I was having a discussion with an audio tech regarding the addition of an amp to our sound system. He stated that when the amp is on (1200 watts), it sucks the battery power in a hurry even if the CD is playing at a low volume. He suggested getting a second battery just for accessories. We had two batteries on our previous boat controlled by a Perko switch. How necessary is a second battery if you plan to run the radio and amp with the engine off for an hour or so? We currently have one of the blue tops and it has performed great every start (without an amp though).
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First thing I added was a second batt, In fact the dealer here in Mesa Az has started putting dual batteries in standard. If you dont add another batt then I would suggest a little jumper box. Rosevelte is going to be huge this summer, it may take a long time to flag someone down for a jump."I refuse to answer that question on the grounds that I don't know the answer." -
Having two batteries is a must if you are running amps with that much power. Its really about just having a peace of mind knowing that your not going to get stranded. I had two batteries in mine and played the stereo while parked in a cove and never had to worry about draining the batteries. Although the batteires only lasted about a 1.5 years.Comment
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I saw this MB this summer that had 10 speaker on his tower, five amps and five batteries. It was loud!Comment
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Definitely get another battery. An amp with that much power will drain a single battery in about an hour.
The cost of a second battery will be well worth it if it saves you from being stranded....not to mention the peace of mind. I
t's really not that difficult to do. I have a pretty slick setup in my boat. I used a West Marine Battery Combiner and a Off/1/All/2 Perko switch. The battery combiner isolates each battery when the motor is off, but combines them when it's running so both batteries get charged. When I stop to hang out, I change the switch to battery 2 which is my accessory battery. If I forget to switch, it's OK, because the battery isolator keeps the batteries seperate, so I can use the other one to start the boat if I drain one battery. It works great. If even combines the batteries when I'm charging them with a charger.
I posted some info on exactly what all you'll need and the procedure. Just do a search for 'dual batteries' and you'll find 'Dual Batteries for a 2000 21i' or something like that. Hope this helps.Comment
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I have had great luck with one battery. I bought the biggest one I could find designed for bass fishing boats to crank high hp engines and also run a trolling motor while I the engine is off. It is rated at 700 marine cranking amps, 575 cold cranking amps and 160 reserve amps designed for the trolling motor(or stereo stuff). I have two Alpine amps and we have had the stereo on with the boat off for hours without any drain at all. I also have a shut off switch that I turn off when the boat is not in use. The battery is now 3 years old and had been perfect. I also agree that it never hurts to have a power pack as a back up just in case.Comment
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Keep in mind that starting your engine with a weak battery can be hard on the brushes in your starter.
I like the peace of mind so I have dual batteries with a perko switch.
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