Adding a 2nd Battery

If you think you will change the switch position with engine running then you should get that switch, you fry the alternator otherwise. Now if you have a single wire alternator there is nothing to disconnect.
 
As midway said, you don't really need it. As long as you don't go to the OFF position with the engine running, you'll be ok, otherwise the alternator will get damaged.

You could flip from Battery 1 to 2 to both with the engine running and you're fine. Just don't go in the direction of off!

I installed a second battery and switch last summer. I usually alternate between 1 and 2 and switch it whenever I remember, usually each time I trailer it to the water to keep them both charged. I don't use both often, as I'm afraid I'll accidentally leave it in the 'both' position when floating, listening to the radio...which is the exact reason I installed a backup battery in the first place!
 
I'm not very mechanical, but I learn best from seeing someone do it. Unfortunately I don't know anyone who can teach me things. I've been wanting to get a second battery for a couple of years. Does anyone know what a place like MM would charge?
 
Coincidentally I just got a price quote from a MM in my area. If I remember correctly it came in around $325 - include labor and material. I decided not to go with it at this time as I didn't care to lose too much storage space and wanted to see how my first boating season goes.
 
Between midway and Gunn you got the answer.

The only time you can damage the alternator is when you disconnect (or turn OFF) a battery. As Gunn said, you can switch from 1 to both to 2 while running al day long, nothing fries. I switch between 1 and 2 all the time to get each battery charged.

Turning the switch off when running CAN fry the alternator. That's where the AFD comes in.

To steal part of an explanation, "...Its purpose is to protect the alternator diodes, which can be damaged if the alternator is producing power and the battery switch is suddenly turned off."
 
pjnr56 said:
Coincidentally I just got a price quote from a MM in my area. If I remember correctly it came in around $325 - include labor and material. I decided not to go with it at this time as I didn't care to lose too much storage space and wanted to see how my first boating season goes.
Click to expand...

I've done it and also helped others do it and it can be expensive if you do it right. Which may mean buying some tools you may never need again such as a crimper. The parts alone, tinned connectors and cable, aren't cheap. But the battery.......for $325 I'd wonder what kind of battery they'll use. I'm about to replace a battery in mine and the best price I've found on an Optima D31M is $190 total. It's overkill for some people, but I want plenty of starting power as well as a good deep cycle to accompany the D34 I have as a 2nd now.

Most dealers I've known of that quote adding a battery, are adding cheaper wet cell batteries. Not a bad thing, you just need to know what kind you want/need.
 
As info, the price breakdown was:

Material - $190.00
Labor - $135.00

Just found my notes on the cost from when I spoke to them.
 
Brent, we don't live that far from each other, I may be able to help you out with the install if you decide to do it yourself.
 
I did the install myself on my 215. So - it is really pretty easy. I will bring the beer.
 
OK, Scott's got the beer I'll supply the tools, looks like you'll be cookin brent... By the time your done BBQ'n we should have it installed. :grin: :grin: :smt038

When should we be there?? :wink:
 
Ok, beer, check. Tools, check. Do you guys like pork or beef? Cooking out on the grill is definately my thing, so no problem there! :thumbsup: Actually it would be great to get the help, thanks for the offer. I live in Wildwood, but the boat's down at LOTO. :smt009 Road trip??? :grin:
 
Hmmm, that may be a bit of a problem... Our weekend homes don't have trailers. Do you think you'll be bringing her back before fall?
 
If some one call pull the 320 down to the lake for a long weekend - I am game. Otherwise this fall? If you can wait.
 
Well, I've gone 2 1/2 seasons without a 2nd battery and haven't gotten in to trouble yet. I guess I am cautious about running the stereo when we are on the hook. Maybe I'll look in to MM doing it or you guys will be hearing from me in the fall. :grin:
 
Sounds like a deal! :thumbsup:
 
By a jumper pack - unless you have a big amp - I think you will be fine. I am willing to ride down this fall.
 
last week i added two amps, two optima blue tops, and the optima troll fury.

optima_tf1800_300_op.jpg


optima_tf1800_open_300op.jpg


(i'll post pics of the install later this week)
 
I had my starting battery take a dump at the ramp 2 weeks ago. I've been waiting for it to die for 2-3 years since it's about 6 years old and has been dead, dead at least 2-3 times.

Luckily I have a 2nd battery.

I'm not replacing the starter with another Optima, but a D31 with the D34 as the 2nd. Which brings be to my question.........

Has anyone installed a D31 and found a good source for trays? If you haven't seen a 31 compared to a 34, it's a monster!!
 
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