Dual Batteries

[Sean]

OK, I know I just read this recently but for the life of me I cant find the thread, so I will ask. I remember something about when running dual batteries you can connect all of you wiring to the connector/switch and then run the main line between the batteries and the switch. If this is the case, can setup my switch in the bilge area were my current battery is, connect all the existing wires, then run the main lines from the switch to the main fish box area were I want to relocate my batteries to?
This way I can eliminate the extra weight and eliminate the use of the main access to the bilge area located in the splash well.
Does this make sense? Because I just confused myself even more.
As always, thanks for your help and opinions!!

[reelapeelin]

Sean, I gotta tell ya...it is a lil' confusin' :-/...but one things got me worried is puttin' the switch in the bilge :-[...you talkin' about above or below the deck level??...I wouldn't put it below ;) ...


...and one thing that might help is to sit down and draw it out before ya start runnin' wires... :D ...

[tsubaki]

Does this make sence. Battery1 ground to battery2 ground to boat ground (or they all tie together). Battery 1 hot (red) to switch, Battery 2 hot to switch, boat power to switch. Bilge power (automatic) to either battery if in water.

[Sean]

Reel, currently my battery is located in the bilge area, so I figure I can locate the switch there since all the wires are running there in the first place.
Tsubaki, at first I had no idea what you were talking about, then I read it agaon and I think I understand ::)
I will run all my connections to the switches (except the bilge) and run the hot and ground from the switch to the batteries.

[tsubaki]

Not knowing what the bilge area looks like in a "79, I would have to assume there is room to mount the switch out of the way and be close to the batterys. Follow the instructions on the perticular switch you got. Normally all the grounds (-) connect together, the easiest method is battery 1 to battery 2 to boat ground (-). Then on the switch connect battery 1 (+) to battery 1 terminal, battery 2 (+) to battery 2 terminal and boat power to load terminal. If this don't sound right I'll have to get a diagram of the perticular switch you got to definately, correctly name the terminals.

[macojoe]

two batterys connected toghter, run a wire to a fuse pannel, run all off there, batterys drain toghter, charge toghter, cary a boost pack with ya!

You guys make this way to hard!! ;) ;D

[tsubaki]

And again I assume the purpose is to kill power when not needed during a storage situation weather in the water or trailered. If the only purpose is to connect 2 batterys together and the boat isn't stored in the water mac's right. Just carry a booster.

[Sean]

Right, the reason I want/need two batteries is mainly because I do allot of drift fishing and will be running the electronics for a decent period of time why the engine is off. The boat is trailered so I am not to worried about the batteries draing or the bilge situation.
Whats a booster? ??? ::)
Thanks!

[tsubaki]

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#4 AWG booster cables with 400 amp clamps
Cigarette lighter plug output for running DC appliances
Overload protection
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ITEM 39954-2VGA
(sorry trying to post picture) Ignore this

[tsubaki]

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=38391 This one is the normal one to get.