question on battery bank hookup...

[jtrom]

I have a 15 ft. starcraft with a 50 hp electric start. I want to add a trolling motor and mount both batteries in the bow, with a terminal post block in the rear. How do I hook up the batteries so my starter battery doesn't get drained by the trolling motor and both batteries still get charged by my alternator?

 

[sam am I]

Re: question on battery bank hookup...

Tons and tons and TONS of ways, manufactures/kits, DIY's and info out there......Mechanical(manual to auto) to Electronic(manual to auto), High cost, low cost.......Most all very easy to install and reliable. Everyone has individual tastes and preferences typically based on budget, ability, ease of integration and expectations. I suggest you Google it, do a tad bit of research near and far on best practice and techniques these days(old or new) and the like, then pick something that suits your fancy.

https://www.google.com/search?q=bat...m4GIDA&ved=0CCoQsAQ&biw=1680&bih=933#imgdii=_




:lol:

 

[bruceb58]

Re: question on battery bank hookup...

Out of curiosity, how much current does the outboard charging system supply? It probably doesn't put out enough to spend too much on a battery isolator or ACR system. My bet is it might be as low as 5A. Just keep the two batteries separate and charge the trolling battery at the end of the day.

 

[jtrom]

Re: question on battery bank hookup...

Thanks for the info Sam.
Bruce, what if I bought an inexpensive battery isolator switch and charged the batteries one at a time with the motor?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: question on battery bank hookup...

Bruce, what if I bought an inexpensive battery isolator switch and charged the batteries one at a time with the motor?

Let's say your trolling battery is 70 Amp/hours and you discharged it to 50%. It would take you over 8 hours running the engine at high RPM to charge your battery.

Not saying the switch is a bad idea, just not practical to charge up your trolling battery. The charging systems of those motors were designed to replenish the starting battery after you start your motor. That's pretty much it.