BOAT BATTERY WIRING | HOW TO

[@charlesdiggs3500]

Dude... this is how a DIY video is supposed to be. No extra crap. No tangents. Straight to the point. Every single talking point covered. I just got a boat and now I have zero doubts on how I wanna wire it up. You rock man.

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Awesome! Thanks I really appreciate that! Thanks for watching and let me know if you have any questions..

[@charlesdiggs3500]

Ok. I'm in the planning phase of my boat project. Around me, there are mostly lakes that only allow electric motors. Before we go further, I'll explain what I'm dealing with. I was given a 16 ft bass boat by an old 1sg I served under in the Army. It's a 255 Sprint I believe. Well taken care of, but it needs A LOT of love to be at my standard. Now, getting back to my plan. Since most lakes are only really electric unless I venture a little further, which one day I probably will just to fire up the beast and cruise around. But for sake of my current situation, I only have 2 batteries in the boat. I just bought a 2 battery switch, and I figured I would run them in parallel. To maximize trolling. And by the off chance I fire up the big motor, I still have plenty of battery to troll afterwards. I do have a 2 bank battery charger on board. Does that sound sufficient? Or should I add one more battery? I also bought a nice fuse block to actually wire up individual circuits. For the fish finders, live well, radio (I'm adding), lights, and whatever else I feel squirrely about down the road. I feel like 2 is enough, but I'm not sure. How long can you troll around on 2 batteries? And is there a way I can wire in some sort of alert if I'm running too low on juice to get back to the dock? Thanks again.

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

You can get a battery gauge.. but I would run one battery just for the boat stuff fish finder and engine then the other 2 for the electric trolling motor.. if you have your fish finder on the same battery as a trolling motor you will get interference on the screen whenever the trolling motor is running..

[@charlesdiggs3500]

That's exactly what I was planning. Now on a gauge... what voltage is leaning towards a spent battery? 10.5 ish?

[@charlesdiggs3500]

One more question... I've been doing tons and tons of research on the best trolling motor batteries. Strictly for trolling, and I can't decide. In your years of experience, what are 2 great batteries batteries you can count on to be good batteries? I'd like 31 series. But would 2 27 series be sufficient?

[@peteshelby21]

Hands down best explained way of understanding battery switch , most all other videos make it sound confusing for OCD people like me. I tend to over think the simplest things. So thank you for People like me lol. Cheers

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

PISTOL2321 IV thank you very much! I tend to be pretty OCD myself..lol . So glad you found the video helpful.. let me know if you ever have any questions ,I’d be glad to help.. thanks for watching

[@peteshelby21]

Reel Life Fisherman So stupid question but just want to make sure. I don’t have troll set up yet but you talk about battery chargers/tenders. I can tell you are OCD as well. But those are mainly for when you park bot for periods of time you just plug in at home ? Or do you plug in after every use?

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Yes I do have OCD .. 😉 lol. To answer your question the battery tender type is to be plugged in after every use and you can leave it plugged in until you go out again.. the alternator charger works while on the water when you are running the main engine.. I used minn Kota for everything.. it is my personal preference.. let me know anytime if you have any questions.. thanks again

[@peteshelby21]

Reel Life Fisherman I’m pretty decently mechanical inclined engines and such. Understand well on engine charging. Just getting more picky as I’m redoing my checkmate and never really used a charger for RV or Marine use so just wasn’t sure if it is best to plug in after every use. And thanks man. I really apprised it and being in FL I know many marine shops and I am great with hot rods and such but lack in electric cal use. This battery switch Deal is more confusing then should be and I suppose you just do better. Now I have seen how others are saying the newer Battery Isolating Blue Sea switch is now the better way to go??? Whats your take on that? Oh happy new year by the way Dude. Cheers 🍻

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

So the alternator will always charge the crank battery in a normal set up of course.. the alternator charger I’m talking about is made by Minn Kota and uses the excess charge and boosts it to the electric trolling motor batteries.. they will get a charge while on the water and motor running now.. where normally they get none.. until you are home and plugged in..

[@aleisterpepper6976]

*I bought this model for my 14 ft Jon boat. **enjoyable.fishing** recommend love it!!! It pushes my boat with ease ( 2 men 220 each). I would highly recommend this to anyone.*

[@ciudadgilera]

You have the art of communicating your knowledge to others, no many can do that, thank you Sir you are a great Teacher.

[@michaelb2186]

Dude you answered every question I had about my system…you’re the whip!

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Awesome! Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting

[@snygar11111]

Excellent video. No excess talk. No b.s. Just a good instructiional video!!!!

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Thanks!! I’m glad you liked! Thanks for watching and commenting! Much appreciated!

[@HawaiiJetboat]

Aloha, This was a great visual tutorial using the Traditional Dual Battery Switch. If I had had the room on my boat (19' Bow Rider) I would have gone this direction. Having the switch out in the open is so convenient. I ended up using the Blue Seas Mini Add A Battery in the hold under a seat eliminating the need for manual switching and getting passengers/gear off the seat to get to the switch. Great video!

