A-B Battery switch question

[BRICH1260]

My `03 Chap Sunesta 243 has two batteries. One is a starting battery and the other is a deep cycle battery. One on each side of the engine with cables going into a red Perko?A-B switch. All year I thought the battery closest to the starter motor(starboard side) was unit A and the starting battery and therfore I kept it in that position except when tied up for extended periods of time, then I would switch to B to run the stereo, water pumps, lights ect. In the process of removing the batteries for winter, I discovered that the cranking battery( position A) was coming out of the deep cycle battery on the far side of the bilge, furthest away from the starter, and vice versa.

My question is- does it really matter that the starting battery is the farthest away from the starter motor( longest cable legnth, drop in amps, ect) and if so can I switch the terminals on the backside of the A-B switch to correct this so that battery A is for starting, and be closer to the starter and battery B( deep cycle), furthest away is used for tie-up accessories.

 

[Lakes84]

Re: A-B Battery switch question

I absolutely don't see why not. That's how my boat is set up. The drop in amps should be negligible at best.

 

[Skiwi]

Re: A-B Battery switch question

As above, as long as you have a nice big thick chunky cable the difference in length (you don't say how much longer but I'm assuming about 3-6') won't matter.
It's more important you use the correct batteries for thier intended purpose, in a typical small boating scenario location is moot.