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The House Battery Draining thread resurrects a question. What belongs on the House batteries?

In particular, I see boat schematics that show the bilge pumps wired to House. House is also where lighting and electronics generally get their power, so that battery is likely to be the one in the worst shape in the morning while at anchor. Just as the Start battery is reserved for getting underway, shouldn't bilge pumps be of similar, perhaps even higher, priority? If you spring a leak you need current for the pumps; a depleted House deep-cycle isn't the place to expect it, ISTM.

I've just rewired my 258V, adding a House bank for electronics (I have alot) and another Start battery to the A side of the existing A/B/Both'd pair. That gives me 200AH on A, 100AH on B (where the bilge pumps are wired), and 250AH of deep-cycle on House. I intend to leave the A/B switch on A for most boat functions including lighting (but not electronics), and hope to only need to use B to start after an emergency that depletes everything else. Charging, BTW, is handled by a pair of Yandina combiners, so the need to run on Both to charge is moot.

So, is House the place for bilge pumps? Are lights generally on House, too?

_________________
Tom
Cape Coral

'99 Four Winns 258 Vista
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/bowcam
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/cape-coral-marine-radio VHF
http://67.207.143.181/vlf9.m3u VLF: Lightning, spherics

Hi

I see were your coming from. First off, your bilge pump should NOT run that much!! If your out at "sea", than you will be there to solve/resolve the problem. At the slip, than the on-board-charger, should keep them charged up unless your charger is under 4 amps and depending on the pump. Most important, is that you can start the engine!!! That is why I think it is wired that way.

What I have done, is to use LED lighting and AGM type batterers. LEDs can use so little power and the AGM per pound & size have more power. PLUS, there a starting & deep cycle all in one. Best of both, with NO compromise.

Good luck, happy holidays!!
Paul

Of course, and mine doesn't. My bilge is usually dry; it's only weather and washdowns that wet it. Still, it is the unexpected that sinks boats. I'd prefer floating without a running engine to the alternative.

My neighbor thinks I'm nuts with 550AH on board, but he has one empty of two battery trays, the other extreme. He's willing to depend upon Seatow if he gets into trouble. Hmm, I wonder if his bilge pump works at all...

Merry Christmas, folks.

_________________
Tom
Cape Coral

'99 Four Winns 258 Vista
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/bowcam
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/cape-coral-marine-radio VHF
http://67.207.143.181/vlf9.m3u VLF: Lightning, spherics

Hi!!!!!!!!

I have 3 batteries. One for starting, one for the house and the third I use in parallel with the house to power a 2000 watt inverter. No generator!!!

I did add a extra 700GPH pump, cheap insurance.

Marry Xmas to one & all!!!

Paul

Which powers the bilge pumps?

_________________
Tom
Cape Coral

'99 Four Winns 258 Vista
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/bowcam
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/cape-coral-marine-radio VHF
http://67.207.143.181/vlf9.m3u VLF: Lightning, spherics

Hi

There are 2 stock pumps & the one I added. The stock ones come off the house & the third I wired off the third battery. I am more concerned with the pump's GPH, than with the batteries going dead. In other words, if something let go (a hose) of I hit a rock & put a hole in her. I want to be able to keep up with the incoming water. If the engine is running, or at the slip, the batteries will be charging!! I have one 20amp dual charger (Promariner) & one 6amp for the 3rd battery.

Paul