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Awesome glad you liked the video! That is a perfect way of adding a battery.. the isolator makes sure it’s always charged.. thanks for watching watching!

[@mikehall7699]

I am new to boating, and you made it very clear how to wire and setup. You covered every question I had with your video. It is logical and made 100% sense. Thank you so much!

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Thanks! Glad the video was helpful! I appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@ajjohnson3200]

Greet video, new to boating. Just bought my first used 1983 Cajun bass boat, it’s been sitting up for a few years, appears to be in great shape but there are wires running everywhere, an I know the batteries need to be replaced and wired, so this explains a lot to a new boat dummy. Just where you placed your batteries was informative. Thx, great video.

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Aj Johnson awesome glad to help! Be sure to check out some of my other install videos and trolling motor battery wiring videos.. and feel free to ask any questions.. I always try answer all the questions I get as soon as I can and to the best of my knowledge.. thanks for watching.. and congratulations on getting your boat! Tight lines

[@robertjackson7590]

I've seen some systems before but Holy Crap you could jump start the Space Shuttle with this rig.......Well done....

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Lol! Thanks man appreciate it! Thanks for watching the video..

[@halfaistos]

I love your video! Very informative! I have a question on wire/battery installation.. 1. what size/gauge wire between battery (24V) 2. How do you connect Alternator Charger to house battery and to 24V trolling battery? 3. Can be dual purpose battery group 31 used as trolling motor battery?. Thank you! Best regards. Casey

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

So you want to use 4ga. Wire for jumper battery to battery . And you would need to have a 3 bank alternator charger 1 bank to each trolling motor battery and one for the house battery.. then of course with any alternator charger it has a lead to go to the cranking battery.. that’s where it picks up the excess voltage. And with the duel purpose batteries.. I’m not a fan.. I feel like they just don’t do either thing very well.. get a cranking battery for cranking or a deep cycle for trolling motors or house batteries.. they are 2 differently made batteries for different applications.. so one isn’t really going to be able to both.. thanks for watching and commenting.. hopefully that helps and let me know if you have any questions.

[@steveg2509]

Just subscribed. Have watched your videos before, can't believe i didn't hit subscribe. Appreciate someone that knows what they are talking about.

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Awesome! Thanks for subscribing and watching the channel! I really appreciate it!

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

If you ever have any questions about anything don’t hesitate to ask..

[@nomad7412]

Thank you for explaining . I've always been confused from other videos, but you kept this simple as possible.

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Nomad awesome glad you found the video helpful! I appreciate the feedback.. I made another video about trolling motor wiring the other day and hope to have that one up soon.. thanks for watching.

[@bentonwright2935]

Hey man thank you as a new boat owner starting with a project this is extremely helpful I appreciate the knowledge.

[@MrHubbard738]

Great job helping us to get some understanding of what's going on . THANKS

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Thanks glad it helped! Thanks for watching!

[@AVALLET55]

Thank you. This was a great lesson for me and my boating partner. You explained it very well. Keep up the good work.

[@territodude]

Thanks, appreciate the clarity and info on the chargers, etc. Good videography as well!

[@timdare0831]

Very nice and interesting video. Nice set-up. I'm definitely working on mine like you explained. Thank you

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Thanks I’m glad you liked the video! I appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@danielramos7394]

Thanks that help a lot, it is a Center Console. I’ll try to fish the wire if I get stuck I’ll take it to the shop. Please keep making these informative video. 🎣tight lines

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Glad you're liking the videos! I will keep putting them out! I enjoy fishing and fishing boats and just talking to people about them both! Thanks for your comments! Let me know if you have any questions anytime.. tight lines!

[@19ADAM80]

Man I like that alternator charger idea 👍🏼

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

It helps to extend your day in the water.. it’s not a problem solver as far as never having to charge your batteries with shore power again.. but it helps you stay out longer.. thanks for watching the video and commenting!

[@mattwilson6669]

Great videos! I really like how you break it down and don't skip any steps assuming DIYers already know...I am adding a 24V trolling motor to my boat soon and thought I could wire it up to my existing batteries, but after watching this video it looks like I have to get 2 more 12V batteries and find somewhere to mount them in/on the boat. It's a 1999 Angler 204 for reference...thanks!!!

[@AJOutdoors1]

First time viewer, I am in the process of installing a mini add a battery system on my boat so this is interesting. I subscribed and will likely have some question for you as I jump into this project. Thanks for sharing.

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Thanks for subscribing! Just let me know if you have any questions.. I will get back to you as soon as I can ..

[@hassanalkandari2067]

This video is very helpful to the point. thank you sir for sharing your knowledge.

[@davidwhisnant2617]

Thanks for your time and effort you put into this.

