So I think I might have figured out what I'm gonna do with re-wiring

[JB007Rules]

18' yar-craft fiberglass deep v-hull with a 90HP 6 cyl 2 stroke merc outboard.

So thanks to everyone here for all their help I think I might re-wire my boat as follows below. I think I'm going to get 2 new wiring blocks with fuse's to do this: so tell me what you all think:


2 cranker batteries in the back getting charged by the running engine, wired together as 12 volts that power:

1) Engine/Starter
2) Bilge pump
3) Aerator pump
4) Power tilt/trim
5) Lights (both interier/convience lights + night time running lights)

2 deep cycle marine batteries in the front compartment together as 12 volts with an onboard charger to charge back at the dock when they die:

1) Trolling motor
2) 1000w inverter for 110v outlets
3) Stereo
4) Fish finder
5) 12v DC plug
6) Horn


If I am forgetting anything let me know, and if their is something running on one set of batteries that you think should be on the other set, let me know why. You guys know more than me, so I appreciate the knowlege.

Thanks

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: So I think I might have figured out what I'm gonna do with re-wiring

not knowing your planned use of the boat, but i think you are going overboard, and also adding a lot of weight. #1 i would use a large starting battery, you do not the doubles with that motor, also wire all necessaries to that battery, bilge, horn, running lights. all you accessories need to be on the other system. i would use an battey switch and only 2 batteries, you could still use an onboard charger, to maintain both batteries at the dock

 

[Silvertip]

Re: So I think I might have figured out what I'm gonna do with re-wiring

What do you intend to run off the inverter that you could not run from 12V. I can't think of anything more dangerous than 110VAC on a boat that tends to see a lot of water spray. And I agree you are going way overboard with the batteries on an 18 foot boat and why "two" fuse panels? You are looking at roughly 200+ pounds of batteries. That's the same as having me along with you every time you take the boat out. Weight is a performance killer and a waste of precious fuel. Lighten up the load. Leave two of those batteries at the store as you really don't need them with a 12V troller. Just by the largest capacity deep cycle battery your budget can stand.

 

[JB007Rules]

Re: So I think I might have figured out what I'm gonna do with re-wiring

Wow, okay, didn't even think of that... your right... cuz now i have 3 batteries... thats 150+ lbs... OUCH... I think I'll stick with just the one battery (the cranker) when I'm doing tubing and water skiing and what not, and when i go on huge fishing trips i'll hook the 2 other batteries up for the trolling motor.

So in that configuration I would have:

cranker battery (all on one fuse panel) =

1) starter/engine
2) power tilt/trim
3) bilge pump
4) areator pump
5) horn
6) lights (all 4 of them)
7) fish finder
8) 12v dc plug (for cell phones and whatnot)

and then I would have the other 2 deep cycle batteries ONLY for the trolling motor...

I was also wondering, would a simple circuit breaker be better than having to deal with stupid fuses? whats the cost difference?

Thanks again!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: So I think I might have figured out what I'm gonna do with re-wiring

A circuit breaker is typically used at the positive post of the start battery in the wire that feeds +12V to the fuse panel. That breaker protects the main feed to the fuse panel at the helm. The fuses in the fuse panel are sized for the individual circuits they protect. In other words, you don't use one circuit to protect everything on the boat. Each load needs protection. Yes, you can use circuit breakers but they will be more expensive than fuses. Use a panel that accepts the blade style automotive type fuses.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: So I think I might have figured out what I'm gonna do with re-wiring

i use the same type circuit breaker for the house circuit, just smaller, as i use for the trolling motor. it clamps directly to the battery, then you connect the wire. i use this type, not exactly this breaker.