Got one battery, do I need two?

[Tahoe 55]

I been running with the original Interstate Marine cranking battery and it seems to be working fine. I'm just a little paranoid of running it down with the radio/CD player while we're sitting somewhere and not being able to crank the engine. We probably sit for 3 or 4 hours at a time at most and I'm scared to run the radio the whole time. I've got Jumper cables on board, but would hate to be in a position to ask for a jump...

I was thinking of getting one of these http://http://www.prioritystart.com/ps_marine.html to protect myself from draining the battery or should I just buy a 2nd battery? They're about the same price... Anyone have experience with a Priority Start?

 

[ThePostMan]

Re: Got one battery, do I need two?

I've pondered this same question myself, and decided against the second battery based on space and weight. I do carry what is generically known as a "hot shot" in the boat, and I'm confident that it will get the boat started even if the battery is drained. Jumper cables are ok, but they require a good samaritan in a second boat.

I've anchored for several hours with the stereo and running lights on, no problemo.

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Got one battery, do I need two?

Others who know far more than I about mpi will chime in but I have heard if the battery is too low it can mess with the computer to the point that it won't start even if the engine cranks over a bit. I switched over to a dual last year and love it. No worries at all about a dead battery, I carried one of the jump boxes at all times but I know as they get older they don't hold a charge as well plus they can take a while to recharge. The dual setup will probably be more $ in the long run once the switch,cables,ends,battery are all included but well worth it in my opinion.

 

[bekosh]

Re: Got one battery, do I need two?

I been running with the original Interstate Marine cranking battery and it seems to be working fine. I'm just a little paranoid of running it down with the radio/CD player while we're sitting somewhere and not being able to crank the engine. We probably sit for 3 or 4 hours at a time at most and I'm scared to run the radio the whole time. I've got Jumper cables on board, but would hate to be in a position to ask for a jump...

I was thinking of getting one of these http://http://www.prioritystart.com/ps_marine.html to protect myself from draining the battery or should I just buy a 2nd battery? They're about the same price... Anyone have experience with a Priority Start?

I would just go with a 2nd battery unless you either 1) don't want the extra weight of a battery or 2) you don't have much room for it.

For me it was bit of both. I have quite a bit of weight in the back with the big block and not much room because of it. So I bought the Priority Start. I haven't run the batteries down to where it would kick in, but it's comforting to know it's there.

 

[H8tank]

Re: Got one battery, do I need two?

I bought a jumppack, and I had two batteries.

The jumppack wasn't strong enough to start my engine, there's a wasted $90.

 

[LoudDog]

Re: Got one battery, do I need two?

I keep a second fully charged battery on board, not set up as dual batteries though. If needed I can swap them quick.

I also use it for the sevylor motor and inflateable I stow onboard.

 

[mrcool]

Re: Got one battery, do I need two?

I bought a small "lawnmower" type battery, it's small and light and dosen't take up much space. I have ONLY my radio hooked up to it and if I run that battery down listening to tunes all afternoon, I don't have to worry about drain on my main battery! so no worries. I just have to remember to recharge my Radio battery before we go out next time or I'll have to sing on the water and NOBODY wants that!!!

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: Got one battery, do I need two?

I have 3 on mine (bassboat tho) I run my added on radio off my main trolling motor battery just in case (my cranking battery is #1 concern)

 

[Tahoe 55]

Re: Got one battery, do I need two?

Well, if I decide to go the 2 battery route, for the 2nd battery should it be another cranking or a deep cycle? Should I just hook them up in series or do I need an isolator like this http://www.overtons.com/modperl/pro...Switches-Panels&aID=601S5&merchID=1009&r=view Or would it be better to wire both batteries in series and then add a Priority Start to give an added level of protection?... This is a new boat and I want to do it it "right" if I'm going to do anything at all. Just don't want to spend or do more than what's necessary though...

 

[bekosh]

Re: Got one battery, do I need two?

Here's the sticky in the Engine FAQ right here on Iboats.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=158077
Links to 2 boatfix pages with wiring diagrams for possible combos.

 

[Tahoe 55]

Re: Got one battery, do I need two?

Thanks, I'll check it out.

 

[slydog75]

Re: Got one battery, do I need two?

Just be sure you don't hook them up in series or you'll bump your voltage up to 24volts!

 

[Tahoe 55]

Re: Got one battery, do I need two?

Checked it out, it's good info, but doesn't answer my questions...

At this point in my research I'm thinking of buying a second battery (deep cycle) separating the starter from ignition and other house loads and wiring the two batteries in with this http://bluesea.com/files/resources/sales_sheets/ADD_A_BATTERY_(5,000 KB).pdf the most expensive route I've considered, but probably the best and most professional way of achieving what I want.
What I want is to be able to run the acc. side of the ignition (radio, depth finder...)while sitting in one spot for the day or be able to run the anchor lights all night long and not have a dead cranking battery...
What do you seasoned boaters think?...

 

[Tahoe 55]

Re: Got one battery, do I need two?

Just be sure you don't hook them up in series or you'll bump your voltage up to 24volts!

Guess I meant parallel not series... Sorry

 

[rbh]

Re: Got one battery, do I need two?

I know that we run two group 27 deeps and I am thinking about a third, we do a lot of camping and having the three position switch,off, bat 1,bat 2 all bats sure makes a difference, you do not have to run the motor to charge all the time while your sitting at anchor, just some times after long periods?
rob