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Thanks hope it was helpful.. thanks for watching and commenting

[@guyh.4553]

YAY!!! A PNW person that I can relate to! As another said, you CAN jumpstart the space shuttle w/your setup! Ha ha ha. But your setup is great for our area. Thank you very much for making this subject understandable. Great video, just subscribed, an may be PMing you via FB on a couple of items

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Awesome thanks for subscribing!! And welcome to the channel! Glad you liked the video and found it helpful.. I try to make everything as easy to understand as possible without missing any important information ..if you ever have any questions just ask anytime.. I always try to help the best I can.. thanks for watching! And tight lines!

[@luxorbill269]

...and in a Thunderjet no less! My Luxor OS is same color, great info. Thanks. Never thought of using front box as a battery box. Good to know.

[@BWOUTDOORS]

GREAT VIDEO GOOD TO KNOW.

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Thanks I’m glad you liked it! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@JustMike2791]

Very straight forward and informative. I learned something. Thank you for that. Liked and subbed.

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

TruckFump! Thanks I’m glad to hear that people find it informative! I really appreciate it.. and thanks for subbing! I just posted a trolling motor wiring updated version the other day.. check it out if you get a chance.. thanks for watching..

[@JustMike2791]

@@ReelLifeFisherman I'll be watching. I just started doing mobile marine work here in SW Florida. Been a welder for 30 years and I decided to try something that I love. Don't work too hard and I look forward to more videos. For me, the electrical end will be the most challenging. I'm good on the mechanical end.

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Awesome! I did the same.. loved fishing and having boats.. so after the construction company I was a foreman at went under.. i went through a bad time.. and decided to take a chance doing something I love doing.. and it as been great! Good luck with your mobile business and let me know if you have any questions.. I’ll be glad to help if I can..

[@JustMike2791]

@@ReelLifeFisherman Thanks! I wish you continued success

[@Odin31b]

So much information and ideas.

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Thanks for watching! Let me know if you have any questions about any of this stuff..

[@Odin31b]

@@ReelLifeFisherman Do you recommend gel batteries or is that overkill?

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Personally I’d say overkill.. and you have to make sure your battery charger is capable of charging them correctly.. not worth the price to me.. but they are nice! I would stick to lead acid or AGM till the price comes down a bit..

[@bigboomer454]

Got some ideas in my head! Thanks 😊

[@beierkeagan]

Simple and straight to the point

[@dangerbus6458]

Great clear and concise video. Thank you!

[@monieparker3254]

thank you for making this video will help me when I tackle mine.

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Thanks glad you liked the video! Thank you for watching and commenting! Let me know if you have any questions when the time comes..

[@dbh100769]

Thank you for sharing this video. I always tell people about the Alternator charger, I have one one my boat and they are amazing. It is a must for anyone who trolls. Fish on.

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

d hunter absolutely i always recommend them for guys that constant troll .. they make a huge difference! Thanks for watching and glad you liked the video.. im planing on making a in depth one soon..

[@denniserickson7607]

@@ReelLifeFisherman Will the same alternator charger work for lithium batteries? I have 2 - 12v lithium batteries in parallel for a trolling motor.

[@tracyratzlaff7421]

Perfectly explained - thanks

[@jamesrahn8339]

Very straightforward and we'll explained. Thank you

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Thanks! I’m glad it was helpful.. thanks for watching and commenting..

[@Hawaiibohntr]

Oh Dude..... I've been a carpenter for 52 years and buying a boat this May and I even understood the wiring process. Saving this for sure. The battery one and two was kinda blurry with the 3 way switch in the back but I'm sure when I see the back of the switch it'll make perfect sense. This is exactly what I wanted to find and this is the only video I've seen for battery system I wanted to do, One quick question, can I or should I have the running lights on the starter battery with kill switch for the trip back home so they will be bright and not be affected by house battery that maybe running at 30% power from all day activites? Thanks a million

[@bigboomer454]

Great explanation! Can follow you well.

[@jesus3901]

Thank you sharing your knowledge!

[@bradenbloodworth313]

really helped a lot there definitely wanna copy this set up with the two chargers and the mini Kota charger but my issue is the wire sizes I’m going to a 65hp with a trolly I want speakers and lights but from battery to ignition and to tilt it’s all kinda confusing. And I can’t find good chart that I can understand😂

[@shaun7156]

Very good video. I'm new to boats so I'm a little confused about wiring the batteries in series or parallel. What is the advantages of either and which situations would they be best suited for?

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

For trolling motor wiring.. series bumps up you output to 24 or 36v with 2 or 3 12v batteries.. in parallel you can run 2 12v batteries and keep the output at 12 v but it does double the amps.. some trolling motor are 12 v so running 2 batteries in parallel doubles your run time.. and some trolling motors are 24v or 36v and you have to wire them in series to get that.. hope that helps.. thanks for watching

[@shaun7156]

@@ReelLifeFisherman thank you

[@MILLBRY]

Excellent video! Thank you!

