Name:	Mack -	Reply
Subject:	Battery Switch??
Date:	5/28/2014 8:14:41 PM

Got two batteries in the boat and a big switch that gives choices of 1, or 2 or Off or Both. Presently set on both.

Questions?? Set on both, does that mean that all systems are running on the same power bus? Then, why the choices?

Set on Both, does that mean that charging by the motor is going to both batteries??

Can ya'll tell that I have a new boat?? Blame Cat...

Name:	mariah1 -	Reply
Subject:	Battery Switch??
Date:	5/28/2014 9:05:43 PM

Don't worry it is always Cats fault. 

Name:	MrHodja -	Reply
Subject:	Battery Switch??
Date:	5/28/2014 10:09:13 PM

Depends on where your dock is located.....

Name:	Osms -	Reply
Subject:	Battery Switch??
Date:	5/29/2014 6:43:00 PM

I used to turn the switch to Both, then I read an article in a Boating magazine.  Here is what they advised.  Alternate between the batteries as 1 on one trip and 2 on the next--that way you will keep both charged up and ready if you need either.  If you always use both the weaker battery will drain power from the stronger and eventually both will fail--not good.  At the time I read the article, I owned a boat with three banks of batteries, plus the generator battery, and once I followed their instructions my battery problems vanished.

Name:	Shortbus -	Reply
Subject:	Battery Switch??
Date:	5/30/2014 1:25:07 PM

My use for two batteries is one for stereo one for start.

If the stereo runs down a battery, the boat will still start.

So, when the motor is running  switch to both to charge both.

If you float a long time with lights and stereo, switch to your deep cycle.

Best setup is a continuous duty solenoid to 1)connect the positives together when the key is turned on to charge   and 2)seperate the batteries when the key is off.

My start battery is 8 years old.  Two batteries give a good kick even when old.