Mounting location of dual battery switch

[thomasalva]

I just ordered and received a Perko dual battery switch, but I was surprised at the large size. From the pictures, I envisioned it being fairly small, but it's pretty massive. I had planned to mount it near the helm (preferably on the instrument panel), but due to the size I'm sure even if I could find a spot for it, it would look ridiculous.

So, any other suggestions? I'm thinking about maybe on the side panel just forward of the throttle. I want it to be fairly handy obviously, but I don't want it to be in too tempting of a location where the kids might decide to switch it.

Thanks

 

[gstanton]

Re: Mounting location of dual battery switch

Mine is located on the inside of the transom, under the rear seat. It takes some effort to switch it, so I doubt that young kids would mess with it.

 

[thomasalva]

Re: Mounting location of dual battery switch

I thought about that location, but I had envisioned switching to 1 to start, then maybe switching to 2 or both while running, and then switch to 2 when idle/anchored.

The rear seat/engine cover/bilge hatch on my boat is large and not easy to open, but regardless I don't really like opening it routinely with the engine running (for safety).

I've seen some boats where the rear seat has a hollow underneath, and that wouldn't be so bad.

Maybe I'm over-thinking all the switching though. I suppose I could just start and run switched to 1, and then leave it alone unless I anchored somewhere. I would most likely still have enough reserve power on battery 2 to start if needed.

I wondered also about just getting two starting batteries and not worrying about a deep-cycle battery. Then I could just switch at the beginning of each outing and use the other battery strictly for emergency.

 

[seabob4]

Re: Mounting location of dual battery switch

I just ordered and received a Perko dual battery switch, but I was surprised at the large size. From the pictures, I envisioned it being fairly small, but it's pretty massive. I had planned to mount it near the helm (preferably on the instrument panel), but due to the size I'm sure even if I could find a spot for it, it would look ridiculous.

So, any other suggestions? I'm thinking about maybe on the side panel just forward of the throttle. I want it to be fairly handy obviously, but I don't want it to be in too tempting of a location where the kids might decide to switch it.

Thanks

Can you mount it under the helm, yet still have relatively easy access to it?

 

[Seon]

Re: Mounting location of dual battery switch

I thought about that location, but I had envisioned switching to 1 to start, then maybe switching to 2 or both while running, and then switch to 2 when idle/anchored...

Some will say it isn't wise to switch batteries while an outboard motor is running.

 

[seabob4]

Re: Mounting location of dual battery switch

Some will say it isn't wise to switch batteries while an outboard motor is running.

Don't switch to "OFF"...

 

[rjlipscomb]

Re: Mounting location of dual battery switch

You want it as close to the batteries as possible. Running leads to the front of the boat and back will cause too much voltage drop for starting the engine.

Not to mention the cost and routing of the cables.

I will be installing one in the spring, along with the 2nd battery, I just assumed that the switch would in the engine compartment off to the side for "easy" access.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Mounting location of dual battery switch

You might want to consider a VSR (Voltage sensing relay). No switching involved but you can't start the engine unless there is a COMBINE function. These units essentially isolate the two batteries. You have the accessories on the house battery. When you anchor, they operate from the house battery only leaving the start battery protected. After you start the engine, the start battery has priority and will charge first. When it is topped off (shouldn't take long) then the VSR comes into play switching charge voltage automatically to the house battery. Carry jumper cables if for emergencies -- which you should have anyway if you have a single battery. If this is an I/O you need a switch with a field disconnect function, if its an I/O then the standard switch is fine and there is no issue with switching between BAT 1, BOTH, BAT 2 with the engine running. NEVER switch to OFF with the engine running. I guarantee you will only make that mistake once. As you consider the location of the switch, remember that all the wiring to and from it must be the same size or larger than the existing battery cables. Those long cables get expensive and can present some routing issues. As for switching, keep in mind you don't have to repeatedly work the switch. Leave it set on BAT 1 (startiing). The only time you need to switch it is if you anchor for a very long period or if you are running a gazillion watt stereo system. Set the switch to BOTH periodically to keep the house battery topped off.

 

[thomasalva]

Re: Mounting location of dual battery switch

I'll consider going the VSR route, but I don't mind switching and the simplicity of a manual switch is not a bad thing.

I may just mount it in the engine compartment though and just switch it at the beginning of each outing. Then I would always have a decent backup battery for emergency. Going this route, I'll probably add a second starting battery rather than a deep-cycle. We won't be pulling a lot of amps sitting idle anyway, so I probably don't really need a deep-cycle battery. We never had any problems last summer, but I always kept a spare battery and jumper cables on board just in case.

 

[skargo]

Re: Mounting location of dual battery switch

Mine is under the rear seat.

 

[rjlipscomb]

Re: Mounting location of dual battery switch

Mine is under the rear seat.

Just wondering, does that pose a corrosion problem? It seems to be more accessible to lake/ocean water. My thoughts, for mine, was to keep it in the engine compartment away from the salt water. Engine compartment stays dry unless I'm cleaning it.

 

[izoomie]

Re: Mounting location of dual battery switch

I had one in a previous boat and it was near the batteries. It's main purpose is to disconnect both batteries when the boat is off. I would choose a different battery on different days just to give them a workout but I didn't change throughout the day.

 

[thomasalva]

Re: Mounting location of dual battery switch

That's the way I'm leaning now also. It shouldn't take longer than 15 minutes to install, and I can always relocate it later if it becomes an issue.

 

[skargo]

Re: Mounting location of dual battery switch

Just wondering, does that pose a corrosion problem? It seems to be more accessible to lake/ocean water. My thoughts, for mine, was to keep it in the engine compartment away from the salt water. Engine compartment stays dry unless I'm cleaning it.

So far so good. I boat in the upper Chesapeake, and the water is 99% fresh.