Batteries

[rlrmystic]

I'm getting closer to owning my H29.5. This boat has sat. A number of months . So I figure this group could help me. Currently the boat has one dead battery aboard. What is the recommended configuration? Thanks
Second question comes to mind if just one battery has anyone been through this and add a second?

 

[Fly_H23]

If it has just one battery you could replace it with a same size new one. If space allows install 2 batteries and parallel them for double storage capacity. Is that what you're asking?

 

[Andy1237]

If it has a 1/2/Both Battery Switch, and its been sitting some time, I would bite the bullet and buy two new batteries. There is room in the boat for two Group 27s which will give you plenty of power in most cases. Does it have refrigeration?

 

[Benny17441]

A second battery would be recommended as it would provide back up. It would also add storage capacity to help meet your needs. Your diesel engine can be easily started by a deep cycle battery so you may pair up two batteries of the same size and capacity. A couple of 12V group 27 would provide around 200 amps and perform well for coastal cruising. The batteries are connected in parallel to maintain the 12V output . Connect the pos (+) of battery #1 to the #1 poistion on the switch and the pos (+) of battery #2 to the #2 position. Then take a short lead and connect both neg (-) together. Use the same gauge wire as the boat may have going to starter and ground. Now remeber that the alternator will only charge the selected battery. If selecting "Both" on the switch you are in fact combining the two batteries into a larger one. You may charge both from the alternator but will loose the backup feature. Some sailors may use one battery at a time alternating their use every outing. The boat should have an inboard battery charger with output leads for at least two batteries in order to maintain both batteries charged when hooked up to shorepower.