batteries

[Byron]

I have a new to me 2009 310 and am not sure about the battery arrangements or the battery switches. This is my first twin engine boat. There are two battery switches and four batteries. What does the two battery switches turn on and off and does this boat have separate house batteries and separate engine batteries. The two sets of batteries are set up in parallel.

 

[Hoplite808]

The manual details all of that info for you but you'll have to read the wiring schematics.

https://owners-resources.searayweb..../Owners Manual 2009 SEA RAY 310 SUNDANCER.pdf

The port side batteries appear to be batteries 1&2 and the starboard ones are 3&4.

Batteries 1&2 seem to be wired to provide the always on power to the bilge and sump pumps as well as the stereo memory. 3&4 appear to power the thrusters. It appears that the two sets of batteries when turned on are connected via a solenoid to all the onboard systems with 1&2 being the house batteries and 3&4 being start batteries, if I'm reading the schematic correctly.

 

[Carpediem44DB]

I second the advice of looking at the schematic but many people have difficulty following and understanding schematics. I teach this in my A&P courses and am often stumped by students that just can't get it. Problem is, even if you can read the schematics there is no guarantee that a PO has not modified the battery set up. The best way to understand the system may be to simply place the switches in a given position and physically operationally check each circuit and record what works in each switch position. Happy hunting
Carpe Diem

 

[Byron]

Thanks for looking into this for me. Looking at the schematics, I agree with Hoplite. Carpe Diem seems to be a good idea and just take the time and play with the switches and record. I have the original owners manuals that the PO owner left. What throws me off is the fact that everything is for stern drives and not much for v-drives. Especially the bilge layout and electrical. What size batteries should I have with v-drives?

 

[Hoplite808]

Regular marine deep cycles should be fine.

 

[Jmac572]

Thanks for looking into this for me. Looking at the schematics, I agree with Hoplite. Carpe Diem seems to be a good idea and just take the time and play with the switches and record. I have the original owners manuals that the PO owner left. What throws me off is the fact that everything is for stern drives and not much for v-drives. Especially the bilge layout and electrical. What size batteries should I have with v-drives?

Having V-drives makes your situation easier. If you had I/O's with Axius that system requires serious voltage for each engine... Your setup should be two banks of two group 27 or 31 deep cycle or dual purpose batteries, but Group 31 deep cycle's would be preferred, especially if you spend a lot of time on just battery power. Two Group 31 deep cycle batteries wired in parallel will provide more than enough cold cranking amps for your engines and give you a longer battery life. If you replace the batteries go with AGMs over flooded (especially if you are in a northern state, AGMs are more reliable when being stored in freezing temps and the risk of expansion/cracking the case is lower).

The port battery switch controls the port motor's power, starboard switch for the starboard motor... I believe the 12v house load is split between the two, so as not to overburden one bank. The generator's power will be tied to one of the battery banks unless you have a 5th battery dedicated to the generator. If you have a bow thruster there will be two more batteries wired in series to get 24 volts.

Most important thing for battery life and longevity is to make sure you do not discharge them too far... Two group 31 batteries will last an entire day on the water powering your stereo and other 12v electronics. When your boat is in the slip make sure shore power is connected and battery charger is ON and functioning properly. It will charge and maintain your batteries and you'll get 5-7 years out of them.

While we're talking about power, and since this is a new to you boat, make sure to run your generator EVERY time you take the boat out for at least a few hours, with a full load (A/C, water heater, etc.). The best way to keep your Kohler generator working and reliable (other than routine maintenance) is to run it with a full load frequently. Don't worry about putting hours on it, it's good for it.