Perko battery selector switch

[csvencer]

http://bluesea.com/products/7650

This kit is sweet. If you want to keep the deep cycle for electronics and starting for the engine, doesn't get any easier than this.

-Svence

[phatdaddy]

cs, if i am reading that right, it doesn't draw from the house battery, unless you flip the switch to combo, but will monitor and charge each battery as needed. is that right? like i said earlier, i have 2 starting combined with no cut off or isolation between. seems like this would be a better way.

[dboyd351]

Another option is using a combination starting/deep cycle battery. I have had very good luck with AC Delco Voyager Marine/RV starting /deep cycle batteries - they usually last me 4-5 years. As long as the battery has plenty of juice to start your engine, using a battery with some deep cycle capability can be a good thing. A single Group 27 Voyager battery has proven to have enough oomph to start both a 1980s vintage Evinrude 150 and a 1990s Yamaha 150 on different boats, for years. I've always got the second battery for backup, even though I haven't needed it.
The advantage of using a battery with some deep cycle capability is that you won't kill the battery if you leave something on that runs the battery way down. I've accidently done this a few times over the years and the Voyager batteries are fine after being re-charged. If you do this to a straight starting battery that's a few years old it's a lot more likely to kill the battery.

[csvencer]

Originally Posted by phatdaddy

cs, if i am reading that right, it doesn't draw from the house battery, unless you flip the switch to combo, but will monitor and charge each battery as needed. is that right? like i said earlier, i have 2 starting combined with no cut off or isolation between. seems like this would be a better way.

That kit will keep them completely separate when turned to on (Deep Cycle turns on for electronics, Starting for Engine), combine runs them in parallel (Deep cycle paralleled with starting and powering everything, just like "both" on yours). The black box that comes in the kit is the charging relay. The relay parallels the batteries when it senses a charge. So once the motor is running it parallels the two batteries to charge them both, as soon as the engine turns of the circuit is broken, separating the two batts. This allows them to charge together but then discharge individually.

I love it as when I am at the sandbar all day with the stereo going, gps going, lights, etc I can really kill a battery but it will have no effect on my starting battery. Then once I am back up and running home the relay kicks on and charges up the electronics battery. Also, just an FYI I installed mine when I had two starting batteries, and then once they wore out of old age I went with a Deep Cycle and a Starting.

Lastly, if your not a sandbar rat like I am you can still have a use for the kit. If you have two starting batteries, just wire up the second battery anyway to the switch and this kit will always keep it charged up. If for some reason your main batt dies, you click over to combine and it taps into that other fresh battery.

Sorry this is long winded, hope it was at least clear. If you have any other questions fire away.

-Svence

[macojoe]

I just use car battery's they come with 5 year warr and are cheaper then marine battery.
I have them on the 1 on or 2 on or all on or all off, my battery's are now on there 6th year with no problems!

[csvencer]

Originally Posted by phatdaddy

cs, if i am reading that right, it doesn't draw from the house battery, unless you flip the switch to combo, but will monitor and charge each battery as needed. is that right? like i said earlier, i have 2 starting combined with no cut off or isolation between. seems like this would be a better way.

Wow, just reread your post...simple answer is yes! Sorry for the long response above!

-Svence

[phatdaddy]

sounds like it's what i need. i've got a west marine gift card burning a hole from christmas. i do like to raft up or drift with the live well going. never had a problem with two hooked together, but have always liked the idea of a master kill switch.
thanks

[csvencer]

It's just nice to know that nothing is going to kill that engine battery, run anything you want til it dies and have the confidence that the main starting battery is good to go.

-Svence

[phatdaddy]

picked one up today, looks simple to install

[Destroyer]

Originally Posted by phatdaddy

picked one up today, looks simple to install

LOL ..... Famous last words......