Dual Batteries, do I really need?

[mboy]

I have been thinking about going with 2 bateries end of season or before next.

Now I am rethinking.

I have a group 24 now. If i get a group 27 or 31 and keep a fuly charged battery booster (400amp) with me at all times, do I really need to invest in dual batteries?

Figure with 2 new batteries and an isolater + switch, I am looking at an easy $500-600 + my time to install.

I already keep the jumper on the boat and take home to top off every other weekend).

DO I need to spend this time and money on duals?

[hareball]

imo it's always good to have a battery to run the electronics while the motor is off, especially if you run spreader lights at night. meanwhile the second battery is always put in the off position while fishing and switched on for running.

sounds like you have a good setup going though.

if you are running alot of offshore trips i'd go with 2 batteries but think you have a fine setup for inshore.

[CapBob]

Mboy,


Always better to be safe than sorry, like HAreball said when your out on the fish use the one battery for the electronics-lights, while the starting battery is off.......

[Capt. Ed]

Hi Mboy,

Without being melodramatic, I pose a question back to you ... how much is your life or safety worth?

What if the case occurs where you are drifting. All is fine and all the electronics have been on for a while including that cool new radio. Say you drain your battery. I know they are Group 27 or better but just say you drain it.

What if a large trawler starts bearing down on you (which recently happended to me) and you need to move NOW. Will you have time to hook that starter/charger and get the boat moving?

If yes, then you don't need the second battery.

I don't know about you, but I have a spare, portable starting battery myself. I even use it to jump cars that charters leave lights on all day. It takes me a lot of time to get the leads just right to work.

Just a thought,

Capt. Ed

[mboy]

I don't have an yspreader lights.

In reality, it probably would not take me much more time to conect the 2 jumpers cables to my battey (or cig lighter) then to open my access cover and turn switch mounted somwhere inside it.
it would tak elonger,but not that much.

My fishing is all inshore, 75% inside of bay.

[hareball]

mboy, put it at the top of the todo list for your boat.

once it's done you'll feel alot better with no doubts or worries.

all boats with electronics and a motor should have a dedicated battery for each.

[Luna Sea 5]

You need 2.  The last place you ever want to get stuck is in the open water.  REMEMBER, if your batterie goes dead, so does your ship to shore radio..... 

[CapBob]

There is no price on fun or safety

I would make it my main project of things to do in the off season

[mboy]

2 batteries it is then.

[CapBob]

 

[Luna Sea 5]

good choice.

[salty pig]

I have 2 on  mine and that switch 1,2 or both i use both  or should i put it on 1 for motor and 2 for electronics when drifting??.. not like there is an alternator to recharge them  with an outboard right.

Go 2 next year !!! 

[mboy]

If their was no way of charging them from the engine, they would be dead after a few uses.

I am going to use a Blue Seas kit which is an isolater and an on both off switch.

One battery will be for electronics/boat electric, the other dedacted to starting engine.

[Luna Sea 5]

thats how mine is set up.  One for the guages, that then each starts its own engine... hmmm,... i think.. 

[hareball]

also a low voltage alarm is great! on our GPS/plotter there is an alarm that will sound when voltage is getting low.

[mboy]

Should i get a cranking battery for the motor and a deep cycle/dual use for house or get 2 dual use?

[Duffman]

   Tons of ways to hook up a dual battery system. Some complex as hell, others real simple. 
  I went the real simple/cheap route since my tub is POS and I  refuse to pump money into her 

  Perko battery switch ($50) 2 Interstate batteries - a 24 series cranking and a 27 series deep cycle. Both batts cost me $65-$70 each and I replace them every 3 years.
   I'll run off the starting/cranking battery most of the time. When set up on anchor for a few hours I'll switch to the deepcycle battery.
   Put this system together back in Oct '99 and have not had a problem with anything to date. Simple-cheap-reliable.

[mboy]

I m thinking going with an isolater and on, off, combine switch.

Are those interstates maint free?

I realy don't want to spend 175-200 for each battery, but not thrilled with dealing with water and acid.

[Duffman]

  In my book , all batts are maintenance free.  Check the electrolyte level at the start of the season and forget it. If your alt is charging the way it should be, you wont need to look at them until the season is over.

   $175-$200 a battery?? Where you shopping??

[mboy]

OPtima blues and Cabelas agm's are in that neighborhood.
I need to shop where you shop.