Second Battery?

[clueless_imperial_75]

I have a 17' Imperial with a 85hp Evinrude engine. I wanted to ask you guys if you think I should add a second battery to the boat. I plan on having the following circuits/electronics:

Nav lights
VHF Radio
AM/FM Radio
GPS Receiver
Bilge Pump
Horn
Instrument Lights
Possibly a LED deck light or two
USB charging port

The family and I will probably be out for long stretches and I'm sure the kids will want the radio going most of the time. Should I add a battery for the electronics and keep the first just for starting or would I be good with a single battery (of course I get it that having a second is peace of mind, but I'm also trying to avoid overkill...)

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[StingrayMike]

Defiently would be a good idea.

 

[Silvertip]

And how do you plan to keep that second battery charged??? Just making you think a little here.

 

[poconojoe]

It would be peace of mind for sure. I did it. Look into a thing called an ACR. It will automatically charge whichever battery or batteries that need it. You won't have to manually switch to a battery when you want it to receive a charge. Blue Sea makes different size ACR's, depending on the output of your alternator.

 

[clueless_imperial_75]

Thanks for the responses. This is the part where I need your expertise. The motor is an outboard 85hp. What's the best way to add a battery? Should they be separated so that one is only for cranking and the other is just for electronics? Or should both be connected through an ACR? As far as charging, that was my next question... Any thoughts/pointers would be appreciated.