www.iFourWinns.com

I just bought a 2008 H210 and I am looking to add dual batteries, which was an option from the factory. Does anyone have any pics of where these batteries were positioned stock? Currently, the single battery is almost inaccessible on the starboard side of the motor and there is only one spot to mount the switch. Since the starboard side is also the walkthrough from the rear of the boat its all molded fiberglass and nothing I can take apart to truly access the current battery location. Has anyone installed dual batteries or have them for the factory and willing to share some pics to help me understand the best place to install these?

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2008 H210 5.7L Volvo Penta

On the 240's and 260's, many of us moved them both to the port side. In those cases it was done for better balance but in a 210 there might be more room there as well. And there's no reason they'd have to both be on the same side.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

The port side carries the same issues as the starboard side as far as ease of access so I am not sure moving them both over there gives me a great option. Also, not sure how much of a balance issue I will have since my 210 isn't carrying fresh water. I was under the impression that you are not supposed to carry a battery wire over the fuel cell/fuel lines per coast guard regulation. If that isn't the case it would be much easier to mount a single battery on each side of the boat and place the switch in the middle.

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2008 H210 5.7L Volvo Penta

Good point on the tank (not being a 210 owner I'm not familiar with the differences in layout).

On the balance issue - first, I haven't heard about any 210's with that problem, however, the larger models exhibited it even when the water tank was empty - so in my mind, it at least wouldn't hurt anything to spread the load to both sides. If it's doable, I would consider putting the switch wherever the factory would have put it, and routing the cables wherever necessary to avoid safety or interference issues. Of course shorter cable runs are preferable but we aren't talking about long distances here. I have one of my batteries inside the storage compartment, inside a battery box to protect it from skis, etc. I left the switch in the original location on the starboard side, so both batteries are connected all the way across the width of the boat plus routing around corners, etc. No problems in 10 years.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

That sounds like a much more viable option. Thanks for the advice Mike.

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2008 H210 5.7L Volvo Penta

Whatever you do, post some pics, we'd love to see it.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Also keep in mind that you always want to use adequate cable sizes For short runs I have used 2 gauge wire but for longer runs (I have one battery on the other side from the starter and switch) I used 1/0 cable which is much thicker. And use Ancor marine cable not automotive.

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II