Adding new battery and separating functions

[NewfieDan]

I want to add a second battery to my boat, and seaprate the functions of the 2 batteries.

I want one battery to run the electronics (GPS, Radio) and use the second for starting only. I have room in the engine bay for the second but I'm notquite sure how to go about it. Do I need a battery isolator to do it properly or will an "Add-A-Battery" system work for me?

I am also thinking of putting in a battery switch to completely separate the batteries when I'm not using the boat.

The boat doesn't come with shore power so I will be adding that as well. The shore power is not a big deal, but it's the rest of the electricla work I am not quite sure of. I do have quite a bit of electricla knowledge but this is something Ihave never tackled before.

 

[Don S]

Re: Adding new battery and separating functions

Do you already have the Add-A-Battery kit and looked at the instructions? If not, here they are, it will probably answer most of your questions.
http://bluesea.com/files/resources/instructions/990310020.pdf

http://bluesea.com/files/resources/instructions/5511e_web_version.pdf

The kit eliminates the need for an islolator.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Adding new battery and separating functions

The beauty of a battery switch is that you can use either battery to power the entire boat. You don't need to separate the loads; in fact, you really can't if you hook up the switch properly.

Just out of curiosity, are you boating in Conception Bay or inland?

 

[NewfieDan]

Re: Adding new battery and separating functions

.
Just out of curiosity, are you boating in Conception Bay or inland?

I am boating in Conception Bay. I am in Bay Roberts. How do you know about Conception bay?

 

[NewfieDan]

Re: Adding new battery and separating functions

Is there a diagram that shows how to connect shore power to these systems? I don't use my boat as much as I would like, so I also want to install a shore power system to this so when the boat is on the trailer in the yard I keep the batteries topped up.

 

[Don S]

Re: Adding new battery and separating functions

If all you want to do is run a battery charger while the boat is in your driveway, no need to install a complete shorepower setup. Install a two bank marine charger like THIS ONE, and hard wire the DC side to each battery.
On the AC side just put a standard 15A male plug on the cord and hook up an extention cord to it when you get home.
If the batteries are low, that charger will charge them, and when full will keep them topped up without overcharging.

 

[NewfieDan]

Re: Adding new battery and separating functions

What I want to do is to add second battery so when I am on th e water I will not run out of battery power before I am ready to head in for the day. The north Atalntic is a very unforgiving piece of water. I don't want to err and giver her the chance to make an example of me.

Is it better to have an add-a-battery, (I only have one) or to simply put in a decent battery charging system that I connect to "shore power" when I'm not on the water. Money is, of course a consideration, but not the only one. I want to make sure I do this right the first time.

 

[nphilbro]

Re: Adding new battery and separating functions

Here's a recent thread I got some good help with this issue on. Hopefully you can get some good info to help here:
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=555474

 

[NYBo]

Re: Adding new battery and separating functions

I am boating in Conception Bay. I am in Bay Roberts. How do you know about Conception bay?

My mother was born and raised in Brigus. I've been to Brigus a few times, but that was many years ago. Gorgeous area.

 

[NewfieDan]

Re: Adding new battery and separating functions

Now that you know some one here again you should come for a visit. Take the boat out, watch a few whales may be spot an iceberg. If its in Aug take in the Brigus Blueberry fest. Lots of room, the boat sleeps 2, the travel trailer sleeps 4 comfortable and the house has a spare bed room.

All I ask is that you let us know before you come. gives us time to "tidy" up a bit.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Adding new battery and separating functions

I see that the Newfoundland hospitality my mother used to talk about is still alive and well. Thank you for the kind offer!