Adding 2 stereo batteries
 

I currently have 2 batteries and 2 Perko (1-2-all) switches with twin motors, and would like to add 2 deep cycle batteries parallel to run my stereo. Any help on wiring schematic would be appreciated. I would like to be able to charge off the engines as well as my onboard charger which is a 3 bank 30 amp unit.

Thanks Steve

do you have a schematic on how it is wired now?

I will see if I can find something any help would be appreciated.

You could do it like I did mine. I have 2 Perko switches. I added a 3rd big deep cycle battery for the stereo.

I have mine wired so that #1 on each switch is connected to each engines primary starting battery. #2 on both switches is connected to the 3rd deep cycle battery. You could wire your 2 extra batteries together and run it the same way. I do not charge the deep cycle with both switches on #2 or both on ALL. Both of my stereo amps are wired directly to the 3rd deep cycle battery.

The way mine is wired, as long as I have 1 good battery, I can start both engines if both switches are set to ALL.

Make sure that if you drain your "stereo" battery down while at anchore you put your battery switch to the other battery to start and let the motors warm up on that other battery. Then swap over to both NOT 2. If you swap to 2 and run that way you put a much higher load on your alternator and it will burn up faster. That is why it is suggested when you do what you are talking about you use an isolator.

This is a great artical on batteries.

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...26tbs%3Disch:1

The fallowing diagram is probably what you have in your boat now.

Steve, just put more hp power in and then take me for a ride LOL.

Just had my 3rd battery wired this weekend. It is wired so that when I am coving I switch to battery battery side 1 (regular batter and stereo battery). I switch to both when starting and running. Prior to rewiring the stereo battery wasn't being charged by the alternator.

Looking for a diagram for adding two batteries. Currently boat has 2 batteries, isolator, and one switch and a single engine. Looking to add two batteries to the stereo side to make it 3 on stereo side one on starting side.

Assuming your switch is 1-2-off you could just wire them together with either battery 1 or 2, and use that switch position when sitting and using stereo etc. That would be easiest way. If your isolator and charging leads are wired without going through the battery switch you will still charge all batteries when running regardless of your switch position.

Switch reads "Off-ON-Combine"

This is what I have at the moment. I would think the switch would not need to be changed.
http://i803.photobucket.com/albums/y.../seaswitch.jpg

Ok, sorry thats a whole different animal. I am also running ACR's on mine but its a twin setup. All you need to do is add your extra batteries to the house battery, nothing else needed. Did you move your stereo/amp feeds over to the house battery already?

Yes, both amp are currenly running from one battery.

So is adding the third and fourth battery as simple as running a wire (proper gauge) from positive side of each battery to both the switch and ACR? And ground wires to grounding block in engine compartment. Or can I go from one positive of battery 3 to positive of battery 4 then split between switch and ACR?

No need to go back to the switch or ACR, from positive on current house battery run to positive on 1st new battery and then to positive on second new battery. Same with negatives or if it is closer you can run them to the grounding block. As long as all + are connected together and all - connected together you are good, no need to run seperate wires back to switch from additional batteries as long as you have a feed going there from one of them.

Gotcha, thanks...should be real simple then. I guess I was reading to much into this.