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Posts: 767
Location: Ames, Iowa | I have done multiple searches and read a lot of stuff about these things- but never figure out concrete answers for my needs.
Situation-
I have a "new" Sylvan single console boat with a 40 hp 4 stroke Merc to use on Leech Lake and smaller Iowa lakes. I have two 12 volt batteries in parallel on my old boat and like the performance of my 55lb Powerdrive with Universal sonar vs. just one battery, so I'd like to do this on the Sylvan. The Sylvan has radio, bilge, livewell, Humminbird finder, horn, nav lights. Never had radio, livewell- don't know how much I'll use em.
Problem #1- Battery option choices
1. a dual purpose battery and a deep cycle battery.
2. two deep cycle batteries and one starter battery.
3. two dual purpose batteries. ???
In option #1, can those different batteries be run in parallel? Will having all accessories on those parallel batteries (options #1, #3) be worse than option #2? I am beginning to think that given all of my accessories, option #2 might be best.
Problem #2
If I bought a 2 bank Minnkota charger, what would be best way to charge the parallel batteries? 15 minutes max trip time, a lot of trolling. I am thinking that each bank goes to a battery, then I'd charge the starter battery off the motor as I don't forsee myself sitting in one spot for extended time running the radio, livewell, lights. Could I charge the parallel batteries off one bank, the starter off another? Should I just buy the 3 bank charger?
Fuses, fuse block, circuit breaker suggestions? I know this is alot to ask. While I am at it, Merry Christmas to all of you.
Thanks,
Don | |
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Posts: 2323
Location: Stevens Point, WI | Option 2 is indeed your best choice. Running your trolling motor batteries separate(meaning your two deep cycles on the trolling motor only and running all your accessories like your radio, livewell, electronics, lights and everything else on your starter battery) is well advised by not only Minn Kota but also from any electronics company due to the possibility of having interference between your electronics and your trolling motor. Plus, if something goes wrong, having things separate is good.
If you buy a two bank charger, then you will have connections for just that, two batteries. If your looking to spend the money, the three bank charger wouldn't be a bad idea. Having the peace of mind that every morning you wake up to go fishing that your battery will be charged and ready to rock is probably worth a few extra bucks. | |
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Posts: 273
| A 2 bank charger should be just fine for option 2. If your 2 tm batteries are hooked in parellel they will charge together on one bank. The other bank will charge your starting/ accessory battery.
Esoxmaniac had some great diagrams awhile back on wiring your batteries up with circuit breakers. They helped me out setting things up on my boat. Do a search and you should be able to find them.
Here is the link that I followed when I set my tm batteries up for parallel with circuit breakers
http://muskie.outdoorsfirst.com/board/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=42...
Jeff
Edited by Peaches 12/23/2008 8:33 PM
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Battery options and charger questions