Add a 2nd Battery

[AndrewsArk]

Anybody have an easy and reasonably priced way to add a 2nd battery that I can switch to for electronics while anchored? I won't cheap out on a battery but some of the switches I've looked at are quite expensive.

My friends told me of some cables that have a switch in-line that are for this purpose but I haven't seen them at 2 marine stores I've looked at so far.

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: Add a 2nd Battery

I have 2 batteries wired in parrallel. To my electrical system it looks like one very big 12v battery. Hard to fathom that you could run your house electric stuff long enough to drain both batteries but I suppose it's possible.

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: Add a 2nd Battery

Not sure if this is reasonable price for you, but it's a great way to move all non-starting functions to the house battery, and charge both with the assistance of VSR.

http://www.ezacdc.com/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=155

 

[AndrewsArk]

Re: Add a 2nd Battery

Not sure if this is reasonable price for you, but it's a great way to move all non-starting functions to the house battery, and charge both with the assistance of VSR.

http://www.ezacdc.com/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=155

That's actually pretty awesome. Might have to pick this up starting next season. Boating is almost over for the year here. It's 66* outside right now with gale force winds.

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Add a 2nd Battery

Bear beat me to it. Try ezacdc.com. They can put something together for you that should be fairly reasonable based on your needs.

 

[MPII]

Re: Add a 2nd Battery

Maybe I'm missing something, but, get a Perko Dual Battery Switch. You can buy new for 40.00. Add deep cycle battery for 100.00. You can get the perko switch on Ebay even cheaper. I got mine for 25.00 and it's keyed.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Add a 2nd Battery

Anybody have an easy and reasonably priced way to add a 2nd battery that I can switch to for electronics while anchored? I won't cheap out on a battery but some of the switches I've looked at are quite expensive.

My friends told me of some cables that have a switch in-line that are for this purpose but I haven't seen them at 2 marine stores I've looked at so far.

This:

http://yandina.com/c100InfoR3.htm

Will charge two batteries when the engine is running or the charger is on but seperates them when there is no charging voltage. This keeps the electronics or lights from draining the starting battery and it's automatic.

Leave the engine and gauges connected to the starting battery, add a deep cycle batttery and the combiner(above) and connect everything else (lights, electronics, etc.) to the deep cycle battery.

The installation instructions (including a wiring diagram) are here:

http://yandina.com/acrobats/C100Data.pdf

 

[jteabo]

Re: Add a 2nd Battery

I added a battery to my boat recently and I used this system:

http://www.marineboatsupplies.com/blue-7650-solenoidbattery-dual-circuit-system-p-6665.html

The blue sea system works great and was easy to install.

 

[Hansolo99]

Re: Add a 2nd Battery

This is what I used. It is a very easy installation and it is all electronic. When the main battery is fully charge it switches automatically and charges the aux. battery. If the main battery drops it switches back. It keeps everything seperate. I have one in my truck, Ranger and my boat. Great item and easy install:

http://www.ase-supply.com/Sure_Power_1315_Battery_Separator_p/sp-1315.htm

 

[rwidman]

Re: Add a 2nd Battery

Maybe I'm missing something, but, get a Perko Dual Battery Switch. You can buy new for 40.00. Add deep cycle battery for 100.00. You can get the perko switch on Ebay even cheaper. I got mine for 25.00 and it's keyed.

Yes, that will work, but you have to remember to:

Turn the switch to #1 and start the engine

Turn the switch to #2 while running so both batteries receive a charge while the engine is running

Stop the engine at your destination and turn the switch to #2 to run the radio, anchor lights, etc.

Repeat, starting with the first step when you get ready to return home.


I found that with all the excitement of boating, I would often forget a step. The combiner is automatic and inexpensive.

 

[MPII]

Re: Add a 2nd Battery

Yea, RWidman, you are correct, sometimes I don't always remember. I guess, not the most economical situation, but to be honest, I've never ran one down that far.

I was told that you shouldn't run on 1&2 at the same time becuase it will tax your alternator too much. What I do, I run on #1 all day, running & anchored with radio etc on. Next day Run on 2. I just try and alternate the batteries each day.

Knock on wood but I have not yet had a problem. On the lake I travel, it is usually a 1-2 hour ride, on the water, to our destination from the ramp. So when we're done anchoring for the day, we run for almost 2 hours back on the battery we were drawing from.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Add a 2nd Battery

.................. I was told that you shouldn't run on 1&2 at the same time becuase it will tax your alternator too much. ..........

Don't take advice from that person any more. At least electrical advice. Your alternator will be fine. Two batteries in parallel are electrically the same as one larger battery.

My alternator charges five batteries using a combiner. One starting battery and four house batteries. It's a factory setup. Cruising boats with refrigerators, anchor lights, etc. are often set up this way because of heavy electrical demands.

If you weren't supposed to use the "both" position of the switch, there wouldn't be a "both" position on the switch.