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Thanks glad you liked it! Thanks for watching

[@larrythompson5617]

Extremely informative. I just installed a dual bank alternator charger as you have by your steering wheel. The manual says to connect the PURPLE wire to an ignition source. My charger is near the boat motor so I was wondering what wire on the motor could I connect the Purple wire to without going to the ignition switch?

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Larry Thompson thanks I’m glad you liked the video! So each motor will be a little different.. but any circuit that is key on engine on power.. if you have a hr meters that circuit would work also.. solid purple is almost always key on ignition power.. check with a meter or test light that it comes on with the key and stays on while running.. then tap into it.. hopefully that helps.. let me know if you have any questions..

[@larrythompson5617]

@@ReelLifeFisherman Appreciate the help. Will give it a go...........

[@jimmiller4951]

Excellent information

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Thanks glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting..

[@jimmiller4951]

@@ReelLifeFisherman , Your most welcome. Have been building , designing , and repairing boats off and on for over 40 years and fishing for 60 years just always been weak at electrical so I'm always open for good information like you Sir present.Presently custom building a 1957 Lone Star ElDorado 18' totally set up for down rigger fishing and possibly living on if this country goes nuts ( it already has )spending my retired years with my dog and traveling the country fishing wherever the wind blows.

[@junbak4409]

thank you for the good explains😅😅

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Thanks! I’m glad you like it.. thanks for watching!

[@gilbertrobles9681]

Hello from Texas , new boat owner. Thanks for the vid. Very informative. Just subscribe keep up the vids partner. 👍🏽

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Thanks for subscribing! Glad you like the video and hope you like the channel! Feel free to ask me if you have any questions..

[@mrsensable]

Thanks for the how to vidio. What gage wire between batteries? Thanks Eric

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

I use 4 ga marine wire for connecting batteries.. thanks for watching.. and let me know if you have any questions..

[@christopherclayton1310]

Awesome Video 👍. I have inflatable boat that I only run a 12v 30lb trolling motor with a couple accessories; fish finder, lights and phone charger. I have two batteries and when one dies I disconnect one and reconnect to the other. I would like to extend my time using the parallel method. I understand that my volts remain the same but my amps are doubled. My question is will I run the risk of burning out my motor or accessories because my amps went from 60 to 120?

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Christopher Clayton I would only recommend connecting 2 of the exact same batteries in parallel.. same age and everything.. the amps do double but the volts stay the same.. I would only also recommend hooking your trolling motor up them with a proper rated circuit breaker.. and using a separate battery for any accessories .. or just continue doing what you have been.. thanks for watching and let me know if you have any questions..

[@p3teytran]

Thanks for sharing! Ive been binge watching a lot of your videos. Quick question,are the trolling motors connected to a battery switch?

[@tommyliu4683]

IMO the best boat electric channel! New sub here. Few questions.. Are you out of Sacramento? Are you available for phone consultation? I have an 18' and 14' CC that I want to set up a trolling motor. Ideally want the two to share the same trolling motor.

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Thanks man I really appreciate that! Thanks for subscribing!! I am out of the Sacramento area .. if you would rather message me on Facebook or Instagram I have both of them.. or we can email.. I’d rather not give my number over KZbin if you understand that.. but we can definitely chat about your set up.. I totally get that option and it would definitely work..

[@virgilblanton]

When I am not using my boat and it is on charge to the cranking battery will it switch to the house battery once the cracking battery is fully charged? As to keep both batteries charged with one charger. Great videos! Very much appreciated!

[@doolittlegeorge]

Added a Minn Kota plug so I can overnight charge all batteries plus a Minn Kota battery monitor so I can see if the motor when on is in fact charging the system up. Doesn't cost much extra but having the labor do that right is a very worthwhile expense as is the mounting plate with an on/off switch plus a fuse.

[@alfredgooddog2541]

Thank you!! Great job!! 👍

[@raydawson9825]

I was just curious I stumbled onto your video first off I must say very informative I enjoyed it I'm running a group 29 deep cycle battery as my crank battery and another 29 as my house battery should I think about changing to a different cranking battery or am I OK

[@danielramos7394]

Morning Jason Just purchase a Minnkota 2bank charger to install, so I have a 12v system I want it running parallel. So my question is when I connect the charger do I run it pos to neg on one battery which would charge both? Or do I have to connect ea battery to a bank on the charger while still running parallel.? I hope my question is clear?

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Daniel Ramos yes you need to run each bank to one battery.. positive and negative.. even when hooking in parallel.. it would work the other way.. but it is better and designed to be hooked up each bank to one battery..

[@danielramos7394]

Thanks

[@N2TU]

Did I miss the part where you mentioned the gauge wire for the battery to switch terminals?....anywhere I can find the correct gauge cables with end terminals installed....GREAT video!

