2 Batteries for 16' Angler

J

Jazzmanic

New member
Just when I thought I was all through with projects (for C-Dancer), I bought the 16' Angler from David and am now contemplating projects for the new (to me) boat.

Question: Since I'll be using the 16' primarily for fishing in the Central Sound, should I be thinking about adding another battery for the electronics and downriggers? In other words, have other fishing 16' owners added a 2nd battery or is one battery sufficient?
 
... add the second battery....I don't know why, but everytime we get a new small boat, that's the first thing Dotty asks for, no kidding.
 
Another option if you're going to put a kicker on, is to get one with a charging system to keep the battery topped up while trolling. Heck I only had one battery in my 22 for a year before I went to 2, and it was fine for fishing, but I was pretty good at keeping tabs on the voltage.

Sark
 
We installed a second battery for similar reasons - downrigger, electronics including planned for radar. I also installed one of these: http://www.ezacdc.com/Scripts/prodView. ... roduct=109 to manage the batteries and be sure to have sufficient charge left in the primary to start the outboard. It has a voltage sensitive relay that controls recharging from the outboard alternator. The primary battery is charged first and then the secondary, when the batteries are drawn down they are both used until a cut-off voltage is reached at which point the primary battery is cut out of the circuit. You can also - in case of emergency - connect both in series manually.

DD
 
I installed a second battery to run the electronics and an isolator to keep it from dischaging the starter battery if it goes down. Both batteries charge from the main motor which works well if you travel a decent distance to your fishing location. I found it didn't keep it charged when fishing on small lakes though. I installed the second deep cycle battery in the cuddy on the starboard side. It seems to balance the kicker weight on the port side and keeps weight out of the stern area which is a good thing.
 
I think two batteries run through a 3 way switch is the simplest way to go, and both batteries should be deep cycle. As far as I’m concerned a cranking battery has no place on a boat, there for cold weather cranking in a car or truck when you need that extra amperage. A deep cycle will give you more years of service and maintain a higher level of amperage much longer than a cranking battery; I wouldn’t leave port without two fully charged batteries.
 
Peter - I am in the "absolutely" camp on two batteries! When I disconnect the oil injection junk and get rid of the oil reservoir on Crabby Lou, I am going to put in a second battery. It just does not seem prudent to be out with a single battery running the risk of it not having sufficient charge to start your engine! am in the "absolutely" camp! When I disconnect the oil injection junk and get rid of the oil reservoir on Crabby Lou, I am going to put in a second battery. It just does not seem prudent to be out with a single battery running the risk of it not having sufficient charge to start your engine!

Also, when you have two batteries and a single main engine, you really need a VSR (voltage sensing relay) switch. This makes sure that your starting battery is fully charged first and then switches charging automatically to the house battery only when the starting battery is fully charged. How is C-Dancer set up?
 
Thanks guys for the replies. Yes, I pretty much made up my mind to add another battery. I will also be adding a VSR as well, the Blue Seas system that J&C described.

Pat, we have a two battery system on C-Dancer. I replaced the original batteries at the start of this past boating season so I do know the comfort of having 2 batteries.

Oh well, just another project to add to the list, plus more $$$ into the boat(s). Hey, no one told me it was twice the cost to own two boats!!! :teeth

Peter
 
Any feedback on moving the batteries up under the seats to help balance the boat? I know several people have done this. I wonder if there is a significant difference in how the boat planes. My 16 cruiser always feels stern heavy with it's 2 batteries.

Thanks,
Kevin
 
Pat Anderson":22k9014j said:
[
Also, when you have two batteries and a single main engine, you really need a VSR (voltage sensing relay) switch. This makes sure that your starting battery is fully charged first and then switches charging automatically to the house battery only when the starting battery is fully charged. How is C-Dancer set up?[/size]
Click to expand...

Agree, however..

A duel battery Perko switch will also allow you to maintain full charge on your starting battery; just switch over to your second battery when maximum voltage occurs with your starting battery. I usually make the switch about 30 to 60 minutes into a trip; just another less tech alternative.

Jay
 
I run 2 batteries with a simple isolator. Both are marine, one is a starting batt and the other is an electronics batt. I moved both under the seats to save space and make room for the 3 portable gas tanks and put them in plastic boxes in case of leaks. With all of the electronic goodies in our 16, I needed 2 batteries.
 
I put a house battery under the passenger seat on my cruiser. I keep it charged with a solar panel I mounted on the roof. It gives me piece of mind with two batteries and when I spend the night on it, I don't worry about using the cabin lights or a lamp. I have a little inverter that runs small regular appliances too (computer, dvd, lamp with small CF bulb). Highly recommended.
 
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