Horizon 190: Add second battery or go with a "jump starter"?

schoolsOut · **Posted:** Wed Apr 24, 2013 8:46 pm

Jdpber wrote:

You should get a blue sea add a battery kit. Simple to the point idiot proof.

Thanks...I think...haha. Should I go with the same battery type (cranking vs. deep cycle)?

LouC · **Posted:** Wed Apr 24, 2013 9:21 pm

Most people with boats like ours do not bother with separating loads into cranking and house loads. That (re-wiring to separate loads) allows you to use batteries better adapted to each use (cranking=highest cranking amps, deep cycle=can be drawn down but re-charged and does not become damaged by that as a cranking battery would). The use of a dual purpose battery (which is a cross between both types) allows you to get by with not having to separate loads (you would have to re-wire things to do that) and you can use a simple switch or the combiner. I like to use gp 27 dual purpose batteries because they give a bit more in terms of cranking power and ampere hours than the standard gp 24s. You can go even bigger with gp 31s, but they get pretty heavy and larger at that point. Maybe if you had a big block to crank that would make sense.
So you can use either the batt switch or the combiner, and dual purpose batteries vs the other types.

schoolsOut · **Posted:** Wed Apr 24, 2013 9:32 pm

LouC wrote:

Most people with boats like ours do not bother with separating loads into cranking and house loads. That (re-wiring to separate loads) allows you to use batteries better adapted to each use (cranking=highest cranking amps, deep cycle=can be drawn down but re-charged and does not become damaged by that as a cranking battery would). The use of a dual purpose battery (which is a cross between both types) allows you to get by with not having to separate loads (you would have to re-wire things to do that) and you can use a simple switch or the combiner. I like to use gp 27 dual purpose batteries because they give a bit more in terms of cranking power and ampere hours than the standard gp 24s. You can go even bigger with gp 31s, but they get pretty heavy and larger at that point. Maybe if you had a big block to crank that would make sense.
So you can use either the batt switch or the combiner, and dual purpose batteries vs the other types.

Thanks Lou. I had a feeling that separating loads would be a significant task, and one that is probably not necessary on a bowrider. I appreciate your feedback regarding battery selection. I will look to go with the gp 27's with either the combiner or a switch.

rpengr · **Posted:** Thu Apr 25, 2013 8:25 am

schoolsOut wrote:

LouC wrote:

Most people with boats like ours do not bother with separating loads into cranking and house loads. That (re-wiring to separate loads) allows you to use batteries better adapted to each use (cranking=highest cranking amps, deep cycle=can be drawn down but re-charged and does not become damaged by that as a cranking battery would). The use of a dual purpose battery (which is a cross between both types) allows you to get by with not having to separate loads (you would have to re-wire things to do that) and you can use a simple switch or the combiner. I like to use gp 27 dual purpose batteries because they give a bit more in terms of cranking power and ampere hours than the standard gp 24s. You can go even bigger with gp 31s, but they get pretty heavy and larger at that point. Maybe if you had a big block to crank that would make sense.
So you can use either the batt switch or the combiner, and dual purpose batteries vs the other types.

Thanks Lou. I had a feeling that separating loads would be a significant task, and one that is probably not necessary on a bowrider. I appreciate your feedback regarding battery selection. I will look to go with the gp 27's with either the combiner or a switch.

+1

Two 27's with a switch works well for my bowrider.

pickledboater · **Posted:** Thu Apr 25, 2013 3:03 pm

Semi-related question:
Any problem using a low amp battery maintainer without disconnecting the cables? Will do damage to alternator or regulator?

Jdpber · **Posted:** Thu Apr 25, 2013 3:07 pm

Nope will not do any damage to altinator.

LouC · **Posted:** Sat Apr 27, 2013 10:02 pm

It should be fine, if you are concerned you can just put the batt switch on OFF.

www.iFourWinns.com

Horizon 190: Add second battery or go with a "jump starter"?

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