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Sorry if i didn’t mention it but I use anchor marine 4ga wire .. I make my own .. the automotive ones don’t hold up on boats very well.. thanks for watching let me know if you have any questions

[@koh8550]

Thank you for the clear explanation of the setup. I currently already have 2 batteries in my searay 260DA. I thinking of adding a 3rd battery to act as a house battery. Can i just connect it in parallel to the existing 2nd battery and will the engine alternator be able to charge this 3rd battery when engine is runningor there maybe a need to change the alternator size to suit the need?

[@dangallant6224]

Great information! Thanks.

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching!

[@Ericktrivedipa]

Thank you, from Florida. Could you do another video on boat battery chargers?

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Absolutely the next time I install one I will go more in depth about them.. if you have any questions about them just let me know.. thanks for watching!

[@sethspooner8828]

@@ReelLifeFisherman On this same topic, I have the same 2 battery (12v) system as you described in detail at the beginning of this video. I also have a 2 bank charger. So I would simply connect the positive and negative leads from each bank to its own battery with no special wiring?

[@sethspooner8828]

Pretty sure I found the answer further down 😆. Each battery gets its own bank no matter what voltage your using it for.

[@justinrhoads93]

Thank you. When running 12v in parallel, can one be deep cycle and the other be a cranking batt?

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

No when wiring 2 batteries in parallel.. both should be the exact same battery.. type ,size, rating.. I would even recommend age and brand.. also in parallel the voltage stays the same but amperage doubles .. there are a few other things about parallel wiring also but let me know if you have any more questions.. thanks for watching and commenting..

[@kc_topdawg_fishing]

Great video! Thanks for sharing! Quick question. I have a 150 hp and a 9.9 kicker on my 22 Tracker Targa. How can I tell if my kicker motor is set up to charge my main battery when it's running while trolling?

[@keithmartin7098]

Thanks for the video. Very simple and well explained. Can you run 3 batteries on a 2 bank charging system? If so what is the wiring method?

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Keith Martin thank you! Glad you liked the video.. so you should only run one battery per bank.. every brand of battery charger recommends that.. if the batteries were hooked in parallel it would charge both.. but again it’s not recommended.. let me know if you have any questions anytime.. and thanks for watching!

[@nmfishdude200]

Reel Life Fisherman if you have two DC batteries In parallel with a MS for cranking hooked to a Blue Sea add a battery mini switch will the batteries and switch work properly? I also have the same question about an onboard noco two bank for this but you have just answered that. Or, are you saying if in parallel you can treat the two dc batteries as one bank... Great Channel! 👍🏻

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

NM FishDude hey thanks for watching the channel! I appreciate it! Hey before I try and answer your question can you tell me what the MS for cranking part means? Main start? Or something else .. master switch? Thanks people use many acronyms for different things.. thanks

[@nmfishdude200]

Reel Life Fisherman yes sorry. I basically have three batteries. Two deep cycle and one starter battery. I am going to install the blue sea add a battery mini 65a. I only have a 18’ bass buggy pontoon with a 12v trolling motor setup. I can run the normal two battery setup but because I have the extra deep cycle I was going to just run it in parallel. I was just wondering if I do this can I treat the system as if I had two batteries only. In the future I may take the third battery off and on if needed elsewhere.

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

NM FishDude so with the isolator on the parallel deep cycles I would be worried that it would over work and burn up the stator on the engine over time..it would be better to not have the isolator in your case and just run the switch.. and only use the combine position in a emergency.. and install a 3 bank charger to keep them all charged at home.. or run it on position 2 and use it as a house battery.. but then it’s robbing from your trolling time on the trolling motor.. hopefully that makes sense.. let me know if you have any questions.. thanks again for watching..

[@James-th8rx]

I’ve got a couple questions regarding a dual battery set up that i plan on installing within a few days. You seem very knowledgeable on the subject. Could i ask away lol?

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Yes thanks for watching.. ask away! lol I love to help out

[@James-th8rx]

@@ReelLifeFisherman I’ve got 90’s sea ray open bow with a single group 24 cranking battery. I’d like to add a second battery so when I’m stopped i can listen to some tunes and not worry about the cranking battery dying. Do you suggest a 1- 2 switch, on/off switch with an acr, or just a simple isolator?

[@AlaskanNomads]

Thank you for the awesome videos! One question on the crank battery and house battery... is there any reason I shouldn't be able to run a crank battery on one side, and TWO house batteries in parallel on the other side? Just thinking of extended battery life for auxiliary items (lights, chart plotter, stereo, etc).

