Batteries

[sperzonkers2]

Hey all need to replace my battery but would it be worth it to add another battery and have two? I have only one in the boat now, and I do not have a lot of electronics. Just running a new FF/GPS and any of the standard boat stuff bilge, live well etc. What batteries do all of like.

Thanks!!

[wb]

nice to have 2, but they need to be able to be isolated somehow to really reap the benefits. 1 batt for starting the motor, 1 batt for everything else is a common setup. You would be surprised how much current the average sounder uses. I have an interstate flooded cell starting battery and an optima blue top dual purpose AGM battery and they have both given good service so far. I will probly replace the flooded cell with an AGM this year or next, I like the whole non-spillable, no maintenance, and significantly more oomph per pound of the AGMs but some would argue they cost too much.

[CapBob]

Bill

If you have the room you should go with a 2 battery setup...

The starting battery provides that initial surge of power and recharges quickley. It is meant for that initial surge.

The deep cycle battery is meant to discharge a lower charge over a longer period of time and recharges muck slower...........

Wiring in the 2 baattery system in not big shake. If you go with 2 batteries, replace one of them every year, alternating the battery replaced and you should never have a problem.

Hope it helps

[dreamsfloatjoe]

Hey all need to replace my battery but would it be worth it to add another battery and have two? I have only one in the boat now, and I do not have a lot of electronics. Just running a new FF/GPS and any of the standard boat stuff bilge, live well etc. What batteries do all of like.  Thanks!!

Mr. Bill!  I believe it is worth adding another battery and having two.  I like the most in expensive three year warranty Wal Mart battery available.

I'm a 'prudent' boat owner.  I enjoy peace of mind, that I have done all I can to prevent:  'Things' happen.   
Spend a weekend at a boat ramp and count how many boats do not start (low battery) during the launch faze.     Also listen to the amount of VHF radio calls to Sea Tow/Boat US or to other 'boating buddies', requesting someone with jumper cables help them out - Dead Battery.     Example:  Bilge pump switch stays ON.

My thoughts.

[sperzonkers2]

  Thanks all!!! with two batteries do you guys use a battery switch to separate the batteries. I also see a relay called a VSR which is supposed to charge each battery or do you guys just hook up to charger. I trailer so I am not in a slip.

[CapBob]

YEs use the 2 battery switch...when motoring out have it on both batteries, this way they both charge, when you arrive to where you want to be shut off engine and then switch to your deep cell.

[striperdad]

2 batteries with an isolation switch. When running always have them switched to both. Never switch batteries while running.

[sperzonkers2]

  thanks all!!!

[Kenny]

The biggest reason for the isolator is that it prevents the weaker battery from drawing down the stronger battery when you are running on both batteries.