What is the benefit of a Perko switch, over an Isolator?

[ian ashton]

Why does everyone seem to choose the Perko switch over an isolator? It seems like an isolater would be way easier, without having to screw with the switch position and all that. Is there a major benefit to the switch, other than the switch is cheaper?

[mmandley]

I think part of it is the fact the Isolator is harder to use with a Wall charging system at home. Not positive but i think thats is.

I was about to pull the trigger on this a few months ago. Now im on the fence as to what i want.

I dont like switching my Perko all the time but then again i understand it, im comfortable with it and it works lol.

[ian ashton]

I'm just lazy, I'd rather it be automatic. I never charge my battery manually (unless its out of the boat and on a trickle charger), so that wouldn't be an issue for me. I think I'm going with the isolator.

I also don't need a 'dead' switch, since I leave my boat in the water and need the bilge to work at all times. I've never had an issue with killing the battery either, so I think the isolator is the way to go, I just want to make sure there isn't some huge reason I'm missing.

[bradcraig78]

I have been told that one downside is that if you are on lake and isolator goes bad you will not realize until its too late and both batts run dead.

[Razzman]

I have been told that one downside is that if you are on lake and isolator goes bad you will not realize until its too late and both batts run dead.

Well i guess that could be the case but then i personally have never seen one go bad, or heard of it. I've had ISO or ACRs on every boat and wouldn't do otherwise. All it takes is for you to forget to switch just one time and you could potentially be stranded.

I too never worry about charging batts in the boat when not running, don't see the need nor do i want to have to mess with a Perko, just a pain in the rear. It might be that for the guys with overkill stereos and huge battery banks shorepower charging is neccessary to keep all that topped off. But then a high end alt like a Balmar would keep them up too, that is unless you spend more time playing your stereo than actually boating.

[viking]

I just installed the BlueSeas ACR as per Razzman's help (shoutout!)
Anyhow, for me that seemed the best way to go!

And what's the big deal with charging the batts with the isolator? Can't you just hook up the charger to one battery and the isolator will detect it and charge both at the same time??