Using dual batteries

[chopp]

What's the best way to use the dual battery system.just one battery to start boat and use. Maybe both batteries on to use stereo ect when boats off, or just the 2 batteries when one is getting a bit low and won't start the motor.
It's a 2013 model if that makes any difference in the system.
Thanks

[core-rider]

Under normal operation you should be fine to run on both batteries. If you sat for a long period of time running stereo, lights, etc. and were worried about draining the batteries to the point of not being able to start the engine, then you would want to switch to 1 battery isolating the other. This would allow you a backup to start the engine with if the other were drained. Once running, you could then switch back to "All" on the Perko and allow the alternator to charge the depleted battery while heading back to the ramp/dock.

This all assumes you have basically stock components in your boat. Upgraded sound system, lights, etc. may require more batteries for similar run times, but that's a different scenario.

[xrichard]

I'd always run on one or the other so you have a battery in reserve. You can alternate which battery you use. Better, though, is to install a Blue Sea ACR and matching switch. I'll never have a boat without one.

[HS]

I do what core rider suggests. Initially, I would alternate which battery I'd use, then I realized that by starting running and cruising on both, I'd get both charged, and then for lunch stops and hanging out switch to one for radio. Then switch back to two for rides or the cruise home.

[swankster]

Plus another vote for core-rider.

[josemolino]

I run on both and change to one at night (for the bilge) or for stereo+sunbathing. And then again when the engine is on.

[Paxdad]

I usually alternate between the two. One outing I use the port and the next outing the starboard. Very seldom do I run both. If just sitting around with stereo I run on my AGM (port battery).

[aZ`]

What core-rider said is fine if you have 2 identical batteries installed. But for applications where you have different batteries, especially different types of battery then isolating them like paxdad does is recommended.


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[migs]

I alternate between the 2 - using only 1 at a time. Saturday, battery 1, Sunday battery 2, etc...

[scottb7]

I used to alternate. But my doctor gave some medicine to make me better. As said previously just isolate one battery when you worried about running them both down and need one to start later.