How do I charge two battery banks on my boat and still keep them separate?
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 5/25/2023 to
Batteries (Conventional)
The simplest way, if you can remember to do it, is to turn your battery switch to "BOTH" when charging, and turn it back to 1 or 2 when you are finished. This solution is unsatisfactory for those who sometimes forget and then end up with a flat battery from time to time.
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Comparing Battery Sizes for 12 volt batteries
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 3/16/2022 to
Batteries (Conventional)
This article compares the size of the most popular sizes of our Victron Smart Lithium Batteries with typical sizes of batteries commonly found in the US
ABYC Selection and Installation of Boat Batteries: The Good, Bad, and Ugly
Posted by Liam P. Kennedy on 6/19/2020 to
Batteries (Conventional)
ABYC Technical Instructor Ray Toth will talk all things batteries in this week's webinar.
How big a battery bank do I need?
Posted by Liam Kennedy on 1/18/2019 to
Batteries (Conventional)
For most people to answer to this is "as big as possible". Charlie Wing's book the "Boatowners Illustrated handbook of Wiring" has a very good explanation of how to calculate the capacity you need. The calculations start by working out what your daily load will be both at anchor and while underway.
How to install a simple shore power system on a small boat
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 10/19/2018 to
Batteries (Conventional)
This is a description of how to install an ABYC compliant shore power system for a small boat. The goal is to connect to a standard US 30 Amp 120 Volt dock pedestal
Charger Settings for AGM Batteries
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 10/19/2017 to
Battery Chargers
What are the recommended charge settings for AGM batteries. We looked it up for you.............
What happens when I have multiple charge sources charging a single battery bank
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 5/2/2017 to
Battery Chargers
What happens when I have multiple charge sources charging a single battery bank? I get this question asked almost every day. "I have a battery charger, an alternator, and solar panels charging the same battery. Does it get overcharged?" Here are some thoughts on the subject.....
How do you size a battery charger for a sailboat
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 4/3/2015 to
Battery Chargers
What are the factors that go in to deciding how big a battery charger to install on a sailboat?
Battery layout for twin engine boats
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 10/16/2014 to
Batteries (Conventional)
There are many ways to do a battery layout for multi-engine boats, here is one simple layout using remote switches. Help - my batteries are getting HOT!
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 1/24/2014 to
Battery Chargers
Help! My Batteries are getting hot! What should I do?
Peter Kennedy has been in business since 1991 designing, installing and servicing marine electrical systems. The purpose of this blog is to offer support to both professional installers and do-it-yourself boat owners who wish to undertake this work themselves.
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