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Thanks I’m glad you like the videos! So when you hook up two batteries in parallel.. it’s still 12v but the amperage doubles.. also the batteries have to be exactly the same.. size ,type,rating and age.. I would recommend just getting as big of a battery as you can fit.. I now have a group 31 deep cycle as my house battery and a group 27 cranking battery.. I never have any problems fishing all night in one spot with tons of lights and 2 graphs on.. hopefully that helps and let me know if you have any questions

[@jamesdebruhl7505]

Great video on battery explanations. Quick question - how would you go about adding a shutoff switch for minn kota Talons so they don't drain, and is it better to connect it to a starter battery if you already have plenty accessories running off the starter (Helix 10s, boat accessories, etc) or better to run off a 36volt trolling motor battery set up? Appreciate the input

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

You don’t want to run anything off the trolling motor batteries. The best thing to do is to always add a house battery set up with a isolator or automatic charging relay. That way all accessories will run off the house and just the engine will be on the cranking battery. But if you don’t have the room for another battery i would recommend getting a bigger cranking battery and hooking a bus Bus bar to the output side of the battery switch then hooking the talons to that . All you need in that situation is a on /off battery switch . Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks for watching

[@jamesdebruhl7505]

@@ReelLifeFisherman yes I don't have room for an extra battery and barely fit 4 due to my boat being a skeeter Solera 189 fish and ski that I am trying to convert for bass fishing. I do have the new powerpole charge system installed which charges on the run, so hopefully that will keep me running okay with the talons wired on the trolling motor battery. What is a bus bus bar?

[@vusikhanyile7537]

Thanks for your videos guys they help i want to try i got yamaha mountain bike i dont know what model and is for which year but i want it in a good condition

[@11SEXMACHINE]

Hello Jason, what's up from gulf coast Florida! I just came across your videos and appreciate the effort for making them. I have a 22ft Angler that I want to run some led strip lights for general lighting in the and around the boat but also for better marker lights. I was wondering if you know of or could recommend any brand led lights? I also have dual batteries with the same switch but was also wondering if I should tie them in parallel? Thanks again for the videos.

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Hey thanks for watching! So TH Marine makes really good led light kits.. there are many Unknown brands that make them too but TH Marine is the "brand name" ones.. and if you have the same battery switch and it has a "all" or "1&2" position the 2 batteries are in parallel in that position.. hopefully that helps you out.. let me know if you have any more questions.. thanks again for checking out my channel! Tight lines!

[@larrygrant6264]

Thanks for the video. I'm good on my 24v troller, but I think I need to help my starting battery that also runs all my other electronic equipment (graphs, ect..). Instead of putting in a switch if I add another battery, could I put 2 deep cycle (31) and run them parallel? Would they be ok for starting my Mercury Verado? Just thought 2 deep cycles would give be all day fishing and still plenty enough juice to start the big engine.

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Thanks glad you liked the video.. so sounds like you need a battery isolator.. your verado needs a AGM battery.. for the crank battery.. so what I would suggest is getting a battery isolator and this is how it would work .. you hook a battery wire coming off the alternator on the engine to the isolator input then you have one wire going form post one on the isolator to the crank and a battery wire from post 2 to the deep cycle house battery.. you hook all the engine battery wires including the clean power and power steering booster pump to the crank.. then you hook all the boat power wires to the deep cycle.. then you connect the grounds from both batteries with a jumper wire .. then the isolator will charge both batteries when the engine is running but both batteries are used independently from each other.. hopefully that makes sense... all battery wires and jumpers should be 4 or 6 gauge.. let me know if you have any questions.. it’s hard to explain typing it all out.. thanks for watching

[@larrygrant6264]

@@ReelLifeFisherman OK makes sense that if the batteries are parallel that starting the big engine would still draw them both down. I'm going to install MK 460 PC charger (not sure which one is the newest model 1834600 or 1824601), so not worried about recharging the batteries on the water. I think I'm following what you are saying on how to set it up, but wondering if I need to go that far or just installing the batteries separately then not worrying about the starter battery ever having other things draining it. Thanks

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Only thing is if your digital throttle and shift controls at the helm are hooked to the boat power and that goes dead.. you would be unable to start your boat as well .. even with a fully charged crank battery.. that’s why a isolator is a good idea or in my opinion I would do both a switch and isolator.. but I know you’re probably not wanting to mess with all that.. but that is how we set up most all the verados we do..

[@larrygrant6264]

@@ReelLifeFisherman last couple of questions. Does the 150 Verado need the AGM battery or just the bigger Verado's? When I bought it it had a standard flooded battery for the starter. When you talked switch it looks like you used a Blue Sea M series 6007 correct (trying to find them)? And I'm thinking that the isolator you are talking about is what you pointed at that was behind your starting battery (what brand and model)? Again thanks for all your help.

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

www.marinepartsexpress.com/Merc_Product_Bulletins/EN%2004%20Bulletin%20No.%202008-04R1.pdf

[@pedronrivera22]

Clearly explained and greatly appreciated! 👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Thanks I appreciate it! Thanks for watching and commenting

[@brianl9762]

Thank you for making this video easy to understand. I'm getting ready to put a 24v trolling motor on my Northriver and have watched your other video on the installation you did on Connected Fishing's boat. Do you recommend two separate on board chargers? One to charge the starting and deep cycle battery that I already at the rear of the boat, and a second on-board charger for the trolling motor batteries in the front storage area? Wondering if one four bank on-board charger is a better/or even possible way to go? Thank you.

