View Full Version : Dual Batteries
I was just wondering if any body has a dual battery system hooked up in their boat. If so is it of an automatic type where apon starting the motor uses battery 1 and once the motor is started, the charge goes to battery 1. Once battery 1 is fully charged a voltage sensing relay kicks in and the charge goes to battery 2 which is then used for the accessories, radios etc. Any info on type etc would be much appreciated.
Geoff :lol:
brent
17-01-2007, 12:45 AM
Dual battery systems are great, just make sure you have good switchover electronics.
If you don't use any proper gear for switching from one battery to the other, they will equalise and deteriorate more rapidly over time. They also allow for proper charging of the batteries and if you try to charge two batteries at the same time without switchmode electronics, you're asking for trouble!
grant
17-01-2007, 10:42 AM
I have dual batteries in the limo and it has saved my **** twice now. I am however of the manual kind, I put a liitle lable on the dash so i remeber to switch it over to the house battery after a while as I use that one for most of the day whilke drifting, anchorng.
The batteries equaling is only an issue if you switch it to both and leave it.
I only ever run off one battery at a time.
g./
DrDRIFT
18-01-2007, 03:14 AM
I also have a dual set up of the manual kind, 1-2-both-off. I always run 1 at a time and between different locations, i alternate between them. I have stayed out alnight and just leave it on battery no.2 and run Nav lights, Anchor light, Sounder/GPS, 2xdeck lights(fluro), 10inch TV, Marine radio and every now and then I run the bildge/deck spray and live bait tank. And in the morning I switch to battery 1 and have never had a problem with starting, run for a few minutes then change back to battery 2 and charge whilst on the move to next spot......It becomes second nature once u r use to the switch. Really easy and practical system to use, Ive heard of the electronic systems going haywire???? the only bad thing I have heard bout the manual switch, is its not good to charge the system on the BOTH switch, as it puts too much strain on your motors charging system??