Batteries

[bruceb58]

Re: Batteries

Go with a BlueSeas ACR. Don't use a diode based isolator.

 

[NoGin]

Re: Batteries

Should I get 1 per terminal for all the batteries? Also not sure how to hook up all the feeds going into the batteries so they are safe, neat and clean.

 

[NoGin]

Re: Batteries

Just for fun I took 2 of the batteries out and had them load tested. 1 read good but needed a charge. Read over 1000 cranking amps and 11.9 volts. The other read Bad and 11.2 volts. About a week ago I checked the fluid level which was low so I added water. Can I drain some of the fluid out and add the battery concentrate and possibly save the batteries?

 

[NoGin]

Re: Batteries

Anyone know the battery cable gauge from the factory on the Merc 470?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Batteries

Can I drain some of the fluid out and add the battery concentrate and possibly save the batteries?

No...waste of time.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Batteries

Anyone know the battery cable gauge from the factory on the Merc 470?

This really is determined by the length of the battery cable itself and the load.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Batteries

This is how I would connect things:

 

[NoGin]

Re: Batteries

That's perfect! Your advice and guidance has been priceless.

Thanks a ton!!!!!

 

[NoGin]

Re: Batteries

Didn't even consider this but perhaps it's the root of my battery problems.

This wasn't going to work!

So this is what I did:

The BlueSea Fuse Block is run directly to the starboard side house battery. Should I have run it to the battery switch instead?



... This is what the other end looks like (this pic isn't the latest as it is all painted and complete now):

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Batteries

The fuse box should connect to a large circuit breaker/fuse. This needs to be after the switch so that the battery can be disconnected from everything.

 

[NoGin]

Re: Batteries

The fuse box should connect to a large circuit breaker/fuse. This needs to be after the switch so that the battery can be disconnected from everything.

Like this:

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Batteries

No...the breaker is between the switch and the load. Also, there is never a breaker between the battery and the engine if that is what you intended to show.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Batteries

http://www.solarnavigator.net/battery_charging.htm

 

[NoGin]

Re: Batteries

Oh ok, I got yah. I mis read the "switch." Not the battery switch in the bilge but the switch that will control the fuse block/load.

 

[NoGin]

Re: Batteries

I went out and bought the Trojan 105s today. Now I need cranking batteries. Would it be ok to use a big sucker 31 series battery for both engines?

Found the Optima SC31DM
900 CCA
1125 MCA
155 RC @25 amps
Amp Hrs @ 20 Hrs. = 75

Considering this option to save 60 lbs and balance the boat out. If I add 2 of these that means the boat will list to either starboard or port whichever has the 2 6 volts on it.

 

[NoGin]

Re: Batteries

.... showing my inexperience with that last post am I??? :redface:

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Batteries

Personally, I would go with 2 batteries. I would never really want to rely on your Trojans starting your engines. You would also have two alternators driving one battery. While that in of itself is not a problem, it would be if one alternator crapped out and somehow killed your lone start battery.

 

[NoGin]

Re: Batteries

True. Good points. I aso figured I would put the Trojans on the Port side along with the Port cranking battery as I am always at the helm so if anything that would help even out the weight distribution of the boat.

I think I may go with the Interstate Marine 27 series cranking. Heard lot's of good things about them.