Perko Switch or Battery Isolator

[jrich23]

I am a little confused. What are the pros and cons of each? I want to run two batteries, but what is the better route. Here are the items I am looking at
http://www.hifisoundconnection.com/S...id/0/SFV/30046
or
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...7&classNum=297

Thanks for any input. [/url]

[zabooda]

Here is one more to look at. RVs have dual battery charging systems so RV places have some systems in stock. From previous posts, if your electrical/electronic savvy then relays and switches will work at a fraction of the cost of an electronic isolator but they require switching based on activities your doing. Some people are confused when to change switch positions and the electronic isolators do all that so there is no action by the driver.


http://www.campingworld.com/browse/p...=1869&src=SRQB

[moomba_armada]

Hi

Well, I´m also very interested about the dual battery installation.In fact I ordered and payed for it on my new Outback V, but item was forgotten to install.I thought it wouldn´t be a problem to wait for it to be send from SC, but it is possible I will have to wait too long cause of the distance...
Since I run in open water, I´m worried about my only battery gets discharged and find myself with no possibility of restarting the engine on the sea.
I have another battery on board , but is a new one into a closed box and ,of course, it is not being recharged by the alternator...I am not sure if a battery is safe in a closed box either...maybe it needs some breathing cause of the acid vapours?Or vapours only are produced when the battery is connected and working...I¨m not an expert about electrical themes.
What I´d like to know is how to hook a new battery to the electrical system exactly how the manual says, there is a wiring diagram on the owners manual, I know...but ,if I buy a new dual battery switch, will this have that option that the alternator charge the starting battery first and once this one is charged will continue to charge the second battery?I have the boat at the local dock and can´t see if the battery gauge has that light that flash when the first battery is full.
Sorry to bore you lot with this, if anyone knows how could i solve this problem in the same way owners manual says, please let me know.
Maybe I can find the same switch here in Spain, but do I need anything else,like that Voltage Sensitive relay manual talks about,where is this relay located or how I can install it, is it placed in the switch?What is that "Buss bar" on the owners diagramn...Lack of technical english here..as you can see

Thanks a lot to any tip.

[jrich23]

Thanks for the help. I think that because my wife takes the boat sometimes the isolater is the better way to go... No switching might be a good idea.

[moomba_armada]

But don´t isolators generate heat?least on my Outback V, batteries are just over the gas tank
Can anyone post a wiring diagramn for the dual battery system with an isolator or the switch with the voltage sensitive relay hooked, just to see where are they placed.

[zabooda]

There are some pictures on this website of the isolator installed on a boat (the author calls it a Bayliner).

http://www.hellroaring.com/marine.htm

[moomba_armada]

Hi and thanks, Zabooda..I was thinkng about isolator and switch combined so I can disconnect all when I leave the boat overnight, only bilge pump would remain on automatic...is that possible?
Now have to rest my eyes...my head turns cause of hundreds of diagramns I just studied from the internet last hour...too many possibilities...


Oops..answer was on that site also...

http://www.hellroaring.com/4way.htm