Boat Starting Battery Question

[patoloco]

I'm getting ready to replace my stock starter battery that came with my '99 air nautique. It still starts good and such, but I have noticed it doesnt seem quite as strong on the start and the voltmeter...plus its 7 years old. Its a red interstate battery..unsure of the cca and such. I'll probably replace with another Interstate or Red Top Optima.

I'm not running anything special...stock radio, ballast pumps, perfect pass etc. I'd like to keep my old battery as an emergecy backup in the boat..does anyone do this? Obivously it would have to be charged via a charger or the alternator to be of use.

1.) Is there a way to hook up both batteries so that the old one charges but the boat runs off the new one? Safely?

2.) Should I just toss the old one in next to the new one, unhooked, and just put a charger on it at home occasionaly? I'll just manually switch cables on the water if needed?

Thanks!

[Mikeski]

RE: Boat Starting Battery Question

I wouldn't keep the old battery in the boat unless you need the extra ballast? If you decide to keep both in the boat you could use a Perko switch to switch between them, maybe a yandina c100 too (both) if you want to keep it charged without ever having to flip the switch.