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Brian Louie I have 2 -two banks it was better for my set up.. and saves you from running extension leads to the other end of your boat plus 4 bank chargers are expensive.. I just charge them separately or use a splitter to charge them both at the same time.. glad you liked the videos and they were helpful.. thanks for watching and let me know if you have any questions anytime.. tight lines!

[@brianl9762]

@@ReelLifeFisherman Thanks for the quick response and advice. Makes perfect sense.

[@TeamTnA44]

Yeah I was thinking the same. I charger for everything . You answered . Now is ot possible if im.not running a trolling motor yet to run other equipment like anchor, lights , etc. off the deep cycle battery . Thanks for your time

[@TeamTnA44]

Reason I'm asking is to save running lines to the back

[@ario1139]

Great Videos, I have question. Just purchase a 20 year old boat. should I replace all the batteries and cables and of course the wiring harness, the previous owner was a hardcore salt water fisher man.

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Not necessarily the batteries if they’re newer should still be good. But it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have new batteries. There wouldn’t be any need to replace the wiring unless it’s been corroded badly or chewed up by rodents. Thanks for watching and commenting glad you like the channel! Let me know if you have any questions.

[@drewwilson145]

Great info and thankyou.

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Glad you liked it.. and thank you for watching!

[@Zomboloids]

Great video man, are there two separate chargers? Like the trolling motor batteries have its own charger ?

[@westcoastreefer]

If I purchase a 4 bank minn kota precision on board charger but only use 3 of the banks for now, will that be ok? Thanks in advance...your videos are awesome!!!!

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Yes absolutely.. just will have a error on that unused bank.. and just to be safe I pull the fuses out.. even though the charger won’t charge that empty bank anyway.. thanks for watching the channel and commenting I appreciate it!

[@Nutintoitbut2doit]

I like the way you did the house battery's, is there a wiring diagram for that?

[@toddmims3805]

Enjoy your videos. Your hands on experience is priceless. Quick question I'm thinking abput instaling a minkota 2 bank alternator charger. I'm not sure what my alternator out put power is on the 1998 johsnson motor. I have a 12 volt house battery and a 24 volt trolling motor battery system. Do you have some helpful advice to pass on about alternator chagers.

[@1BigCountry143]

On your trolling motor wiring setup. What amp size fuse do you use on a 12v, 24v, 36v system? Or are they all the same? Thanks Jason great DIY videos!

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

So on a 12v I would recommend a 50amp and most 24 or 36 I would run a 60amp resettable circuit breaker . Let me know if you have any questions.. and thanks for watching the channel!

[@1BigCountry143]

@@ReelLifeFisherman Keep up the great videos. Your DIY videos are very informative 👍

[@boyce504]

When installing 12v batteries in parallel for a trolling motor, do you install the positive wire from the trolling motor to one of the two batteries and the negative wire to the negative terminal of the other battery. Or, connect both wires from the trolling more to just one of the batteries.

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

A. Scott you can do it either way as long and the 2 batteries are connected positive to positive and negative to negative.. but it is recommended to hook it to the positive on one and the negative on the other.. it’s supposed to help drain both batteries at the same time.. thanks for watching! And let me know if you have any other questions.. tight lines!

[@boyce504]

Thanks for the informative and fast response.

[@phatnguyen6834]

Thank you for your awesome video and well explanation 👍

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Thanks glad you liked it! Thanks for the comment!

[@themackguyverchannel7713]

On a 12 v parallel with two batteries should you go trolling motor to battery one positive and the trolling negative to the negative of battery two? I realize the pos to pos and neg to neg on both batteries.

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Yes , that way it drains the batteries exactly the same across both.. thanks for watching.

[@larrysmith233]

Hello, I’m new to boating and my son gave me his 16’ Tracker pro guide SC. I don’t fish for bass, I like trolling for Kokanee. I have a new Scotty 1106 electric downgigger. I have two batteries at this time one for the trolling motor and one for the main motor. I would like to add a third battery, space is problem. In the back there a plastic storage area with a drain. No sure if I can remove it. Eventually I want to have to Scotty’s downrigger’s. I believe I need to run both Downrigger’s off the main battery. If you have time help me figure this out by adding another battery and the best way to wire everything up. I would like to add a battery switch too. Thank you for you knowledge. Larry

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Yes you would run both downriggers off the cranking battery. I do believe I have added a second battery to one of those boats in the past.. but I can’t remember exactly how I did it.. I’ve moved out to Florida and we don’t see many of those out here like I did in Northern California.. you don’t really need the second battery but if you’re worried about running the battery dead then i would recommend a battery jump pack that you can pick up on line .. they are small and powerful and will save you in a emergency.. thanks for watching and commenting let me know if you have any questions.

