Do I really need 2 batteries?

[DARice]

My SC17 came with two AGMs stuffed into the peak of the bow. Great for fore/aft weight distribution. It will likely be time to replace them next season. I have a Honda 90 and a Yamaha T9.9, each of which has a strong alternator. Anytime I'm running something with high current draw—drum winch, downriggers, etc—a motor is running. Also, I only use the boat for day trips.

I enjoy removing unnecessary things from the boat almost as much as adding accessories. It seems that I can save $ and weight by going to a single battery with a jumper box for back up.

Thoughts?

Dave

[Tj805]

In my opinion it's a good thing to have a back up battery and a small jump pack as well. For the 100 bucks every three years it is to replace, I think it's worthwhile.

[martin3]

I would never consider going offshore with only one battery.
On my SR19,  I run 3 AGMs.

2 for the house bank + 1 for start.
Major piece of mind.

[fishmeister]

My first season with my SH, I went camping along the shore of Baker Lake.  Our campsite was only accessible by boat.  No roads or trails in or out (it was SWEET).  Not really a busy time of year on the lake either.  Even on a lake, help was not exactly readily available.

Some dummy left the plotter on over-night  .  Initially, I panicked when I jumped in the boat and saw that display still on.  I ended up having enough of that battery left to still turn over the motor.  But, I could have turned the battery switch and had a fresh battery if it had been needed.  This "comfort" just cannot be replaced.

I insist on having two batteries.  You never know when you'll need "plan B".

Just my opinion.

[christianbrat]

        

[croaker stroker]

You will be glad for a second battery when you are out in the middle of the ocean and your battery goes "poof".

[headduck]

Maybe a jump pack or 2 instead... gotta have some back up at least for emergency start... sh!+ can go sideways so fast.

[Hydroman]

It's my opinion that a second battery is just important as having life jackets on board.

[Barnaclebob]

Personally I'd never go to 1 battery but I'll go against the crowd with some very important caveats.

If you only stick close enough to get to safety with your kicker and you are confident you can pull start it (have practiced), then I wouldn't call you suicidal for going to one battery plus a jumper pack.

[croaker stroker]

I have three. 

[disposable]

another member of the yes group. cheaper than tow service, cheaper than running aground, maybe even cheaper than being late for work and probably worth the cost to save you from a single argument with the ol ball-and-chain.

if you never turn off the your motor all day, and you never overnight, then it's probably irrelevant... but man-o-man... if you every have engine problem and need to run down a start battery, or if you ever turn off the motor and keep lights/pumps/electronics on, or whatever... I consider it mandatory.

[DARice]

Ok, I'm convinced; two it is.

Dave

[davidsea]

My SC17 came with two AGMs stuffed into the peak of the bow. Great for fore/aft weight distribution. It will likely be time to replace them next season. I have a Honda 90 and a Yamaha T9.9, each of which has a strong alternator. Anytime I'm running something with high current draw—drum winch, downriggers, etc—a motor is running. Also, I only use the boat for day trips.

I enjoy removing unnecessary things from the boat almost as much as adding accessories. It seems that I can save $ and weight by going to a single battery with a jumper box for back up.

Thoughts?

Dave

  Quality LiOn jump packs are a really good thing to have around and are great insurance for a discharged starting battery, but remember they aren't a substitute for a battery.  If you have a failed battery (rare, but it happens) a pack can't replace it, and if you have a failed alternator, won't run the motor for long, either.   I calculate that my 115 would run for about 3 hours on a fully-charged (GP27) house battery without charging input.
  My vote would be for a quartet: Start, House, jump pack, and hand-held VHF radio.

[Hunter]

My vote would be for a quartet: Start, House, jump pack, and hand-held VHF radio.

That's my set-up.....plus a cell-phone in a water-proof case, a Global Epirb, a Nautilus Lifeline......and Boat US Platinum Assist package.    Plus.... i have the FELL MOB system installed...AND...dive gear onboard in case I need to get into the water for any reason....AND... Two full emersion survival suits.      Lucky for me that the wife is always 100% onboard with me buying anything safety related equip.

And last but not least..... the overall "motto" of "BE PREPARED" is just imbedded into my DNA!!!   





   

[davidsea]

 

[Hunter]

PS.....  AI bought my survival suits from Davidsea!

But bottom line......  two batts minimum is a no brainer.   

[KEM KAI]

Are AGM's better than regular marine batteries?  I carry 3 batteries, one for motor and two for elec. reels, which only run when I hook up to a fish.  I only deep sea troll so hopefully I get to run them every trip, hah-hah.  That means I hooked up to a pelagic. Charge them every time I go out. I carry a long jumper cable in case the motor battery goes bad. Thinking of changing the reel batts soon so deciding between reg.deep cycle or AGM.

[DARice]

Relative to standard lead acid batteries, the only disadvantage of an AGM of which I'm aware is cost. AGMs have a lower discharge rate when not in use, last longer, and don't off gas (important when stored in small enclosed spaces, mine are in the cuddy), maintenance is keeping terminals clean, no water to check/add.

Dave