Connecting second battery for audio?????

[dcauthen]

I know this has been brought up, but since things can get outdated fast these days, what is the best way to add a second battery to my 21V for an amp'd up new audio system??? I need to know the best way to connect, place, and what the best switch, wires, conectors, and set ups are....ie. Perko?

Thanks

DC

[lee]

You can use an A/B switch and mount the second battery beside the first battery and mount the switch just on the outside of the bulkhead. It is best to use some 2/0 cable for the power and ground.

[Boarder_X]

Go slow, follow the instructions (Perko comes with some). I was really nervous, but everything worked out fine.

[dcauthen]

Is there a particular model Perko I should use, or just a standard battery split switch??

DC

[Wake Havasu]

Originally posted by dcauthen
Is there a particular model Perko I should use, or just a standard battery split switch??

DC

Here's the one from my 2006 24Ve



Model Number:
8501DP Standard Battery Selector Switch


NEVER EVER HAVE THEY KEY IN THE IGNITION WHEN TURNING ON THE PERKO!!!

[NICKYPOO]

NEVER EVER HAVE THEY KEY IN THE IGNITION WHEN TURNING ON THE PERKO!!!

O.K., why?

[Wake Havasu]

Originally posted by NICKYPOO
O.K., why?

If someone turns the igntion on when you switch from the OFF position to a battery ON position - you fry the starter.

[lee]

You will damage the alternator with a battery switch if you turn the switch to the off position with the engine running.

[dcauthen]

OK...so a good Perko, and never do anything with keys in the ignition....got it. Now...what about actual battery hook up? Mine is ine the very rear, port side......is there room to place the second bat there, or should I go elsewhere??

DC

[dogbert]

Originally posted by dcauthen
OK...so a good Perko, and never do anything with keys in the ignition....got it. Now...what about actual battery hook up? Mine is ine the very rear, port side......is there room to place the second bat there, or should I go elsewhere??

DC

I did this last year. You want to put the second battery on the opposite side. Here are the steps I followed:
1. I had to move my TAPS pump, but it's no big deal. I just moved it out towards the side of the hull and put the 2nd battery box in there.
2. You'll need to decide where you want your battery switch. I mounted mine next to the battery access panel in the port side rear storage compartment so I could get to it easily.
3. You'll need to connect everything that's connected to your original battery to the hot terminal on the Perko switch. Be sure to leave room for the 2 battery cables and make sure none of these will tget close to the battery cables.
4. You'll want to run a cable to connect both negative terminals to each other so you have a common ground. You can leave the ground connection coming from your engine on the original battery that way. I had my dealer make me cables that were the exact length I needed.
5. You'll need to run another battery cable from the positive terminal of your new battery to the location where you want to put your Perko switch. I'd connect one end to the 2nd battery terminal on the Perko switch, but not connect the other end to the battery for the moment.
6. You'll need to run another battery cable from your original battery to the location where you decided to put the Perko switch. I'd connect one end to the 1st battery terminal on the Perko switch, but not connect the other end to the battery for the moment.
7. With the Perko switch in the "Off" position, connect the other end of the battery cables you wired to the Perko switch to the respective battery's positive terminal.

I would highly recommend you color code the battery cables so a mechanic working on your boat will know which is which.

If you need pics, let me know.

[dcauthen]

tweirich......great info...thanks a ton. Dude if you have the time, pics would be awesome.....it sounds simple enough, but visuals always help clear up the duh huh questions I may have as I'm doing this.

Thanks in advance for posting pics!!

DC

[dogbert]

Ok, it probably won't be until next weekend. My boat's at my lake place, but I do have to be up there next weekend.

[dcauthen]

Awesome bro...thanks. I'll look for them next week.

[dogbert]

I mounted the Perko switch on the same side as my original battery. I had to drill a hole behind it to run the cables thru. It is pretty accessible and seems to work well. You can also see the positive and negative battery cables running to the other side.

[dogbert]

I ran the battery cables along the ledge that's part of the transom.