Electrical issues, and new batteries

[stephentyler20]

I did do a bit of searching beforehand, so I'm sorry if I ask a repeat question in here... Just couldn't seem to find the exact answer I was looking for!

Here's the deal... My boat seems to have some electrical gremlins, and from what I can tell, they're related to the batteries possibly being shot.

Current setup: Single Merc I/O Engine, 2 batteries, OFF/1/ALL/2 Perco switch installed between the 2 batts. I've always just turned the switch to ALL for my outings, then back to OFF at the end of the day. No problems for first 2 seasons with the boat, not sure how old the batteries are (but at LEAST 3 years by now).

Problems... The first thing I noticed is my bow (nav) lights wouldn't come on. I could hear the relay click, but I got nothin'. Eventually, I figured out I could get them to turn back on by starting the engine and revving up a little bit, at which point they'd kick back on and I'd generally be good the rest of the night (assuming I was under way for at least a short while).

The next thing I noticed was one day I got both VHF and Stereo failures... no power to either. After some spirited cruising around, they eventually came back. Never had that problem again.

Then, more recently (This summer) I upgraded my stereo by adding a subwoofer/amp (separate power direct to the battery, shared ground with other accessories). Worked fine for a couple weeks, then boom... no stereo. It just clicked off one day and never came back. I swapped head units, and couldn't get the new one to light up either (intermittent beeps and flashes at best). Basically gave up as the season was narrowing down anyway.

Finally, batteries appear to be shot now as the boat won't even turn over.

So after all this, my questions...
- I know the difference between starting and deep cycle batteries... should I replace my 2 batteries with 1 MARINE starting battery, and 1 MARINE deep cycle battery?
- recommended battery brands? places to buy?
- if so, how do I run these batteries? Is it OK to just leave the switch in the ALL position all the time? Or should I be specifying 1 or 2?
- better to get sealed batteries or doesn't matter? I do find that it gets pretty wet back there after rain, if that makes a difference. I don't have an enclosed battery box, just a tray.
- better to buy the batteries now or in the spring? Note the boat is stored indoors (I know I'm lucky) in a relatively warm environment (low 50's) all winter. I'm also looking for a trickle charger.
- where do I get low gauge marine wire (ideally online/cheap)? connectors?
- should the amp be wired directly to the battery? Or OK to run it off of my accessory fuse block (which I installed)?

Any other thoughts appreciated... I'm done messing with the cosmetics of my aging boat. Next season I just want it to be reliable and easy! (HA yeah right!)

 

[trendsetter240]

Re: Electrical issues, and new batteries

First things first. Check the connections at your battery terminal. If they are corroded, clean them with a wire brush. If they are loose tighten them. If you have wing nuts on your battery terminals toss them and replace with hex nuts.

Follow the battery cables to the engine and inspect all connections there. Do the same clean/tighten procedure to everything.

RE your questions:

- I know the difference between starting and deep cycle batteries... should I replace my 2 batteries with 1 MARINE starting battery, and 1 MARINE deep cycle battery?

Yes. This is the most common setup.

- recommended battery brands? places to buy?

Doesn't really matter. A lot of times generic brand batteries are just rebranded from other manufacturers. Walmart has a good enough selection though I never shop there.

- if so, how do I run these batteries? Is it OK to just leave the switch in the ALL position all the time? Or should I be specifying 1 or 2?

With this type of switch you should specify ALL for starting and leave it there while running. You would switch to 2 when your engine is off and you are running accessories. This keeps your #1 battery charged to start your motor.

- better to get sealed batteries or doesn't matter? I do find that it gets pretty wet back there after rain, if that makes a difference. I don't have an enclosed battery box, just a tray.

I've always used regular lead-acid maintenance free batteries.

- better to buy the batteries now or in the spring? Note the boat is stored indoors (I know I'm lucky) in a relatively warm environment (low 50's) all winter. I'm also looking for a trickle charger.

Buy in the spring. Batteries age, warrenties expire. No point in buying a battery to keep in your garage for 8 months and waste that portion of the battery's life and warrenty.

- where do I get low gauge marine wire (ideally online/cheap)? connectors?

Not sure. I am in canada and I buy that stuff at Canadian Tire or Home Hardware.

- should the amp be wired directly to the battery? Or OK to run it off of my accessory fuse block (which I installed)?

Depends on how many amps your "amp" draws. As long as your fuse box has the correct gauge wire running to the battery then you should be ok.