Battery switch position

[Guntersville230]

My service tech told me told me to run the battery position switch on one or two not on "one and two" because this could overcharge and damage the batteries. However I just saw a video that said to run battery position switch on "one and two". What are most people running their switch on?



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[ScooterMcgavin]

I have been told to not run the boat in the both batteries position and to use that only for starting. But he also said to alternate the batteries per use. Use 1 battery one day then switch to the number 2 battery the next time out. It'll be interesting to see what others do. I know some people have one battery for starting and running and the other they'll use for running the stereo when boats not started.

[MLA]

If you have 5 gallons of water and two 10 gallon buckets, you wont overfill either. The alternator is only capable of so much output. Distributing that between 2 batteries pretty much insures neither will get over charged. The only incorrect position is "OFF" when the engine is running.

[ski4evr]

Battery 1 for Saturday, Battery 2 for Sunday. If we run either battery down sitting in party cove, I'll switch to battery 1+2, start boat, and its time for riding. You can switch between either of the three positions wile not running, just do not move it through off with engine running. Your amplifiers will definitely get more from both batteries in parallel (1+2), you just run the risk of having no cranking reserve left when ready to leave.

[josemolino]

I run on 2 batteries and leave on one at night (I alternate) for the automatic bilge. Never had an issue on 10 years.

[EchoLodge]

I use to run a continuous duty solenoid to combine the batteries when under power and separate them when off. Few years ago I updated to https://www.bluesea.com/products/761...12_24V_DC_120A. Works like the solenoid except it keeps the batteries separate when the starter is engaged. Protects your stereo equipment. Either method makes it forget proof for the batteries!

[swatguy]

The only time BOTH isn't the best option is if you run your stereo for a while with the boat off. Batteries do wear down from charge and discharge cycles. So when you are stopped you want to rotate the batteries that you continully drain down to their near ends. Rotating between the two helps prolong the life of your batteries. You can't "overcharge" the system.

However day to day use both is really the best option. To prevent drain from battery to battery turn switch off when you are done for the day.

[shag]

Pretty much agree with the other peeps. Alternate batteries each time out and you should always have a charged one ready. Definitely move to 'off' when done for the day... And in my experience, as long as you have a good alternator, it will charge both batteries, albeit much slower, and probably not as full.