Running 2 Batteries

[waterlogged882]

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[jafo9]

on a simple perko switch, i don't see a benefit from running them in the both position. if they aren't the same voltage, one will drain the other. it should be a temporary measure to get you home if neither can crank the battery alone. you would need an ACR if you want to charge them both at the same time safely.

[pbgbottle]

i run two batteries with just the perko switch .i just have to remember to set the switch to wich battery i want to use that day . is this no good . one day i use bat 1 next day i use bat 2 ,and every so often i will set the switch to both , but not very often .the switch is nice for turning off the batteries ,so there is no drain on them while in storage

[jafo9]

i agree. with the proper gauge wire, i don't see why location matters in small boats such as ours. maybe on larger vessels it matters. or it may be at some point the wiring gets cost prohibitive. anyway my stock battery is in the starboard locker and i put my #2 battery in a box basically in the space between my port locker and the port rear corner seat so i think i ran an 8ft 2gauge wire for pos/neg.

[O2BESOHUGE]

Thanks Cloaked AND EVERYONE! Looks Like Im Installing Another Battery This Weekend!

[waterlogged882]

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[O2BESOHUGE]

YOU YOU NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE BATTERIES SO FAR APART CHARGING EACH OTHER? THATS WHAT EVERYONE KEEPS TELLING ME HERE THAT THE BATTERIES HAVE TO BE AS CLOSE TO EACH OTHER AS POSSIBLE

THANKS!

On my 91PS, I have the same setup.

One in rear next to fuel tank, one under observer seat in battery box.

Used a Battery Doctor 150A to hook them together.





Used long POS run back to main battery from isolator (along storage area cutout - shielded with cable shielding and attached with cable holders to wood), ran NEG cable through hole in (former) ice box, under engine to rear of engine to ground. Short POS run from forward battery (stereo batt) to isolator.



Fairly simple, about $200 all in ($85 battery, $75 isolator, remainder on cables+box+clips and shielding).

[bturner2]

Everything I'd read about AGM performance and duration issues has pointed back to charging and maintenance issues. When I purchased my Optimas I also purchased a charger specifically designed for them (it also works for lead/acid but was specifically recommend for the AGMs). I've completed 3 seasons with this setup so we'll see if using the right gear and doing all the recommended maintenance works. If they crap out I'll gladly join the others on this forum that whine about their experience with these batteries.

I also read that if you see someone getting rid of an Optima or any AGM battery to try and buy it or get them to give it to you. There's a very strong possibility that you'll be able to bring it back to life.

[waterlogged882]

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[Lumbergh]

On my 91PS, I have the same setup.

One in rear next to fuel tank, one under observer seat in battery box.

Used a Battery Doctor 150A to hook them together.





Used long POS run back to main battery from isolator (along storage area cutout - shielded with cable shielding and attached with cable holders to wood), ran NEG cable through hole in (former) ice box, under engine to rear of engine to ground. Short POS run from forward battery (stereo batt) to isolator.



Fairly simple, about $200 all in ($85 battery, $75 isolator, remainder on cables+box+clips and shielding).

[O2BESOHUGE]

I Think Mine Would Have Lasted Much Longer If I Had Charged Them Correctly...

[bturner2]

This is going to be my fourth season with Blue Tops. Should be interesting to see if I make it to five or if they'll be toast as predicted.......

[cbryan70]

Next time you go to buy batterys get somthing different than optimas....overpriced. ESPECIALLY if you only got 4 years out of it.

[O2BESOHUGE]

Also, Optimas Paperwork Says The Yellow ToP IS For Stereo Applications. Anyone Use That One For Their Stereo?

[O2BESOHUGE]

Ive Read You Want To Keep The Batteries Close Together. Well On My 1991, The Battery Is Behind The Back Seat And I Have Another Battery Spot Under The Observers Seat. They Are Far Apart. How Do You Wire Them Together?

What Have You Guys Done?
Thanks!
Jay