New to pleasure boating, need dual battery advise?

EricH220

New Member
Jan 2, 2020
6
Boat Info
2005 Sea Ray 220 select
Engines
5.0 merc
I'm an ex bass fisherman, so boats and electronics I'm ok with. Our family just bought a 2005 sea ray 220 select that I want to ad a sub woofer and amps to. The boat was manufactured only with 1 battery. I need to add an extra battery I understand. My question is: I have 2 good optima Dm31 dual purpose batteries an on board smart charger and a Lowrance hds9 left over from my bass boat days. Can I mount the 2 optima's , mount the charger and hds unit and just use them to supply power to my sub amp and mapping unit? I realize I will have to plug the boat in to charge those batteries when not in use but can it be done or am I thinking wrong? The 2 batteries would get me two solid days on the trolling motor and running 3 fish finer units no problems. Will a sub amp draw way more power? thoughts and advise please!! and Thank you in advance for helping out a newbie!!
 
If I understand you correctly you want to set up 2 additional batteries independently from the boats electrical system. I don't see any problem with that.

What's keeping you from wiring up all 3 batteries through a A/B/Both/Off battery switch and allow the boats motor to charge all three when running and set up your smart charger to charge all 3 when plugged in?
 
I just didn't want to spend the extra $$ on a A/B/Both/Off switch unless it's a better route to go?
 
I would replace the existing battery with the two Optima's and install a battery switch like LD indicated.
You could add the charger if it is made for dual batteries.

Best of luck and welcome to CSR!
 
Will a sub amp draw way more power?
Depends on the amp. a small amp can draw as little as 10A and a very large amp can draw upwards of 200A.

I would go with a dual bank switch rather then an isolated standalone bank. The battery(s) will not get cycled as deep, as they will get some contribution from the alternator while the engine is running.
 
I dont see why you cant do it. I would suggest two things. Add battery isolator and that way you be able to charge additional batteries while underway. Second - install good capacitor for your amp. That way you avoid heavy voltage drop when deep bass is played. Good audio capacitor for audio system will run around $70 - $100
 

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