24 volt trolling batteries for emergency starting?

[nightstalker]

When you have tandem 12 volt batteries set up in series to achieve the needed 24 volts for a trolling motor, can one of these batteries be attached to the battery switch so that it can be used as a second starting battery if needed?<br />Stalker

 

[JB]

Re: 24 volt trolling batteries for emergency starting?

Yup.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 24 volt trolling batteries for emergency starting?

There are many ways to hook up a battery switch. Do an on-line search for "marine battery switch schematics" or "marine battery switch diagrams" to make sure the installation accomplishes what you want. Pay particular attention to installations that reference battery isolators. Also remember that since you are starting your engine with that trolling battery, the wiring must be at least as big as the current battery cables. Even a size or two larger if the trolling batteries are at the front of the boat. You might consider an emergency jump start unit instead of the battery switch. These are available for less than $40 depending on size.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: 24 volt trolling batteries for emergency starting?

Ditto JB.<br /><br />Easiest way to do it is to toss a set of jumper cables in the boat.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 24 volt trolling batteries for emergency starting?

18rabbit -- jumper cables is too easy a solution. Remember this is boating so we need to spend a fist full of money on a complex solution to a simple problem. After all, that's the way our government works isn't it?

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: 24 volt trolling batteries for emergency starting?

DON'T do it. Once you start doing that jumper stuff you are going to drain one battery more than the other. Result is the batteries get over AND undercharged on each charge up. GET a deep cycle starting battery, ONLY for the main motor. Your boat and life depend on a instant start when the wind and waves come up. MAIN MOTOR battery, it is always to be on the main motor chargeing circuit, ALONE. Screw the trolling batteries, they won't save your butt. Connect it wrong and you kill your engine alternator and ignition system. DON'T do it.

 

[sloopy]

Re: 24 volt trolling batteries for emergency starting?

Hey Rich, he is only going to do it in an emergency when his starting battery fails, an occasional start with one trolling motor battery will not harm anything.

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: 24 volt trolling batteries for emergency starting?

Night Stalker is asking. That tells me he has no one in his area to show him how it is SAFELY done. Lets not flame his wiring since we really dont know how his boat is wired.--------------------------- Take your boat to a marina, ask for their best electrical mechanic. 2 of his minutes he can do the cable swap in front of you and put red tape or paint on the + cables so you always get it perfectly right if you have to do it on your own.

 

[OBJ]

Re: 24 volt trolling batteries for emergency starting?

I have my rig wired so I can flip the battery switch to one of the trolling motor batteries for emergency starts. Works fine and is fuss free. Had to use it once too. I agree with Richard here....if your not sure of how to wire the battery switch, get some advice from a local dealership or go on line as upinsmoke suggested. Main thing is......be sure before you wire.