battery confusion

[mercerfisherman]

I just read an article where the author said use a starter battery for starting your outboard only... no accessories. Does this mean I should use a different battery for my boat lights, bilge pump, livewell, fish finder, etc. And then have a third battery for my trolling motor? Yipes! Any advice?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: battery confusion

No! Just make sure your starting battery is large enough (amp/hr capacity) to run the loads without leaving you stranded. It should also be designated "Marine Starting". Carry a set of jumper cables or a jump-start pack as insurance. Always install the largest start battery you have room for. You can't have too much power -- you can only have too little.

 

[JB]

Re: battery confusion

Like Silvertip, I disagree with the author.

Use your boat battery the same way you use your vehicle battery, and use the biggest one you have room for.

I will even go further and say that if you use a 12V troller still use only one big battery, but use a dual purpose.

It is important to battery life to have it charged by the engine when the engine is in use. Put a charger on it when your battery condition meter (Don't have one? Get one.) indicates a low (you decide what that means, but to me it is 60%) charge state.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: battery confusion

Charging the troller battery from the engine works only if you have a large enough engine alternator and you make rather long, high-speed runs. If you are a very large water fisherman go for it. Short 15 minute bursts won't do squat to keep the troller topped off.