2 batteries or 1

[imported_wildcat]

I just purchased a new 20 foot boat and I have one wet cell battery with an on/off switch. I am taking a portable radio with me due to fear of draining the battery and not being able to restart the engine. I usually like to anchor for up to 3 hours with the radio on and don't know how long I can drain down the battery and still be able to start the engine. I only boat on the lake and do not ever get out of sight of land. Engine is a 5.0L Mercruiser with 260 PHP. Any recommendations from this very experienced board would be appreciated. <br /> <br />1. How long can starter battery be drained with stereo and still retain enough charge to start engine.<br />2. Would it be better to get a quickstart battery box at West Marine for $80/each(recommended by Marina) or install another deep cycle battery with another battery switch which would allow me to switch between batteries?

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 2 batteries or 1

Carry 2 batteries. It will give you piece of mind... Even a $40.00 dollar car battery will work in a pinch..

 

[macshak]

Re: 2 batteries or 1

I would definately carry 2 batteries. Last time I went out I only had 1. Guess what, had to be towed back to dock because of dead battery. Although the battery should have been replace some time ago. I replaced this one, and I plan on getting a second before I go back out. You just never know.

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: 2 batteries or 1

My vote is for two batteries. Autozone has small marine batts for like $40 or $50. Cheaper than a jump box and more juice.

 

[imported_wildcat]

Re: 2 batteries or 1

Thanks for the input. I agree with having two batteries, but it appears that I now have two choices:<br /><br />A. Should I also install a switch to only use the second battery when the engine is off.<br /><br />B. Install the second battery but not connect to it. It would only be used as a reserve.<br /><br />Also, should the second battery be a deep cycle battery that would permit recharging. I have heard that the problem with a deep cycle battery is that it may not have the juice to start the engine.

 

[dingbat]

Re: 2 batteries or 1

Get a battery selector switch and a dual purpose battery. The dual purpose will give you the reserve of a Deep cycle amp the amperage required to start the motor

 

[MFG197]

Re: 2 batteries or 1

what dingbat said. it's easy to do .... i did it.

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: 2 batteries or 1

For 3 hrs. of radio use, the dual purpose is preferred. Strictly deep cycle would be for larger boats using more juice.....

 

[ThomWV]

Re: 2 batteries or 1

I agree on the dual purpose and there isn't any way in the world that you're going to run down a good medium sized battery (Group 27 or so) with a couple of hours of radio use, tape player maybe, but not a radio.<br /><br />Oh, if I were you and I was still concerned I'd just buy one of those very small motorcycle/riding lawn mower batterys and use it for the radio. Charge it after every three or four uses and it will treat you just fine. I think you can buy them for about twenty five bucks. That and a set of alligator clips and you'll be in business without taking up much room.<br /><br />Thom

 

[18rabbit]

Re: 2 batteries or 1

Two batteries. Thom's idea is excellent...a small battery for the stereo that can be recharged as needed. You can get more sophisticated and install a second deep or dual battery, battery switch, permanent wiring, etc but you don’t need that for your application. I would take Thom’s advice and spend my time on the water.