Batteries

[AsLan7]

What battery setup do you folks have & how do you run them? Cranking vs deep cycle? All vs one at a time?

We are currently using top of the line Trojan batteries. We alternate using "battery one" then " battery two".

Our battery switch is a Perko with four selections--Off,1, All, & 2 . We run one battery at a time and just alternate between start ups.

We never switch batteries with the engine running so as to avoid the dreaded alternator cut out which could cause damage if the alternator sees NO battery to charge, even for an instant.

.
Our Trojans :

.

[cmattj]

WIth twins we have two Perkos and 2 batteries that can be 1,2 or all.

I can run Port or starboard with either configuration . I use cranking batteries ( as I do remember to kill one switch to save for radio usage when floating listing to tunes for awhile.) The twin switch seem to have Port #1 setting for radio so even if I forget I just go to "all" for start on both engines.

You can switch the Battery configuration while running just don't turn them to the "off" then back on.

[Big Block Power]

I run it the same way you do Aslan. I have two deep cycles.

[Driller]

Same setup here, except I use 2 starters. We don't do a lot of anchoring with music.

[ajcampen]

My switch is different. I turn it to on and a computer decides which battery to use (I guess boat does not trust me). If it won't start, I turn it to both and it will run both batteries together. Then I would switch it back to on and computer decides which battery to charge. I think I have two interstate batteries.

[AsLan7]

My switch is different. I turn it to on and a computer decides which battery to use (I guess boat does not trust me). If it won't start, I turn it to both and it will run both batteries together. Then I would switch it back to on and computer decides which battery to charge. I think I have two interstate batteries.

.
Those interstate batteries have always served us well in the past on our last boat, AJC.

I like the computer idea. Takes the guesswork out of knowing what battery to use.

Do you have a picture of that ?

[Driller]

There was an earlier thread on this subject with a lot of good info.

http://www.cobaltchat.com/viewtopic.php ... 3972#p3972

[AsLan7]

There was an earlier thread on this subject with a lot of good info.

http://www.cobaltchat.com/viewtopic.php ... 3972#p3972

Thx driller!
I missed that the first time around (most likely cause I joined 29 July --after the thread. )

[Driller]

I figured that, that's why I shared the link.

[TwoBurgers]

I recently had to replace two batteries to my '13 232. I was hoping to make the original batteries last through the year, but I found myself totally dead at the ramp. I used my micro start LIPO battery jump kit and had the boat running in 1 minute. Love the micro start. I replaced the two wet Deka batteries with two Optima marine AGM units the following week. I hope they live up to their price...
Chris

[AsLan7]

"two Optima marine AGM units the following week. I hope they live up to their price... "


I always wonder about that as well, Chris.

We had the Optima AGM's and the tech recommended the Trojans. At $200 a piece they better be worth it.

http://www.trojanbattery.com/pdf/datash ... Sheets.pdf

.

[TwoBurgers]

Re the Optima, I did notice their profile is a tad shorter (less tall) that the Deka units. To use the standard battery tray hold-downs, I had to turn the top bar over and tighten with the fasteners rubbing. No big deal, just not as designed.
Question for this using AGM's, do you find you need to re-charge in the spring or just get in and go? Probably depends on temps, condition left and any residual drain.
Thanks,
Chris

[ajcampen]

Re the Optima, I did notice their profile is a tad shorter (less tall) that the Deka units. To use the standard battery tray hold-downs, I had to turn the top bar over and tighten with the fasteners rubbing. No big deal, just not as designed.
Question for this using AGM's, do you find you need to re-charge in the spring or just get in and go? Probably depends on temps, condition left and any residual drain.
Thanks,
Chris

I would trickle charge all winter. I have one charger and just switch each battery every month. The optima should last a long time if u take care of it (well after 5 years)

[AsLan7]

.
Just purchased a battery jump pack on Amazon. These are great insurance against dead batteries on the water.
Also use it to electrically lift our engine hatch so we can pull the batteries out for the winter.

I will say, these jump packs have really gotten smaller since I've owned my last boat a few years ago. Picked up the NOCO Genius Boost HD GB70 2000 Amp 12V UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter model to crank 8 liter engines (or diesels).
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016U ... UTF8&psc=1

She's a beast.

.

[Big Block Power]

.
Just purchased a battery jump pack on Amazon. These are great insurance against dead batteries on the water.
Also use it to electrically lift our engine hatch so we can pull the batteries out for the winter.

I will say, these jump packs have really gotten smaller since I've owned my last boat a few years ago. Picked up the NOCO Genius Boost HD GB70 2000 Amp 12V UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter model to crank 8 liter engines (or diesels).
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016U ... UTF8&psc=1

She's a beast.

.

That's the same unit I bought for our techs at work. They work great. We have a couple of them.