Batteries

[Tom Joad]

On my newport 27(1974) there are 2 batteries. One is a cranking battery the other says cycle.

Currently the electric start motor as well all other electronics, lights are hooked up to the cyclebattery



The crank battery is sitting without attachment.

I do not know why the previous owner set this up this way....however all systems seem to work.

Does this matter or do I need to rearrange the specific electronics to specific batteries?


Thanks

TJ

 

[js_jakey]

On my newport 27(1974) there are 2 batteries. One is a cranking battery the other says cycle.

Currently the electric start motor as well all other electronics, lights are hooked up to the cyclebattery



The crank battery is sitting without attachment.

I do not know why the previous owner set this up this way....however all systems seem to work.

Does this matter or do I need to rearrange the specific electronics to specific batteries?


Thanks

TJ

TJ,

I don't quite understand what the "cycle" thing is all about, I'm guessing it's your house system. The general rule is to have 2 independent systems with some way to combine them. System 1 would be your house system which powers everything except the engine. System 2 is your dedicated engine start battery. There are several ways to link the 2 systems together remember this is a temporary link for emergency use only.

On a Newport 27 your electrical system should be quite simple but there are a few things to be aware of:
1.) If you have 2 batteries, a dual output alternator would be adviseable. Balmar makes a really nice system for this aplication.
2.) Your battery charger should also be a dual output. Check out Victron for this, they're more expensive than others but well worth the extra cash.
3.) Make sure your charging systems match both the battery type & amperage.

Jeff

 

[Ron20324]

I'm sure you mean "deep" cycle. And it sounds like you have an electric-start outboar? Perhaps the idle battery is not good, and just being used for ballast. It's at least good for a core charge!

 

[LloydB]

From what you describe the PO has possibly taken a simple approach to the issue of always having a fully charged battery at hand. With the DC electrical system powered off a single battery source then if the power needs recharge it can be done simply by connecting a charger that is separate from the boat system or even on shore. Meanwhile a fresh fully charged battery is available for immediate use when or whatever the need. More complex systems are available for more money and easier use.

 

[FourPoints]

Much cheaper than a dual output charger & alternator setup is to get an ACR or Echo charger, still keeps both batteries charged, but less to go wrong.

If you have an outboard, you always can pull start in the event you run flat dead, so just replace both with a new set of deep cycle batteries ran in parallel to give a larger bank, and you'll get more life out of everything (just make sure you keep them fully charged up when you're away from the boat, solar is the simplest way to ensure they are always topped off since it requires nothing from you to remember, and worked both at the dock and away)