Batteries how do i get more capacity

[Gina Marie]

I currently just rebuilt a 31 Rybo Runner. I have 1 battery each for each outboard. I plan on running 3 additional batteries to run bait wells(2), all instruments, salt water and fresh water wash downs, electric kite reels (2) and all lights. We fish all day and into the night and would like to have enough power to keep all equipment running. This calculation would be for a one day drain only recharge at night. hould I run them in parallel, series, or stand alone. And if parallel or series how do i charge them???

Thanks Gina Marie
45Sportfish

 

[Genesis]

Set up a house bank that is completely separate from the engine start batteries, with that bank a set of 12V batteries in parallel.

Use something like the Yandina combiner (two, one for each engine) to parallel-charge the house batteries off your engine alternators when the engines are running. This way your engine start batteries are protected from being flattened (very bad!) and yet you have the capacity you want for your house loads.

I'm assuming no genset but an AC charger that can be plugged in when you're docked.

The key to the setup is that you cannot wind up with a flat engine start battery. That's a must or eventually you will wind up stranded.

 

[madhatter1]

It's all about amp/hours capacity. If you are using batteries for extended use you need to figure out what you amp draw is X hours you need and give use the same rule as fuel. 66% for use and 33% for reserve. Then find what you need to be at 100% charge when leaving the dock. Each piece of electronics or pump motors will give a draw in their specs. Generally these are max/worst case so use them in calcs. If the draw is 10 amps and you need 48 hours then needed AH (amp hours) is 480. Needed is about 725AH so they still have power at the end of the day. Better/safer formula is to double the total AH.

 

[REBrueckner]

ditto to the above posts: use batteries of the same voltage as your outboard start batts and connect the new batteries in parallel....but not to your START batts.....plus to plus, and negative to negative....return a negative cable to your existing negative and connect whatever combiner(s) and or battery charger you use to a postive terminal....

Are you fishing with engines off or usually running?...if they have alternators and you usually run, you won't need much extra battery capacity, maybe none...if you sit idle w/o engines running, that's when you'll need some battery power.