wiring second battery

[FSHKPR]

Hello. I want to install a second battery on my pontoon boat for all the accessorys. stereo, accent lights, depth finder, also will be hooking up an 450 watt inverter. (to power the blender) I already have the isolater and wiring but still have not bought a battery. my question is what would be the best type of battery to buy. a regular marine starting battery, or a deep cycle battery? mainly wondering about charging the deep cycle battery with the motor. Am i on the right track, or is there a better way to go about this? Thanks

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: wiring second battery

Right track. <br /><br />You want a deep cycle battery as the "house" battery. Deep Cycles are made to withstand being deeply discharged w/o damage. Regular batteries, like starting batteries and Auto batteries are not. When they repeatedly discharged below a ceratin level they become permanently damaged and will never again hold a full rated charge.<br /><br />Does your isolator allow the batteries to share the alternator charge when the engine is running? If not, ditch the isolator and go with a combiner like the West Marine Combiner 150. It allows them to share the charge and automatically isolates them during discharge. You don't want to have to remember to parrallel the batteries to charge the house when you are underway. Better to make it fool proof.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: wiring second battery

A deep cycle is best for that application. Beware! charging a deep cycle from a low state is going to take a long time. Short runs with the motor may not be sufficient. You may need to charge it on shore after each useage....

 

[briannh1234]

Re: wiring second battery

I wouldn't install an inverter for just a blender. They make blenders that run off 12v. Save your money for the drinks.