Battery Charger and Alternator wiring

[Stephen Ord]

Can anyone direct me to a website where I can get instructions on wiring a Guest Battery charger (when at dock) and the diesel alternator to two batteries? I can find drawings for one or the other but not both.I have a 1980 Hunter 30 with a Yanmar 2QM15.Thank you

 

[Steve]

I might have what you are looking for...

I made a schematic for doing what you might be trying for a three bank system. Drop me an E-mail with a little more detail, and I should be able to help you out. The problem is tieing both batteries together from the alternator for charging without draining them both when not charging. The Guest charger should already be set up for that.Stevesestyles@yahoo.com

 

[J. Tesoriero]

Wiring

I have the same boat and motor. The alternator is run through the master switch so that you can charge one or both batteries. I wire my battery charger directly to the batteries, with a red wire (fused) to each positive terminal and a single black wire to the common ground for both batteries. Neither the charger nor the alternator seem to mind if I start the engione with the charger still on.

 

[Rick Sylvester]

I guarantee you'll regret

wiring you single output alternator to your 1-2-both battery switch. One day you'll set your switch to "both" so you can charge both banks, then you'll forget to switch out your starting bank when you shut down and discharge everything. If you're anchored in a remote spot you're screwed. Don't ask me how I know this can happen.Spend a few bucks and get the West Marine battery combiner. Read the article in the catalogue. It even gives you a schematic.