Battery Switch - Yes/No

jonh · Newbie Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 10

I have had it happen and talked to others - if you don't use your boat for 4ish weeks don't be surprized that your battery does not have enough juice to start the engine. I was going to install a battery switch. Any reason not to.

Thanks

west coast boarder · Addict Joined: 09 Mar 2003 Posts: 558 City: Nor Cal

What is a battery switch?

ganzo93 · Newbie Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 6 City: Oklahoma City

I did. Got to the lake one day last summer, engine wouldn't turn over. Had to ask for a jump. This spring I installed a second battery and a switch. Just gives a little piece of mind. If you are not going to use your boat for several weeks, you can also use it to isolate the battery from anything that might be pulling a slow drain, such as a clock in a stereo or other electronics you have on board.

Just make sure you install it a close as you can to the battery(ies), or run extra heavy duty cable. You don't want a lot of loss between your battery and your starter.

MrBlean · Posted: Jun 17, 2003 4:52 am Post subject:

Must be a lot of standby eqt drawing current from your battery for it to go that flat in only 4 weeks. After all, it's only a car engine and would you expect your car not to start after 4 weeks?

Obvious questions are: Is the boat covered and if not, has it rained heavily meaning your auto-bilge pump has been running lots? Have you got anything else that's drawing current when the boat's standing?

If not, sounds like you need a new battery. Compared to most other parts you could need, they're really inexpensive.

Fishmaster · Posted: Jun 17, 2003 8:50 am Post subject:

I can't recommend one enough. I have always made that one of, if not the first thing I do to a boat is add a second battery and a "Guest Battery Switch". They are only about $25 at www.WestMarine.com (do a search for above term) and $70 or so for a second battery and hold down kit.

I've had enough days where I hit the lake and the battery was dead or cranked an amp for a few hours at a beach that killed the battery to find this cheap insurance.

Bill

Grouch · Posted: Jun 17, 2003 8:56 am Post subject:

Definatley install it. Smile

Sportster4Tec · Posted: Jun 17, 2003 10:26 am Post subject:

My boat came with a switch for the battery but i usually leave it one so that the clock and presets on the stereo dont reset everytime it gets annoying. As long as you dont have something on other than maybe a clock the battery shouldnt drain in only four weeks. Something must be running like your bilge pump or either you juts have an old battery that cant hold its charge.

Matt Beck · Newbie Joined: 21 Apr 2003 Posts: 23 City: Kenosha, WI

I purchased an isolator switch. Sounds good from what I hear. But, I can't get the thing to work. I called Stinger and he told me to find a "true ignition wire." I have it hooked up to the wire coming off of the iginition. I tested the wire to make sure it only came on when the key was on. The guy told me that the wire I use has to stay at 12 volts all the time even when I'm turning the motor over. Where can I find this wire.

Thanks,

Matt Rolling Eyes