I am a first time boat owner and I am having problem with my batteries--my outboard will turn over normally for a second or two and then wah-wah-wahs like it is not getting enough juice. How do I know which battery of the two is the problem. And what exactly would be the correct wiring for two batteries? Thanks
Batteries in series or parallel?
- Thread starter KB Gale
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parallel with a switch
To answer your question. If they are 12 volt batteries, they are wired in parallel. Check each battery separately with a multimeter that measures voltage. It's advisable to check the voltage while cranking the motor. Keep the batteries separated with a switch. They should also be wired to an isolator or combiner to keep the bad battery from draining the good one when the are hooked together. If not, you'll have to go another route, such as a portable charger or taking them home. Here's my set up: 2- 12 volt marine deep cycle batteries in plastic cases secured to the boat. $130 to $400. Battery switch 1-2-both-off. Designate one battery as "house"(or "hotel") and the other as "motor". Wiring the batteries directly to the switch makes them parallel. Cost $20-$30 Shorepower (110v) powered hardwired "smart" charger able to handle two batteries. 5amp per side minimum, 10amp is a faster recharge. Cost $100-150. Battery combiner..allows the motor to charge both batteries equally and also isolates one from the other so the weak one doesn't deplete the other. Cost $40-$80. Note: the smart charger can be left on all the time. It won't cook the batteries and it charges both, irrespective of how the switches are set. (btw, Don't switch through "off" while the motor is running.) West Marine catalogue has a complete advisory on this subject. Also, check sailnet.com for advisories and equipment prices.
To answer your question. If they are 12 volt batteries, they are wired in parallel. Check each battery separately with a multimeter that measures voltage. It's advisable to check the voltage while cranking the motor. Keep the batteries separated with a switch. They should also be wired to an isolator or combiner to keep the bad battery from draining the good one when the are hooked together. If not, you'll have to go another route, such as a portable charger or taking them home. Here's my set up: 2- 12 volt marine deep cycle batteries in plastic cases secured to the boat. $130 to $400. Battery switch 1-2-both-off. Designate one battery as "house"(or "hotel") and the other as "motor". Wiring the batteries directly to the switch makes them parallel. Cost $20-$30 Shorepower (110v) powered hardwired "smart" charger able to handle two batteries. 5amp per side minimum, 10amp is a faster recharge. Cost $100-150. Battery combiner..allows the motor to charge both batteries equally and also isolates one from the other so the weak one doesn't deplete the other. Cost $40-$80. Note: the smart charger can be left on all the time. It won't cook the batteries and it charges both, irrespective of how the switches are set. (btw, Don't switch through "off" while the motor is running.) West Marine catalogue has a complete advisory on this subject. Also, check sailnet.com for advisories and equipment prices.
Never in a series
If one was to wire them up in series you would have 24 volts .This would not be good for your system.In addition to following Joe's advice ,I would suggest picking up one of several books that deal with wiring on board.
If one was to wire them up in series you would have 24 volts .This would not be good for your system.In addition to following Joe's advice ,I would suggest picking up one of several books that deal with wiring on board.
Winterizing in Washington
KB - In my opinion, the best way to winterize your boat in the northwest for the winter is to use it. If you've lived here for any time, you know that it seldom freezes, or freezes for any extended length of time. The water temp will stay in the 50's, and even if it's freezing outside, your watertanks and other possible freeze sources inside ought to be (remember, this is my opinion) OK. We do get some rainfall, and it's wise to make sure your cockpit drains are clear, and stay clear through the season. Hopefully you don't have any - or you've controlled any - leaking hatches or stanchions. An AC operated dehumidifier can bring a little bit of warmth into the boat, and a small fan keeps that dry air circulating. Some of the best sailing around the area takes place during the fall and winter months. A crisp clear, day in December, with a nice breeze blowing is a whole lot of fun. Where do you keep your boat? Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
KB - In my opinion, the best way to winterize your boat in the northwest for the winter is to use it. If you've lived here for any time, you know that it seldom freezes, or freezes for any extended length of time. The water temp will stay in the 50's, and even if it's freezing outside, your watertanks and other possible freeze sources inside ought to be (remember, this is my opinion) OK. We do get some rainfall, and it's wise to make sure your cockpit drains are clear, and stay clear through the season. Hopefully you don't have any - or you've controlled any - leaking hatches or stanchions. An AC operated dehumidifier can bring a little bit of warmth into the boat, and a small fan keeps that dry air circulating. Some of the best sailing around the area takes place during the fall and winter months. A crisp clear, day in December, with a nice breeze blowing is a whole lot of fun. Where do you keep your boat? Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
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