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[flatlander]

Are dual batteries the way to go or is the additional 70 pounds a mistake for a jet boat?  Who makes a better battery Optima, Lifeline or excide?

Thanks

[tnt]

personally I would stay away from optimas unless you are cramped for space... if going dual batteries you will have a starting battery already, I would install a deep cycle that you can draw down and charge up... with a decent switch... I would also make sure everything is run with 2 gauge wire, especially if it is a long stretch...  a secondary battery should not off set the weight of the boat too dramatically...

[flatlander]

Thanks TNT, I was considering two Lifeline dual purpose batteries on a switch not a starting plus deep cycle.  Is this a better way to go?

Thanks.

[bentrod]

definitely a dual system is the way to go.  I have duals with one dedicated to the starting motor and the other has everything else, (lights, downriggers, radio, stereo, livewell, fish finder etc) on it.  The kicker is also wired to the second battery.  It has an alternator and always puts a trickle charge back into it.  The switch will keep both batteries separate or if one dies, I can draw from both.  I also have a three bank on-board charger.  it charges two batteries up front that run my electric motor and the accessory battery.  I have also installed remote battery watering equipment and a maintenance charger for the starting motor in the winter.  Kind of over kill, but I hope I never have to worry about wiring issues or dead batteries.  P.S. it sounds intimidating, but it's not that difficult to do yourself.  You'll save a ton of money. 

[flatlander]

bentrod, now that's a redundant system.  I think I'll bite the bullet with two batteries and a switch.

[Jamison Jay]

Go with 2 identical batteries as opposed to the one starting one deepcycle. The problem with running to different type/size of batteries is they take a charge at different rates, and you alternator doesn't know that. You will end up undercharging one, over over charging the other.

[flatlander]

Jamison Jay, sounds like you have a different set up than tnt and bentrod.  How would you wire two identical dual purpose batteries?  Do you use power diodes to keep them separate since they are both charging off the main engine alternator?  Bentrod is using the kicker to keep the deep cycle battery charged and the main engine alternator only charges the starting battery.  The two systems are isolated from each other and a switch could be used to switch the deep cycle to the main engine to start in a emergency. 

Thanks

[Jamison Jay]

Just wondering, what do you need 2 batteries for? Is one just a back-up in case the other dies? or is one for electric motor, radio, accessories sort of stuff? The big marine switches are nice, another good switching system is using a older Ford starter solonoid, they've been using them for RV applications for along time, cheap too

[flatlander]

Jamison Jay, the boat we're setting up is primarily going to be used as a river boat with some occasional ocean fishing.  My thought was that a backup battery would be a good idea.  Not a lot of accessories on the boat right now but eventually there may be electric downriggers.

Thanks

[Chrome Assassin]

Get dual batteries!!! Better safe then sorry!