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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Nebraska
    Posts
    742

    Default Dual Battery Installation

    How easy is it to install another battery. I always forget to turn on some switch and it runs it down. I know I need one of these http://www.overtons.com/modperl/prod...C&merchID=4006 and a battery, but is there another else. If anyone has pictures of what I need or how to do it that would be awesome.
    2016 Mojo
    2010 Moomba LSV-Sold

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Belton, Texas
    Posts
    2,607

    Default

    I bought my perko switch and battery an then took boat to local stereo shop and had them install it. Think tower speakers, along with second battery and perko labor was about 140.00. I know this don't answer your DIY question but the 140 was easier than getting a few more grey hairs


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Jason

    Go Hard or Go Home.......it's MOOMBA time!!

    2009 Moomba Mobius LSV

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Tallahassee, FL
    Posts
    14,071

    Default

    I think I found this one or one like it for about $35 by searching the net:

    http://www.amazon.com/Perko-8511DP-C.../dp/B001BOPBTY

    Easy to install yourself and comes with directions based on the set up you want. I put everything from the positive terminal on the switch so depending on which battery I'm running everything works. Others like to run a separate battery for the stereo. I just wanted a second battery in case I run dead so I can just switch over. I keep them both charged and ready but you never know.

    The biggest difficulty with the install is removing your battery cable connector from the end of the long cable that goes back to the starter. You have to remove the cable connector and install a ring connector so it will go on the terminal on the new switch. I found a part at Home Depot to do this job. Otherwise you have to crimp or solder (or both) the new connector on there. (BTW, there was a huge debate not long ago on what the best way to make this connection is.) Good luck! Oh yeah, I would go to the Perko site and see if you can get the .pdf of the directions. Might make it easier for you.
    My Mom said I'm not allowed to get wet!
    2008 LSV (sold)
    2000 Outback LS (sold)
    LLTR!!!!!!!!



  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Durham, NC
    Posts
    649

    Default

    It is pretty simple, it just requires the abilty to read directions and some patience. The additional wire needed is pretty expensive, but its worth it. Also, I would recommend the Blue Sea "Add-A-Battery" as it is a more hands off system. When the boat is off, the "house" and "starting" battery are isolated, so the stereo can run the "house" battery down to nothing, but it will not touch the "starting" battery, so the boat will start right up and go home. When the boat is running, the two batteries are combined so that they are both being charged by the alternator. There is no switch back and forth between batteried needed, the ACR does all the thinking.

    http://www.overtons.com/modperl/prod...C&merchID=4006

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Tallahassee, FL
    Posts
    14,071

    Default

    This is the one I installed:

    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...d_i=B001BOPBTY

    I was able to just twist the cable end right off the cable and add a ring connector attached with a compression end. The one I used looked a lot like this:

    http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...&storeId=10051
    My Mom said I'm not allowed to get wet!
    2008 LSV (sold)
    2000 Outback LS (sold)
    LLTR!!!!!!!!



  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Fort Worth, TX
    Posts
    1,049

    Default

    It might be worth it to get one with an alternator field disconnect (AFD) so that if someone turns the switch to off while the engine is running it doesn't damage your alternator. I just got the standard switch because it was out of the way and I knew no one was going to mess with it, but it's something you may want if you think someone might mess with it.
    -2012 Supra Launch 21V
    -2008 Mobius LSV

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Nebraska
    Posts
    742

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by kaneboats View Post
    I think I found this one or one like it for about $35 by searching the net:

    http://www.amazon.com/Perko-8511DP-C.../dp/B001BOPBTY

    Easy to install yourself and comes with directions based on the set up you want. I put everything from the positive terminal on the switch so depending on which battery I'm running everything works. Others like to run a separate battery for the stereo. I just wanted a second battery in case I run dead so I can just switch over. I keep them both charged and ready but you never know.

    The biggest difficulty with the install is removing your battery cable connector from the end of the long cable that goes back to the starter. You have to remove the cable connector and install a ring connector so it will go on the terminal on the new switch. I found a part at Home Depot to do this job. Otherwise you have to crimp or solder (or both) the new connector on there. (BTW, there was a huge debate not long ago on what the best way to make this connection is.) Good luck! Oh yeah, I would go to the Perko site and see if you can get the .pdf of the directions. Might make it easier for you.
    I don't need to run a stereo off of it. Basically I just want it like you said so when it runs down, because some idiot(me) forgot to turn off the blower switch. Do you have pics of your setup?
    2016 Mojo
    2010 Moomba LSV-Sold

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Snellville, GA & Lake Sinclair
    Posts
    8,419

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by kaneboats View Post
    BTW, there was a huge debate not long ago on what the best way to make this connection is.
    I think we decided that you had to use some plasma flux and jb weld covered in bubble gum, shrink wrap and a band-aid. There was something about using a hair dryer, too. Right?

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Posts
    2,522

    Default

    I use an Isolator, much easier than the perko switches...When the boat is running it charges both batteries, when off the batteries are isolated from each other, you run all your accessories, radio, pumps, etc,etc off the second battery the primary battery is only used for starting....

    http://www.amazon.com/Inboard-Batter.../dp/B002JQ9UL8
    Last edited by parrothd; 04-13-2012 at 11:02 AM.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Nebraska
    Posts
    742

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by parrothd View Post
    I use an Isolator, much easier than the perko switches...When the boat is running it charges both batteries, when off the batteries are isolated from each other, you run all your accessories, radio, pumps, etc,etc off the second battery the primary battery is only used for starting....

    http://www.amazon.com/Inboard-Batter.../dp/B002JQ9UL8
    Why is it easier? Do you have to switch anything on or off? If I leave a Perkins switch on will it run down my battery?
    2016 Mojo
    2010 Moomba LSV-Sold

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