3 Battery Question

[Mr_Shamrock]

There was a similar recent thread, but I didn't get a clear answer so I wanted to start my own.
I currently have 2 batteries and a Guest 10 (5/5) amp onboard charger which stays plugged in whenever the boat is not being used. I am considering adding a 3rd battery to my house supply and wanted to know if the 2 bank charger would be able to charge both house batteries and the cranking battery? If so, can I just leave it connected to one of the house batteries - will it charge the other one since they will be paralleled together? Another question is will it matter if the 2 house batteries are 27 series and the cranking is a 24 series. I know a 3 bank would be better, but I don't want to spend the $200 plus for a new charger right now. If this isn't a good idea I will just live with the 2 batteries until I can afford a new charger. Thanks in advance!

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: 3 Battery Question

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=435504

 

[Mr_Shamrock]

Re: 3 Battery Question

I got the third battery installed today and it went fairly smooth. I had my local Battery Specialists fab me up some 1 gauge (my boat has all 2 gauge, but they charge the same for 1 or 2 so I used 1) with the right ends on them and the right exact length. I just hooked up a battery tender to the cranking battery for now and have the on board charger for the 2 house batteries. I will eventually just get a 3 bank charger to simplify things, but will probably wait till next season to do that. We are going out Sunday and I am anxious to see the difference in reserve capacity. I went from a single 24 series cranking battery to 2 - 27 series cycling batteries for the house bank. If I get twice the reserve out of them I will be extremely happy!

 

[Mr_Shamrock]

Re: 3 Battery Question

This set-up worked great. I was able to run the stereo the entire day without a problem. We stayed at one spot for about 5 hours and then went for a cruise and found another spot to hang for another hour or so and the stereo was strong the entire time. I am very happy with it.