Dual Use vs. Starting Battery

[mboy]

Oops, forgot you had duel engines Vin, let me check the setup for that.

Also, Yandina has great Tech support. Answered my setup questions within a day or so (pre purchase).

Vin, do you have 2 or 3 batteries?

[mboy]

I have to say, I am a bit confused about that one myself.

I would make a diagram of how your setup is now, then send it to Yandina and ask them how you should incorporate their product into your setup.

I KNOW they will help you out.

[wb]

Wow- can you say thread hijack? IMO the combiner is just another thing to fail- take a look at the melted one they have on their website.

Simply put, to answer the original question,  hi-load draw (such starting an engine) will shorten the life of a deep cycle battery, that's why they recc you up-size 20% or more if you go that route. Similarly, deep cycling a starting battery will also shorten its life (drastically). The dual use battery is a compromise at best which some would argue does nothing well.

Again, IMO, if you only have room for one battery buy a deep cycle and up-size to the largest you can fit. Try to keep it fully charged and bring along a booster pack for emergencies. Make sure the booster pack will start the engine before going out. Keep the booster pack charged.

Better yet if you can fit 2 batteries get a deep cycle for accessories and a starting battery for starting. Keep it simple. Remember to switch to the "deep cycle only" if you are out drifting. Switch to the "starting battery only" when you want to go. Switch to "both" while running. It's not that complicated. If you can remember to fill your fuel tank and load up your fishing tackle before heading out, you can remember to switch your batteries correctly.

JM $.02

[SouthPaw]

I have to say, I am a bit confused about that one myself.

I would make a diagram of how your setup is now, then send it to Yandina and ask them how you should incorporate their product into your setup.

I KNOW they will help you out.

Ok Thanks Mike

[mboy]

They have too many on off switches in there for me:)

[Luna Sea 5]

I have to say, I am a bit confused about that one myself.

I would make a diagram of how your setup is now, then send it to Yandina and ask them how you should incorporate their product into your setup.

I KNOW they will help you out.

this may be the difference the way mine is set up compared to the usual. 

[Capt. Mike]

What about the second engine? Look at the schematic for dual engines one starting battery under the combiner 150. It confuses the sh*t out of me.

Hey Vinnie,

Check out this link:
http://www.bepmarine.com/store/web/viewprd.asp?idproduct=1465

That is a great item, one that I will be using.
 Starting batteries and one house.
I bought it from:
http://www.foreandaftmarine.com/717-100A.htm

This is a great item for mine and your situation.

Good luck!

[mboy]

Bep setup is nice. . I was looking at a basic one for mine.

My problem is the batteries are in bilge area on my boat and I am pretty sure the BEP is not water proof, so has to be mounted somewhere dry.
I am not 100% on that, but fairly certain.  If you can mount them in a dry spot and can swing the $$$ Vin, it is nice, quality setup.

[Capt. Mike]

Mike the product you picked is great for your situation. 1 Motor 2 batteries and wet area mounting.

BEP products are only water resistant the can get wet but not submerged. I currently have 2 combiner switches in place, they will be removed for this item. I will have the ability to have both motors simultaneously charge the house battery. That was a big deal for my use. A battery charger and outlet for shore or portable generator will also be added. This will aid in the over night trips.

[CapBob]

The batteries do not have to be mounted next to each other, perhaps the other side of the stern?

Have two batteries is a must one for starting and a deep cell fr the lights, accessories, etc.

The battery switch is a piece of cake to wire and mount.

[mboy]

NIce, I did not realize they were water proof.

Def pretty sweet.

I actually went with this:  http://www.yandina.com/c100Info.htm
as I won't be using any swithches and will utilizing one battery for starting only and the other for the house.

This simply and cheaply combines bot to charge when engine is running and seperates the batteries when the engine is off.

Also fits much easier in my bilge by the batteries.

That BEP is sweet for your more sophisticated setups tho.