Battery upgrade

[rb8484]

Hey guys, I need to replace my battery this spring and Im going to put in a dual set up. What is the best way to set it up? Should I wire them together and put a battery switch in? Perko Marine Dual Battery Selector Switch for Boat RV Motor | eBay

Never had a dual set up, so Im not sure what I need and how to go about doing it

Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[MinUph]

Re: Battery upgrade

That switch is what I've use in all my boats. There are more expensive ways but that's fine for me. I run on 1 to start. try to charge both while running and use 2 for accessories when anchored for any amount of time. Doesn't always workout but I at least have a spare. Mount it where its easy to get at if possible.

 

[Old Screwball]

Re: Battery upgrade

I'm cheap. For a second battery I bought a lawn tractor battery at Wal Mart. I use it for electronics, a water pump, and inflators. I used the tractor battery because it was only $25.00 and is 1/2 the size of a standard battery. Most electronics draw very little current so I didn't need a huge battery. The batteries are wired in Parallel, that is + to +, - to -. I left the motor start and charge wire tied to the primary battery. I moved everything else to the second battery. THEN, I wired in a standard home light switch on the + to + wire. Switch on, both batteries will charge when the engine is running. Switch off, everything is isolated to the 'little' battery. Just as a test, I left the switch "OFF" for a couple of days, running the GPS, XM radio, boat radio, and VHF radio. After 3 days everything was still working, the little battery hasn't discharged.

Total cost: Battery, $25.00. Light switch $3.00. Outlet box 1.50 Cover plate $0.30. So, for less than 30 bucks I have duel batteries. IF you are going to use a trolling motor, or use the second battery as a back-up starting battery, THIS CHEAPO METHOD WILL NOT WORK, the light switch can not handle the current draw of the starter.

Good Luck

 

[The Rooster]

Re: Battery upgrade

Hey "RB" try using the search feature up top. I know this subjects been covered at length before including nice diagrams. Good luck !!!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Battery upgrade

Buy the dual battery switch and follow the instructions that come with it. Done. Go boating. Just understand that a dual battery switch directs to which battery charging current is going and which battery the various loads will operate from. Most folks get all wrapped up in which switch should I be using and then end up not using the thing to their advantage. You don't have to be fiddling with the switch all the time. THINK about what you are doing during the trip and which battery needs the most help. Select that battery and go.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Battery upgrade

I use the perko switch and its simple and works fine,

 

[XJ99]

Re: Battery upgrade

Funny, I was just looking at this one.

Blue Sea M Series Mini Dual Battery Selector Switch Boat Marine Grade | eBay

 

[Don S]

Re: Battery upgrade

Personally, I think the best way is with the Bluesea add-a-battery setup.
All you do at the beginning of the day is turn the switch to on. Have fun, kill your house battery if you want. The starting battery will not be touched. Start the engine, and the charging begins.
End of day turn off. No playing with which battery am I on, or should I be on right now.

More info. Add-A-Battery - 120A - Blue Sea Systems

 

[rb8484]

Re: Battery upgrade

Thanks guys, I figured it was pretty clear cut! I will be ordering this switch and getting some new batteries.......then I just need to wait for the ice to thaw on the lakes!!!

 

[Nightfisher-]

Re: Battery upgrade

I run a 2 battery setup too, but mine are completely seaparated. Extra lights, aux, and non essentials on one battery beneath my console, the motor, nav lights, and depthfinder on the other battery at the stern. My reasoning for this setup is that the battery I need to get home is hooked to the motor to help keep it charged, with the depthfinder hooked up to it for monitoring voltage and aiding navigation, and my nav light to make me visible at night to other boaters. Everything I need to get home. The other battery is for things I don't really need in order to get back to safety, so I'm not worried as much about killing it. I just slap it on the charger when I get home. Keep in mind I fish at night late spring-fall so I have a lot of extra lights to run. Most are LED, but still a big drain on a battery when used a lot.