Battery terminal connectors, second battery install

[fiddlebick]

I recently posted my intentions to install a new stereo and 4 channel amp on another thread. That is going to happen, but to keep the cart behind the horse, so to speak, I realized I need that second battery installed with a perko switch before I do anything else. I will be making up cables, and I need to know where you guys get your connectors, fuse holders etc., and any tips for a quality install on my part. This will be a diy project so ideas and pics will help me a lot. Thanks and hang in there, spring is right around the corner...somewhere...

[curtiscapk]

Try here...

http://boatwiringstore.com/

[redbeard]

You might try here, its where I got all of my wiring for my rebuild. http://www.ezacdc.com/

[fiddlebick]

Thanks guys, I was supposed to be repainting all the baseboard trim, interior doors, window frames, etc today, but researching a battery switch install is far too important to put off any longer, heh? I was directed to a wonderful site, quickcable.com, and they have everything I need to make my own cables, as well as some good video on how to make your own cables. They also have the info that a novice needs to learn before starting. That is just what I needed, and I will be likely using them in the near future. I especially like their soldered lugs that are prefluxed and loaded with solder, all you have to do is insert the wire and apply the heat, with a tutorial video on the site to show you how. I am looking forward to this project. Here is a pic I hope of my current setup (how bout that pun! Current, get it?). My 2003 Bennington has only small cubby for the single battery...hard to drag the thing out. Once I do away with the pop up privacy hardware, I will add the second battery near the first, perko switch and my stereo amp as well. Its a strange looking way to provide a battery compartment, but I guess they were trying to maximize usable space elsewhere.

[fergusmj]

Ive seen a lot of people suggest http://www.genuinedealz.com as well.

[Rascal]

Ive seen a lot of people request http://www.genuinedealz.com as well.

FREE SHIPPING!

[babock]

Ive seen a lot of people request http://www.genuinedealz.com as well.

I use them as well.

[Bamby]

We have a manual battery switch on our boat but we're seriously considering changing it out for a Automatic Smart Battery Switch". It's a brainless on the captains part anyway, automatic battery selective switch that probably serve you well if it's in your budget. I especially like the part where it allows capacity or use of both batteries down to a safe start point before isolating the starting battery to insure that the motor will still start.

ASR Relay Script: http://www.ezacdc.com/Scripts/vsr-function.htm

[fiddlebick]

The voltage sensing relay setup looks good to me, but not an option for my finances right now..I am saving my additional pennies for a third toon...I hoped to get that this spring, but it got shelved for now.

[Drago]

I have the same changing room as you on our Bennington. I stuck the deep cycle battery at the far end of the changing room just behind where the porta potty resides. Ran the big-ass wire (think #2 or 4) up to the Perko switch that is mounted just to the right and high of the starting (original) battery location in the little alcove. Works out real nice and can still use the changing room for what it was designed for (privacy). While I was doing all that, I added a pair of high current cig lighter plugs just outside the changing room.

[babock]

This kit is less expensive than the one mentioned above.

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-Systems- ... +a+battery

Additional cost for the cabling also adds up.

[fiddlebick]

Drago, I will have to wait till I get home to view the pics you posted. The factory I work at filters some of the image hosting sites...I am doing away with the pop up privacy since we never use it, and the framework is annoying to deal with for me. Your location of the second battery is where I want mine too, less the porta potty. That is the only down side to my bennington, only one battery setup from the factory and a tiny compartment that is hard t access.

[Rascal]

This kit is less expensive than the one mentioned above.

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-Systems- ... +a+battery

Additional cost for the cabling also adds up.

Blue Seas ONLY $85 65 Amp is all you need on a outboard... http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-Systems- ... +a+battery

[fiddlebick]

My outboard is a 135 honda. Looking at the $85 kit on amazon, it says mini switch. You are saying that 65 amp is all I need for that size outboard? Just want to be sure before decide whether or not to go with it. I guess the word Mini scares me...

[fiddlebick]

Well, I answered my own question about my charging amps on the 135. After reading up on my engine specs, and the product details, I think I will go with the purchase. I can swing the cost of only 85 bucks. Now I have a marine start battery to crank with, but should I buy a deep cycle only, as the house battery, or a combination crank and deep cycle? Is there any criteria for what type of batteries can be used together if I needed to use the "combine batteries" feature?