To 'Switch" or Not to "Switch"

[Knorske]

OK. I'm one of those new-to-everything boaters. Starting out, I have a 17' Larson I/O which needs a complete re-build interior (work for another thread, I guess) and a 21' Cobalt cuddy. I wish to add (at least) one additional battery to both boats (as well as to my Ford F-250 truck). As I read in one of the posts, I don't want to be "up the creek with only a paddle" for power. The second (or two-in-parallel) battery would help make water travel a bit less worrisome regarding always having starting power. The three-battery setup I envision would likely apply only to the Cobalt--but, then, maybe to both the Larson and the Cobalt. When reviewing the many posts for both trucks and boats, I notice the "truck crowd" favors auto-switching via battery isolators, while the "boat crowd" tends almost exclusively to use manual switching.

I presume there must be some reasoning behind the "use a manual switch" for marine battery management. I will appreciate any/all comments/suggestions regarding how and why to use any particular method/parts for adding a second--or even third--(a.k.a. "house") battery to my boats.

Thank you!!!

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: To 'Switch" or Not to "Switch"

Manual switching is less expensive but is prone to the forgetting to switch disorder. (Some-Timers Disease.)

The Add A Battery Kit is a cure for the disorder.

 

[Knorske]

Re: To 'Switch" or Not to "Switch"

Uncle Willie...

Many thanks for the quick reply! I had a concern about some sort of boating code which dictated "the switch."

Because I do suffer from Some-timers Disease (most of the time!!), I will opt for the automatic route. Now, of course, is to find the experienced posters who describe the parts and diagrams I should use.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: To 'Switch" or Not to "Switch"

... Now, of course, is to find the experienced posters who describe the parts and diagrams I should use.

All you'll need comes with The Kit.

 

[royston22]

Re: To 'Switch" or Not to "Switch"

I recently replaced the Guest "1,2,both, off" manual switch on my Striper with the Blue Seas Add a Battery. Very clear instructions with the unit and Blue Seas technical staff responded promptly via email when I had a question.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: To 'Switch" or Not to "Switch"

You can use an ACR with either a 1/2/both switch or the BlueSea type switch in the add a battery kit. It's your choice if you want to separate all accessories onto a separate house battery or not. Each of the 2 boats in my sig have the different set ups.

 

[agallant80]

Re: To 'Switch" or Not to "Switch"

You could just carry a Jump pack with you. Lot less expensive than buying a 2nd battery and switch and rules out the forgot the switch in the on position.

 

[Knorske]

Re: To 'Switch" or Not to "Switch"

All...

Thank you for the posts. I think the question to "switch" or not--for the boat crew--is "switch." All replies (above) have "switch" as part of the solution.

I keep wondering, though, why there is this difference from "truck" posts--for the same purpose.

 

[royston22]

Re: To 'Switch" or Not to "Switch"

The Blue Seas system essentially the same thing as the "truck" posts. The only switch involved is the one that turns the entire system on and off. The system essentially isolates the starting battery from the house battery when the system is turned on. The off switch ensures that none of the standby electrical loads on the boat can drain the batteries when there is not charger (e.g. engine alternator) in place. Put a battery shut off switch in a truck and you have the same system.

 

[Knorske]

Re: To 'Switch" or Not to "Switch"

All...Again, thank you for the great information. Well, I guess I will have a switch in my setup!!

A couple of additional questions.

If I really go "hog wild" and add two house batteries, does anyone see a problem with tying two (Optima Yellow tops) in parallel. I presume my start battery would be an Optima Blue top. Any thoughts on the method and batteries?

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: To 'Switch" or Not to "Switch"

... I think the question to "switch" or not--for the boat crew--is "switch." All replies (above) have "switch" as part of the solution...

I am Confused???
Are you asking will there be a switch or no switch whatsoever?
Or, is the question of having either a Manual Switch or an ACR?

No mater what choice you make, it WILL include a switch of some sort.

Option #1...
The ACR switches the batteries automatically. The Manual Switch remains in the #1 position indefinitely.
If needed, hopefully never, The switch is used to manually select #2 (or BOTH) in the event of a dead start battery.

Option #2 ...
The switch is set to #1 to start the engine.
Once started select BOTH to charge the batteries while the engine is running.
When stopping on the water, select #2 to operate equipment and save the #1 battery for the restart.
To restart select #1 or Both.
Once Started select Both to Charge the Batteries again.
When stopped at the end of the day select #1 or OFF, or you may forget to do it before the next outing.

It is a lot of switching that you have to remember to do.
If you forget to select BOTH while running, the other battery will not get charged.
If you ever forget and leave it in BOTH and deplete both batteries, it is going to be a long day.
------------------
You can parallel all the house batteries you desire. They just look like one big virtual battery to the system.

 

[Knorske]

Re: To 'Switch" or Not to "Switch"

Uncle Willie...Sorry for causing the confusion! I understand the "standard" battery maintenance does include switching. My initial question should have been better phrased to indicate "manual switch" or not. Again, the marine systems seem to include a manual switch, even when an ACR is included. I was just wondering why, when a manual switch is hardly mentioned when dealing with truck multiple-battery maintenance--the systems seem to rely entirely on automatic switching.

The Blue Ocean ML-ACR--either with or without a remote on-off switch for each battery bank--looks like something closer to what I expected. My "experience" was from reading through a bunch of truck forums.

In one regard, the ML-ACR with individual on-off switches (one per battery bank) looks to me as the system I would prefer. Unless the batteries are switched off, the ACR does all the switching, based on engine starting, running (charging), or off (using house bank). The manual on-off--basically not used, or necessary, for routine battery management--allows to completely disconnect batteries while moored, to avoid any battery drain. I can understand, as I suspect a boat is likely to sit, idle (a.k.a. moored) for periods much longer than a truck might sit, parked. Phantom battery discharge would cause concern when one next time hits the boat starter!

Thanks for your time and comments!!!

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: To 'Switch" or Not to "Switch"

Even when moored for weeks, it is not common to switch OFF the batteries.
There is no reason for your boat batteries to go dead any faster than a parked car battery just sitting.
The minor drain from idling electronics (Clocks/Radios) should be fine for months not weeks.
If the house battery gets low it will not take down the starting battery with it.
If you attach a Charger/Maintainer to EITHER battery, the ACR will see that BOTH batteries get charged.