Adding Battery Banks

[Scott Bukolt]

I recently purchased a 1985 Hunter 34. While the existing batteries seemed to work, they were more than 3 years old, and I chose to replace them with new ones.Now, rather than dispose of them, I'm wondering how I might mount them and wire them as backups to the new ones. There is plenty of space on board, but I'm wondering if anyone has set up a four battery system, and how it should be wired.sb

 

[Michael McCann]

Batteries

Scott;Do you have a "off 1 both 2" switch? If so, one way to have them as backups is to wire your new batteries in parallel to side 1, and the old ones in parallel to side 2. You might also try reading Nigel Calder's book 'Boat Owner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual'. It is a very good reference to have on board (no boat should be without one).Michael

 

[Andy Howard]

2nd Battery Bank

Previous owner setup a second independent battery bank on my 34 that we use when anchoring out.Two group 31's under the port sette in front of the water tank with a standard perko 1,2,all,off switch mounted on the face of the compartment under the nav station with a Guest 10amp charger mounted beside it. Positive leads back to bus bar behind the circut panel. It's a simple and easy setup, the only downside is that you can't use it to start the engine and get only limited power from the alternator.

 

[Scott]

Andy - What battery type?

I have considered adding a third bank to our H34 next to the water tank. Did you specifically use Gels? My concern about adding 2 flooded batteries was with the gas emmitted.Scott83-H34-188 Island Hops

 

[Andy Howard]

Danger from Battery gas in the Cabin??

Scott, that's a good question and I honestly don't know the answer.The batteries in the compartment are the flooded type and so they do emit gas, in what qantity and if they are a danger I do not know. Any 12-volt doctors out there?

 

[Steve Dion]

Venting batteries.

Found a device that may be of some interest for someone wanting to add a flooded battery bank. It a vent for that specfic purpose and it's 12 volt.http://www.backwoodssolar.com/Catalogpages2/battery2.htm#VENT FAN