current battery every drains down to non starting. I've searched and i'm pretty comfortable going with the Perko battery select switch. For the most part it seems to be common since of how it operates. However, I have a few questions about it. I have a 01 bayliner capri. Questions, do both batteries charge reguardless what position the selection is in, besides off? Meaning, if battery 1 dies and I switch to batt 2, will batt 1 charge while in batt 2 position and vice versa? Question, if I put the select switch in off postion at the end of the boating day, will it kill my time, radio pressets, etc.? Last Question, what is the easiest and most effective way of doing this?

 

[bruceb58]

The engine will charge the battery that is selected or both when the switch is set to both. You can add an ACR which will charge both batteries no matter what the switch is selected to which is what I have on my boats.

http://www.bluesea.com/products/7610/SI-ACR_Automatic_Charging_Relay_-_12_24V_DC_120A

 

[BornBlue82]

Oh ok thanks for the advice.

 

[doyall]

...Question, if I put the select switch in off postion at the end of the boating day, will it kill my time, radio pressets, etc.? ...

It all depends on whether the constant power wire of the head unit (usually yellow in color) is connected to directly a hot battery lead. If the constant power wire is connected to a switched lead that is turned off, yes it will kill time and presets.

 

[BornBlue82]

Thanks

It all depends on whether the constant power wire of the head unit (usually yellow in color) is connected to directly a hot battery lead. If the constant power wire is connected to a switched lead that is turned off, yes it will kill time and presets.

 

[BornBlue82]

Does anyone have any pics of how two batteries are hooked up to the switch?

 

[Knymc]

http://www.perko.com/images/catalog/pdf/Fig 8501-8504 Inst (8500INS1).pdf

 

[bruceb58]

Assuming your current positive battery cable is just a lug and not a connector that goes around a post, move it to the common of your new switch. Have 2 new cables made that hook the positives of the new batteries to terminals 1 and 2 respectively. You will also need a new ground cable for the new battery. You can either connect it to the original battery's ground or make it long enough to connect to the block.

You can have battery cables made from these guys:
http://www.genuinedealz.com/

 

[further]

I just installed one in my boat exactly how bruce described and its very simple. Positive leads from each battery get connected to 1 and 2 post on the switch, all positive leads from motor and accessories go to the common post. Then simply run the ground from the block to one battery ground and another ground lead between both batteries. Had to make up some cables to do this which adds to the cost but the genuinedealz guys make it easy and they're reasonable. Just measure up what you need and order it up.
Good luck

 

[BornBlue82]

I just installed one in my boat exactly how bruce described and its very simple. Positive leads from each battery get connected to 1 and 2 post on the switch, all positive leads from motor and accessories go to the common post. Then simply run the ground from the block to one battery ground and another ground lead between both batteries. Had to make up some cables to do this which adds to the cost but the genuinedealz guys make it easy and they're reasonable. Just measure up what you need and order it up.
Good luck

Awesome, thanks! That was exactly what I was looking for. Details on how to connect everything. I appreciate your response! However, do you lose power to everything when the battery switch is in the OFF position? What I mean is, will I have to reset my clock on the dash and reset all the presets on my radio?

 

[further]

http://forums.iboats.com/forum/boat...lling-motors/660823-stereo-kill-switch-wiring

This is from a previous thread I started (before I added a switch). I have one of the head units that stores presets and audio settings (bass, treble, etc. settings). But bruce has a point. It's more important for me to maintain the batteries and be able to shut everything down then it is to maintain presets and settings although it can be annoying for sure.

 

[BornBlue82]

Thanks, I am in the market for a new radio anyway. So I'll look for one that stores presets.

 

[BornBlue82]

I just installed one in my boat exactly how bruce described and its very simple. Positive leads from each battery get connected to 1 and 2 post on the switch, all positive leads from motor and accessories go to the common post. Then simply run the ground from the block to one battery ground and another ground lead between both batteries. Had to make up some cables to do this which adds to the cost but the genuinedealz guys make it easy and they're reasonable. Just measure up what you need and order it up.
Good luck

Just to ask another question on this, will having the switch in 1/2 will that hurt the alternator? I have the factory equiped alternator and I really don't plan on using both batteries at the same time for anything, but switching from batt 1 to batt 2, I will be going through 1/2 (both) selection. Just want to be safe on this.

 

[bruceb58]

That's fine. Not a problem. You can also leave it in the both position as well.

 

[BornBlue82]

What is the preferred gauge, 2 or 4?

 

[bruceb58]

What do you have now? I always bump up the gauge from what is currently going to the battery just because I am adding length.

 

[BornBlue82]

I have 4 gauge now, but I'm not really going far with the wire. Maybe 12 inches.

What do you have now? I always bump up the gauge from what is currently going to the battery just because I am adding length.