Adding a battery switch?

[brad10281]

My boat came with the fish/ski package which included a second battery for the electric trolling motor. I would like to be able to tap into this second battery in the event that my main battery dies. I would also like to be able to switch over to this battery while underway so that it can be charged by the vessel's charging system. At this point, the second battery is simply a stand-alone battery that needs to be hooked up to a charger to get charged up.

Can I simply add a battery switch in this scenario? Is there anything I need to be aware of (gotchya's) if I do add a switch?

 

[Quint4]

You can very simply add a " off - 1 - both - 2" switch. I added one when I had my bowrider. Make sure to use heavy cable and make your runs as short as possible. Do a search for battery switch, there are lots of posts on various configs.

 

[brad10281]

You can very simply add a " off - 1 - both - 2" switch.

That's exactly what I've been looking into.

The cable runs will be less than 5 feet to each battery...more like 3 feet.

I was just looking for some input in case there's something that I'm not understanding. From my research, it looks pretty simple to do.

 

[HavingFun]

That's exactly what I've been looking into.
I was just looking for some input in case there's something that I'm not understanding. From my research, it looks pretty simple to do.

It is simple. I did it this year but had thought about it for over 2 years. I got the cables made at a local battery store. Custom car audio shops will do it also. Its cheaper then buying from a marine store. I also got a battery combiner. It allows both batteries to be charged without switching the switch. I got mine for $50 and it adds 5 minutes to the install. When I get in my boat I switch to battery 1 and don't change it until I leave the boat and I turn the switch off.

 

[Nehalennia]

Yes, because it sounds like you are using the second battery as your house(or auxillary) side a Automatic Charging Relay(ACR) may be a wise additional for you.

Blue Sea Systems sells the ACR and Switch in a package.

Blue Sea Systems "Add a Battery Kit"

 

[brad10281]

Thanks guys. It'll be a winter project for me while the boat is layed up in the garage.