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My 226 has two batteries and a switch to run on 1,2 or both. Seems to me the second battery can be in reserve if it is isolated, rather than active. What is the best strategy to use?

Tia.

You can use#1 one time then #2 the second time and so on. So if your in cove and your #1 battery goes dead then you can flip it to #2 and still be ok, then flip it to all while under way to charge it. What ever you do don't switch it top of while the engine is running.

Thanks for the warning Tip. Do most bother doing this or just leave it in both?

I leave mine on 1 or 2. But sometimes you need to do all so it charges them. I don't leave it on all as it could discharge both batteries. Then leave you stranded.

Makes perfect sense. Thanks BBP.

I'm on base with BB as well- #1 is my Cranking battery and #2 is my Deep Cell which can still start the boat. If I anchor out, I switch to #2 to run the stereo, then go back to #1 to start the engine. I try to keep my cranking one fresh at all times.

Both of mine are deep cycle with 1000 cca. Great batteries.

BB- interesting. My Volvo owners manual states to not use a Deep Cell for starting fuel injected motors... Have things changed with batteries since 2001 ? I'm still using the set up from the previous owner of my boat- how I described earlier. Thanks

I sure don't see where it could be a problem using 2 deep cells Nicad. Cranking amps are cranking amps? I use my 1 battery for starting and 2 battery for running the stereo when anchored out. I'm running two amplifiers and they can suck a battery down pretty bad in about 3 or 4 hours I'll switch back to one for a fresh battery, then when we head back switch back to all to give them both a charge

TommyTahoe wrote: ↑Mon Jun 12, 2017 6:49 pm BB- interesting. My Volvo owners manual states to not use a Deep Cell for starting fuel injected motors... Have things changed with batteries since 2001 ? I'm still using the set up from the previous owner of my boat- how I described earlier. Thanks

I've never heard of that. It would be interesting on hearing from the guys with the new boats with a 2 battery set up have in their boats. On my last I don't know how many boats I've had have been set up like this and no issues. Yes having a starting battery and a deep cycle is prob the preferred set up but then I think you would find yourself switching the perko all the time.

The new fangled switch is on off and an override...idiot proof I guess with smart features so no more switching. No feedback on whether it actually works well or knot but I like it for now!

Southernboatman wrote: ↑Tue Jul 04, 2017 8:37 am The new fangled switch is on off and an override...idiot proof I guess with smart features so no more switching. No feedback on whether it actually works well or knot but I like it for now!

This is what my new boat came with. At first I thought they had just used a single battery switch on a dual battery rig until I saw the 'Combine' setting. Apparently by just turning it to 'On', it turns both batteries on, but isolates them. One as an engine/start battery, and one as a house battery. I like it.

I think there is a automatic charging relay that can be used with this switch to keep both batteries charged when selecting the "On" Position.

https://www.bluesea.com/products/7650/A ... Kit_-_120A

Supposed to be automatic all the way with sensor. Combine position only for emergency emergency to start.

So the House Load (stereo, etc) would need to be attached directly to the battery, not the switch?