Boat 2 Battery Setup

If your boat came from the factory with only one battery or with two batteries of inadequate size consider installing a second battery bank.

Boat 2 battery setup.

The typical battery management scenario consists of placing the dual battery switch in the 1 position and running the boat for the day. To join batteries in parallel use a jumper wire to connect both the positive terminals and another jumper wire to connect both the negative terminals of both batteries to each other. All you need now is some space a few basic tools a little knowledge and another battery. How to install a marine dual battery setup for your boat 1.

To add a second deep cycle battery for additional power with two batteries and a 1 2 all two bank manual switch already installed in your boat you have all the basics in place to add as much battery power as you want. Pick the best battery switch for your boat. Batteries are at the heart of the electrical systems found on any boat or vehicle. Install the second battery to the boat.

However some battery management discipline must be excersized. Install your battery switch in an easy to reach location near the battery installation. Boats often need two banks to have a reserve bank to be sure the engine will start or to have a large house bank so you can run bigger dc loads for longer time periods. I allows your house and start battery to remain isolated except for emergency conditions.

Connect the positive red port from the engine battery to the number 1 position on the switch. Mount the switch directly to the hull inside the engine compartment. Use the hardware that comes with the switch to insure proper connections. Negative to negative and positive to positive.

Proper battery management including switching and charging is essential for safe and reliable operation. Choose a marine battery that meets the engine specs. In this video i go over dual boat batteries with a battery selector switch electric trolling motor systems and how to wire and install them along with an o. A double pole on off combine battery switch like this one is a great choice for a single engine two battery boat wiring system.

The next day switch the battery switch to the 2 position and run the boat. This is about as simple as it gets and is an effective setup. The following basic wiring diagrams show how batteries battery switches and automatic charging relays are wired together from a simple single battery.