adding a 2nd battery

[SoonerJake]

How hard is this to do? Any good suggestions or web sites to look at. I'm not exactly a gear head/wrench monkey type, will I be able to do it or should I have someone do it? Thanks
Jake

[Dr. Jeff]

Easy to do Jake, trust me if I did it in my boat, its got to be really easy!!

Look at Overtons for a battery switch box. Its a red dial labled 1 2 All and Off.

You just run your two battery cables to this switch and then either run them both all the time (which is what I do) or save one for a back up etc etc.

[docjimm]

It is easy just follow the directions that come with the switch. You might have to buy some extra cables and drill a few holes to mount the tray for the #2 batt.
Ive added batts to my last two boats. Here is a picture of a perko switch mounted under the bench seat.

[docjimm]

Perco dual batt swich

[luvnlife275]

I find it easier to just trade your current boat in :lol: on a new one that already has two installed.

[SoonerJake]

Luvnlife- I tried that one already. Got shot down in like a millisecond! [smilie=011.gif]
Sounds like I might be able to tackle this. I've read about isolaters, anyone use one?

[Interceptor]

Or if you want one of the best set-ups link onto www.hellroaring.com

[BajaLuvr]

I did it last year... thought I did a good job until I needed the second battery and realized I forgot to hook up the ground to it [smilie=050.gif] . So, I still keep the jumper cables nearby. [smilie=071.gif]

[JimG]

I've read about isolaters, anyone use one?

Not needed. Just hook both batteries up according to the diagram in the switch package. (Use BIG tin-plated Ancor cables, shrink wrap the ends.)Buy a switch that offers the ability to switch between batteries while running. Perko makes one.


Here's how I run. Switch to battery 1. Run all day, sit and drink beer, play radio. Don't switch battery unless you try to start, and cannot. Switch to other battery and start. Then switch back to dead battery (1) for the run home to charge it. Never run on ALL. The next trip run on battery 2.


JimG

[SoonerJake]

thanks

[Bajapit]

Dr Jim
Does it automatically charge the battery you are on?
Bajapit

[eddie]

I'm in the process of adding another Optima, it's not hard. You just need the parts and instructions that come with the switch.

[BigDaddy]

Dr Jim
Does it automatically charge the battery you are on?
Bajapit

Yes. I'm pretty sure it works better when your alternator can keep up with the load you have and your battery is not totally dead.

[docjimm]

Dr Jim
Does it automatically charge the battery you are on?
Bajapit
Yes, assuming your alt can charge. cause the other battery is out of the system from being switched off.

[JimG]

When you are switched to one battery, the other is in isolation just like it's not there. So, your alternator should be able to keep up unless you are running monster accessories. If I were trying to charge a low battery on the way home, I'd turn the stereo amps off! [smilie=061.gif]

And ALWAYS check your electrolyte monthly. The 3 buck turkey baster doobies work just fine.

[docjimm]

What he said, Only I can't ride home without the stereo cranked, I'm just weird that way.

[jeepman]

what about this option? as I am considering...

already have two batteries and the switch. However, i still want a little more assurance and "playing" power while on the water.

My thought is to add another battery and just connect it in parallel with one of the other batteries...say #1. Use #1 as the primary battery and don't switch over to #2 unless the motor won't start with #1. The number #2 battery will stay charged with shorepower and the onboard battery charger.

thoughts?

[Ciera Kid]

ok .lets take this farther...how about adding a 3rd battery? :roll:

[AMER3]

i have four battery two for the stereo on two swicths