Adding a 2nd Deep-Cycle Battery

[chpthril]

Gotit, if I can rotate (two, not one) batteries 90*, can I get a third battery in the port side. I have a starter and 1 deep cycle in there now. Trying to add a second deep cycle. Won't have the boat out for another month, but if I remember, it didn't seem like there was that much space. Will take a look. Thanks Lee.

Same setup as mine, unfortunately, a 3rd battery will not fit there.

[MRMoffat1]

Same setup as mine, unfortunately, a 3rd battery will not fit there.

First, I'm going to doublecheck the starboard side in a month when I pull out the boat to see if I can figure out how to get a battery in there with the shower option taking up space.

Barring that, seems like goes on the floor of one of the stearn storage areas.

[chpthril]

I wonder how much trouble would it be to move the shower ???

[MRMoffat1]

I know. I hear you. I just need to get in there and check it out and hope for the best. I really don't want a battery taking up any storage room.

[chpthril]

^^^ I know what ya mean

[Guest]

Cause you can't put 10# of crap into a 5# bucket Boat has a 90A alt, so charging has not been an issue. If I need, i can throw it on the shop charger overnight and be ready to go.

Think of the Isolator as a one-way electrical valve, a diode. With the engine running the Alt will charge both battery banks at the same time (as opposed to a manual switch) up to 90A (max output of Alt) depending on thier state of discharge. But the Isolator will also keep both battery banks separated from each other so I can run the stereo all day with out fear of running the Starting battery down.

Again, charging/re-charging has not been a prob as my stereo sys is not as high amp draw as other. This just gives me more time to run the tunes without running engine.

What do you use as an isolator? Do you have good source for Perko, an Isolator and wire both speaker and DC runs. going to begin install April 19 and April 20th. Be running by May trips. If all goes well I can hang Speakers and amp and hopefully pulll tower wire in a day, Next day DC runs to second battery and amp power strip if needed. Add circuit breaks as needed. Wire Head unit to amp and good to go. Balance amp and figure out how to shut off tower amp the clarion head unit.

[Guest]

Found on Ebay:

Isolator - Sure Power 1602 160 amp 6vdc-50vdc
Perko Switch - PERKO 3-WAY BOAT BATTERY ISOLATOR SWITCH

Search Ebay Motors - Boats

[MRMoffat1]

I wonder how much trouble would it be to move the shower ???

I know. I hear you. I just need to get in there and check it out and hope for the best. I really don't want a battery taking up any storage room.

Here is the pic - aft compartment, starboard side. Looks like there might be room for a battery even with shower pump and hoses. Opinions?

[chpthril]

I think it will fit, with maybe a little shifting around.

[jwanck11]

I am not sure if my boat '04 22i L has the factory isolator - any ideas on where to look for it? Also, is there any reason that the 2nd deep cycle can't sit right next to the other in the forward storage compartment. Finally, what is that material in the first of picts where the wire ties are screwed into> It looks like tough stuff or something like that.

Thanks!

[chpthril]

I am not sure if my boat '04 22i L has the factory isolator - any ideas on where to look for it? Also, is there any reason that the 2nd deep cycle can't sit right next to the other in the forward storage compartment. Finally, what is that material in the first of picts where the wire ties are screwed into> It looks like tough stuff or something like that.

Thanks!

I'll bet your 04 just has a Perko style 1/BOTH/2/OFF switch which is just a manual isolator.

You can put the 2nd battery right next to the other, this will be the least amount of wire required.

It's faux wood. Get some HDPE and Gorilla Glue it to what ever you want to screw something to.

[jwanck11]

Thanks for the reply. If I remember correctly, my boat does have the Perko switch 1/both/2/off. Is it still possible to add the second deep cycle?

I have been starting and running in the (1) position. Is that correct? I also read that bridging battery is not a good idea... Does this have any consequences to the diagram you have on the first post?

Sorry for stupid questions!!

[chpthril]

Thanks for the reply. If I remember correctly, my boat does have the Perko switch 1/both/2/off. Is it still possible to add the second deep cycle?

I have been starting and running in the (1) position. Is that correct? I also read that bridging battery is not a good idea... Does this have any consequences to the diagram you have on the first post?

Sorry for stupid questions!!

All you need to do is connect the POS (+) of the new deepcycle to the POS of the original deepcycle, and do the same with both the NEG's (-), and use it the same way you have. You have, for the most part, doubled your Amp/Hrs.

[jwanck11]

Wow - Thanks! Imagine it being that easy!

Ooops... sorry, you answered my question and it was off topic too.

[trudelle]

ok so i have been checking out the thread about adding a 2nd deep cycle battery and have a ? or 2.... first how does someone judge the battery to add? (the capacity of the battery or how long the battery will power components such as a stereo?) i would like to compare different batteries and don't know the different brands and which brand is better? any suggestion would be appreciated as i am ready to buy a 2nd battery and install it hopefully this weekend