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 |
