Wiring is misrigged.

[YeahJohn]

I just bought an O'day 272. The electrical system works but seems to bypass switcher and pull from both batteries all the time. Fine at the dock, not fine for the weekend out. As of now this is the stuff I have. One dual purpose and one deep cycle battery. Perko switcher. 10 amp portable charger. The boat master panel will function at all times, no matter switcher position. The engine will start at all times. This leads me to believe the switcher is somehow being missed. It is hooked up, just apparently it's not correct. All I need to run is my 1986 Mariner 15hp outboard, lights, and vhf radio. I am thinking I run my outboard directly to dual purpose battery, hook the switcher up to dual purpose and deep cycle. Then tie that into my mater panel and charger? What are my options? Do I need to purchase anything I don't already have? Should I buy a new charger? Thanks.

John

[YeahJohn]

I was thinking something like this. But where do I place my charger in this chain and do I need a better charger, bus, or anything else I am missing? Thanks.

[mitiempo]

The diagram looks good. Does your charger have one output or two? If it has 2 go to each battery and ground. If only one attach the charger to house battery and ground. By leaving the switch on "both" they will both be charged.

[YeahJohn]

My current charger only has one output, would it be better to get one with two sense I run two different types of batteries? So if I connect my current charger to either battery one or two with the switch set to both that will charge both batteries? Where the multiple wires connect on the positive and negative sides do I need a bus? Also should I add a fuse or something. If I am going to spend time working on this I want it to function as good as possible. Thanks.

John

[mitiempo]

2v types of batteries? What types.

[YeahJohn]

One is a dual purpose and one is a deep cycle. Both normal low cost marine batteries from westmarine. Nothing fancy or expensive. Off the top of my head I can't tell you size. The dual purpose is normal size and the deep cycle is large.

[mitiempo]

If they are both flooded lead acid as opposed to gel or AGM they are the same type. Same charging voltages etc.

[szigi]

You may get a battery charge splitter diode, or a voltage sensitive relay to combine the batteries when charging. Best would be a two output charger, as the two types of batterie may behave differently during charging.

However, do check why the battery master swich is not operational, it is not a good idea of not being able to switch of the batteries, in case of trouble (short or worse, fire).

[YeahJohn]

The switch has just been left out of the loop over the years. It seems most connections have just been battery direct. On each battery there are multiple wires. I am going to simplify everything and hopefully get it all to function.