OK so what is the proper way to run with my batteries? I have one that is a cranking battery, and one is the multipurpose. it has the electronics hooked to it. I have a battery selector switch and usually crank up on either battery, run with it on that battery for a while and then switch over and do same thing with other. I heard not to run with selector on “Both” in case your electronics kill them due to a problem in the electronics. I don’t really agree, but whatever.
I have only had my other two batteries for two years so am I not running them right? i have 225 hours on motor over that time so it’s not like i’m letting it sit up.
I have two Interstate SRM-24 deep cycles. Use one to start the boat and run on for the way out. I switch over to the other for the way back. You always want your batteries getting use and staying charged. Never use both at the same time unless you absolutely have to.
deep cycle batteries are for trolling motors or battery banks. Dual purpose batteries do neither job well. Don’t mix battery types as they require different charging rates. If you are running an engine with a computer on it, keep a minimum of 1000 MCA. The proper way is to run a battery isollator or battery combiner. Some engines(larger Yamaha for sure) run an extra charging circuit. Its rarely used, but used properly, it will independently charge a second battery without it being in common with the primary
Run 4 battery’s , but don’t connect two of them as a dead battery will drain a good battery, only connect ur reserve battery’s in an emergency… that’s what I do…
“Running” batteries is one thing, maintaining them is altogether another - and IMO much more important. Most on board charging systems don’t charge trolling motor banks so you’re draining those accessory batteries if you run a trolling motor until you can reconnect to AC charging. There are charging systems available today that can discern between battery banks and determine which battery needs charge. Running bait wells and electronics can also drain batteries that some charge systems just can’t keep up with, and once a weak link is in your system, you are generally fighting a losing battle with typical chargers. As for mixing battery’s the advice above is spot on, and a weak or dead battery will suck the life out of most good batteries IF the charging system is not capable of isolating the weakest link. I have a 2 bank 24 volt system (4 batteries of the same type brand etc) and use a Stealth 1 Charging system. The Stealth 1 is capable of determining the weakest battery and sending charge to that battery, and it will not drain other batteries while doing this. This charger also charges the trolling batteries on the run so … is a DC on board system as well as an AC at home charger. There may well be other manufactures with this technology today and I’m not affiliated in any way with Stealth One, but if you look over the website and see who uses these systems you will understand they are well worth the money. http://www.stealth1charging.com/