Question in Setting up Dual batteries in my 180 I/O Bowrider

[Iagent]

I want to be able to listen to my stereo, when out at the sand bar. Would this be the best setup? I will be buying a second battery, and tray. I was thinking that this below setup might work nice, but would like your input.

Thanks



Complete Two Battery Bank Management Solution, 7650.

• A complete two battery bank management solution

Features: Dual Circuit Plus Battery Switch isolates engine and house circuits, and combines battery banks for emergency starting
120 Amp SI ACR automatic charging relay combines batteries for charging

 

[SeaRay]

This is what I added to my boat for my stereo battery bank.

http://yandina.com/c100InfoR3.htm

It has several great features...
1) Completely automatic, no need to remember to switch it from A to B or whatever...
2) It will always give your starting battery priority for charging and only drain from your second battery when you are using items that are connected to it. So you will always have a fresh starting battery.
3) When charging with a shore charger, connect it to the starting battery and the combiner will cycle back and forth charging both batteries automatically
4) You can always add more batteries to your stereo battery bank (I have 2 for the stereo and one to start the boat). AND, they do NOT have to be the same battery unlike many other battery switches recommend.
5) Very simple install
6) Great customer service

It works by sensing the voltage in the starting battery, once it senses it has full voltage it will then allow the alternator current to switch to charge the stereo battery(ies). If the starting battery voltages drop to low, it will switch back to charge it.

 

[Iagent]

Thanks SeaRay, I am going to study up on that idea. Looks like a trouble-free system.

 

[2000SEARAY280SS]

I use the 7650 setup and it has all the same features Searay took the time to post. The 7650 also has the ignition lock out so when you go to start your engine the loads on the house battery are isolated and do not see the starter in rush current draw and voltage drop.

 

[Iagent]

Thanks, I think I will go that route.

 

[Iagent]

I'm thinking about using the pictured fuse blocks. Can anyone make a guess what amperage I should for the fuses? I'm just running stereo amps, and minor users thet a 180 would use such as fish finder etc.

What's the norm?

 

[2000SEARAY280SS]

Assuming you are using this for the main power feed add up all of your loads and add a 15 to 20 percent surge factor and that would be a good start. All of your individual loads would be fused at the manufactures recommended amperage.