Electrify me

[Ralph]

Have a 1984 MacGregor 22. Am replacing the engine with a new Nissan 9.9 hp 4 stroke engine with electric start and lighting (altenator) Will also buy new battery or batteries. Want to make this battery set up the source for all electric power in addiition to starting the engine as required. Will also run a VHF radio, depth finder, running lights and I expect to add a gew more gadgets requiring electricity.Essentially I am starting from scratch and want to do it right. Any and all ideas and suggestions will be appreciated.

 

[dan]

Two Batteries !

Hi Ralph.....Just finished a total remod on my 26X electrical. Here is a summary:1.(2)series 24/690MCA/82AHR Deep Cycle Batteries Panel. 4AWG wiring2.Blue Sea 9001 4 position switch(off-1-both-2)3.positive and negative buss bars 4.30A Breaker to main ATO fuse block with (2) 15A subfeeds.10AWG wiring5.(2) 6-position distribution panels with fuses 16AWG wiring to all accessories6.Use marine grade (tinned) wire and crimp  connectors with liquid electrical tape.7.Get a copy of "Boatowners Illustrated Handbook Of Wiring"-Charlie Wing 1993When motoring I use the "Both" position to charge both batteries. When sailing I switch toeither "1" or "2" (switch daily to use batteriesequally)Either battery will start the motor.Leave only bilge pump on when stored at slip.Now you will always have one battery for houseloads and one for starting. Use fishfinder voltmeter to check charging and storage capacity.happy wiring........dan

 

[Dave]

Get two

I suggest you get two bateries and get a battery combiner for them with three battery switches.(One for each battery and one as an emergency cross connect switch) Thuis set up makes sure you always have a starting battery that is not discharged.

 

[Ralph]

On my way

Thanks Dave and Dan for your advice.You settled some doubts I had. Now have two batteries and am doing the wiring as time allows.Thank again