Do I really need Dual Batteries Installed?

[jcaesar625]

combo starting/deep cycle batteries generally have at least 700CCA's, whereas a true deep cycle has less.  Most outboards require at least 700CCA's to start.

I'm not sure how your dry dock is setup, but if you can attach a solar charger like this, then it would work.  If nothing else, go with an AGM deep cycle battery, if you don't have one already.

Sounds like I need to get a combo starter/deep cycle because of my storage situation. My dry rack is indoors, so solar charger is definitely out. I am moving to a different marina, and if I install shore power on my boat, they will plug it in for me. Sounds like I need to dig out the thread on adding shore power.

[jcaesar625]

I picked up the Guest ChargePro Plus Battery Charger & Alternator Module combo. But I am having problems grasping how to hook it into my system. Where does my dual battery switch and engine/starter cable go into this diagram? If someone could markup this wiring diagram, it would be greatly appreciated, because I have been scratching my head for awhile on it. Thanks!

[Blue Agave]

Where does my dual battery switch and engine/starter cable go into this diagram?

Neither is attached to the charger. The leads from the charger are attached to your batteries and when you want to charge the batteries plug in the power using an extention cord.

[jcaesar625]

Where does my dual battery switch and engine/starter cable go into this diagram?

Neither is attached to the charger. The leads from the charger are attached to your batteries and when you want to charge the batteries plug in the power using an extention cord.

Then how does the function work that the alternator power module (VSR) is supposed to regulate the charging from the engine to both batteries? Do I just leave the switch on to the starting battery and it backfeeds through VSR to charge the house battery?

"COMPLETE SYSTEM TO EXTEND YOUR FISHING TIME! The new Charge Pro PLUS system combines a Guest charger with an alternator power module (VSR) to continuously charge the trolling motor or house battery while the engine is running. This one of-a-kind system allows energy which is normally wasted on a fully charged cranking (or starting) battery bank to be re-directed to the trolling motor or house battery bank – ensuring that all batteries are fully charged."

http://www.marinco.com/product/8-amp-du ... 2v-systems

[RickK]

It's an electronic switch that closes when the voltages are correct and the engine is running.  When the switch is closed it charges both batteries yet protects one from the other if one gets shorted or has a bad cell that would normally, without the VSR, drain the other battery as it drained.

[jcaesar625]

Should I get rid of my dual switch now, and go with two singles? That way I can run all my electronics off my house battery while the engine is running off the starter battery?

[Capt. Bob]

Logically,  unless you're all amped up about disconnecting and reconnecting battery cables should your starter battery suddenly decide to take a pill, maybe a third switch is the way to go. If you want the singles fine but I'd think you would want to add that third switch to allow the use of both start and house batteries for cranking.

Good luck.

[RickK]

I don't think it matters what switch you have, the VSR will switch when the engine is running and charge the other battery if all the voltages look right.
As CB said, you'd want the ability to parallel the batteries to start your motor in a pinch - the usual A, B, All switch should be fine.