Alternator / Perko Switch / Battery Banks / etc

[mfloski]

My existing set up is:
Stock 50amp alternator
perko switch
one battery bank consisting of 4 Optima D31T Batteries
one battery bank consisting of 2 Optima D34M Batteries
Minn Kota 4 bank Battery charger for the D31T's

My boat/stereo amp load exceeds what the stock alternator can supply. Last year I just had the two D34's (one per perko switch), when the battery charge dropped, my main circuit breaker would trip.

My plan is to hook the stereo to the D31's and hook them to perko switch one. Have the D34's as back up on Perko Switch 2. Eventually adding a 100amp alternator.

Anyone think this is good/bad idea, suggestions?

[wake_fun]

Re: Alternator / Perko Switch / Battery Banks / etc

First get a new alternator!
So are you saying you are hooking the main wire harness/boat engine to two D34's? Why? A boat can run off of one battery, unless I'm missing something here or you just want two?
So your idea is to leave the perko switch in "both" position while driving around and then when you want to chill/play music you will put the perko switch on "1" so it uses the four batteries for the stereo?

My existing set up is:
Stock 50amp alternator
perko switch
one battery bank consisting of 4 Optima D31T Batteries
one battery bank consisting of 2 Optima D34M Batteries
Minn Kota 4 bank Battery charger for the D31T's

My boat/stereo amp load exceeds what the stock alternator can supply. Last year I just had the two D34's (one per perko switch), when the battery charge dropped, my main circuit breaker would trip.

My plan is to hook the stereo to the D31's and hook them to perko switch one. Have the D34's as back up on Perko Switch 2. Eventually adding a 100amp alternator.

Anyone think this is good/bad idea, suggestions?

[inboardsonly]

RE: Re: Alternator / Perko Switch / Battery Banks / etc

You need to get an automatic battery relay switch.

BEP Marine makes them, and so does Blue Sea Systems.

The key is, when you start the engine, it charges just the start battery. Once the start bank is charged, then it closes the relay, and starts charging the second or "house" bank. Cant run down the start battery while you are drifting, because it opens the relay when the ignition is off.

Trying to charge 6 batteries at once with a 55 A alt, is like charging one with a 9 amp charger. Going to take ALL DAY, and that is if you are not using any power!!!!

IO

[Mikeski]

RE: Re: Alternator / Perko Switch / Battery Banks / etc

I like my Yandina battery combiner...