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Battery Charging Question

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BLEE
Deckhand

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USA
19 Posts

Initially Posted - 01/01/2007 : 18:46:22

I am about to update the electrical panel and other electronics on my 85 TR. I am also putting in two batteries and as a result will install a battery selector switch. My question has to do with charging system connections. I have a Yamaha 9.9 with alternator and a Guest 2611 dual output charger. The Guest 2611 manual suggests connecting one output directly to each battery (one output per battery independent of the other). Currently the Engine ALternator is connected directly to the battery positive and negative. In researching connections, several references are showing schematics hooking up the positive of the charger to the selector switch and not the battery. Does anyone have recommendations on this? Can I keep the alternator connected directly to one battery and hookup the second battery in parallel and then connect one output of the Guest charger to each battery independently? Please advise.

thanks
Bob Lee
Knotty Dream

Knotty Dream

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aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 01/01/2007 : 20:04:59

Bob,

I am in no way an expert in this area. I had my system installed by an electrician. There are others here who have a load of knowledge regarding marine electrics and will generally advise getting professional help as well.

In answer to your question, when my system was assembled the positive and ground wirers from the alternator went to the batt switch and from there to the batterys.

Good luck on your installation.

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Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 01/01/2007 : 22:11:21

<center>Charging System Tinkering</center>It seems to me there's been a shift in thinking over the past few years regarding the venerable [OFF/1/BOTH/2] battery selector rotary switch. I concur with the [url="http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/westadvisor/10001/-1/10001/creatingabatterysystem.htm"]West Marine Advisor[/url] and [url="http://www.yandina.com/combInfo.htm"]Yandina Ltd.[/url], there are other, likely better, ways to electrically configure multiple batteries.

Much depends upon intended pattern of use. Are you planning to use one battery to only crank an electric start motor, and the other to power all 12V items except the motor? Or are you planning to use both batteries for all 12V needs including cranking? Or do you even have an electric starter?

-- Leon Sisson

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3472 Posts

Response Posted - 01/02/2007 : 08:49:06

I installed my battery charger (which puts out 5 amps for each battery independently) with each positive lead hooked up directly to the positive terminal of each battery and then the common negative to the negative jumper that goes between the two battery negative terminals. It works fine that way.

I also have my outboard hooked up thru the battery switch. My 20 watt solar panel is hooked up with the negative terminal to the negative battery terminal (where the jumper cable between the two batteries is connected) and the positive lead connected to the positive lead that comes from the battery switch to the positive side of the switch panel. I connected it at the top of the switch panel onto the circuit breaker terminal - Easy to get to the connection.

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djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 01/02/2007 : 08:53:30

I use to be concerned about this, but found out the first time I could not start the engine because of a dead battary, the pull start method worked just as well. To the point though, my charger is hooked up to each battary and the engine charger is hooked up to the switch before the switch so even though the connection is at the switch, the switch function or position does not interfer with the charging. Cheers.

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BLEE
Deckhand

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USA
19 Posts

Response Posted - 01/02/2007 : 19:12:57

Thanks to all for your feedback. I do have an electric start 9.9 Yamaha 4 stroke which starts off the batteries. But my intent of adding the second battery is to extend my Amp hours for all the other electronic gadgets, not to isolate a starting and house battery. I will read the links you provided. Once again thanks for the words of wisdom

Bob Lee

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.