[@chanceatsuccess9237]

Hey man was wondering if you could do a indepth video on how you ran the wiring through that thunderjet for the front mount minnkota? I see your center step box is cut out to fit them in there but was curious where your wiring is ran? Thanks

[@beaniril8870]

Nice video, very informative. I have a 21 ft walkaround with 225 hp yamaha. I'm thinking of putting the house and motor AGM batteries inside the cabin, about 14 ft from the transom, and run 2 positive and 1 negative wires ALL 2AWG and install all inside the cabin like the ACR, Switch, Circuit Breaker, Panel and Fuses, and Solar Power Charger. Do you think 2AWG is good enough? BTW, I'm not an electrician. Thanks

[@scby65]

If i have two batteries hooked in parallel do i hook one bank to each battery or one bank to one battery or do you suggest i disconnect the parallel connection before charging

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Great question. You want a bank per battery. They are smart chargers and they can tell the difference believe it or not.. if you want them both to get a proper charge, a bank per battery.

[@westcoastreefer]

In this video, are you still running the battery isolator for the crank and house battery?

[@gscapes1360]

Hey thanks for the videos I’m adding a battery to my boat soon and have a question I’m going to use the blue sea add a battery kit and was wondering where do I run my kicker/trolling motor power cables to? Do I run them to the same place my main engine cable go to or can I run them to the 2nd battery?

[@danielramos7394]

Hello Jason Just watch the battery video which was very informative. I just have little 16ft Scout, bought a trolling motor for it. It’s a 12v you mention to run parallel? My question is how hard is it to run the cable from the front to the back for the wiring? Is it easy or should I take it in to the shop? What do you recommend?

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Thanks for watching! Yes running 2 batteries in parallel will more than double your run time.. all you need to do is run a set of jummper wires positive to positive and negative to negative.. this makes 2 batteries one big 12v battery.. as far as running the wire it depends on how hard it is to fish it through the bilge or gunnel up to the bow. If it is a center console probably going up the middle of your boat would be best.. but all boats are different .. so hard to say without seeing it in person.. a shop would most likely charge you 4 to 6 hrs of labor.. the shop I work for is $110 a hr. Hope that helps.. feel free to ask me if I can be of any more help..

[@ricardogreen9523]

I have a 205 sports craft boat and do not know how to connect the batteries so I will like your assistance in implementing the correct way to connect the two batteries. I do like your video so I will try to get the same switches and do the connection your video is helpful thanks ,if you have and other suggestions I will be happy.

[@rebeccaneher1802]

Hey Jason, is it possible for you to show the setup on the fuse block? It seems somewhat confusing. Thanks for the videos!

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Yeah no problem at all.. I will make a part 2 and go over that part.. thanks for watching!

[@angelespino2513]

Jason, If I have 2 house batteries because of my sound system on the boat and wanted to bridge them, would I do it the traditional way? (Join + to + and - to - ?) I'm working on re-wiring on my boat (Thanks to your content) and this is the only question I have Thus far. I hope you can help.

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Yes you would hook it up parallel. Positive to positive and negative to negative. But have the load come off one battery positive and the other battery negative. That way it draws both batteries down equally. Hope that make sense. It’s still 12v that way. I’m not talking about wiring series 24v . Thanks for watching and commenting! Let me know if you have any questions.

[@normandare7635]

I have a Tracker 175 Pro V Guide WT and would like to install the blue sea add a battery kit. Can I still use the BassPro charger under my console or should I add another charger for the two batteries? Still confused....but your videos are damn good

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Thanks! I’m glad you like the videos! So you should always have a battery charger with one bank for each battery. So if you have 3 batteries you would need a 3 bank charger.. or you could just and a single bank charger and have a 2 bank and a single bank. Let me know if you have any questions thanks for watching the channel!

[@normandare7635]

@@ReelLifeFisherman Thank You

[@warrenmiller6365]

When I bought my boat it had one battery. It was for cranking and the electronics (horn, navigation lights, livewell etc.) I am adding two more batteries to run a 24 v trolling motor. My question is that once I add the two new batteries can I also switch all the electronics to them so I have the original battery for just cranking?

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Warren Miller so with that set up I wouldn’t run anything on the trolling motor batteries but you could use one of them to hook the switch to in a emergency or just carry a set of jumper cables.. I would use the same set up I have.. and have the trolling motor batteries just for the trolling motor..

[@warrenmiller6365]

@@ReelLifeFisherman Ok I may just carry the jumper cables just to always have a plan if I run it dead. Thanks again. Another great video.

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Yeah if you don’t have the room for 4 batteries I would just make sure you have a good cranking battery and keep jumper cables with you.. it’s the easiest way.. you can hook up a battery switch to one of the trolling motor batteries and only switch to that in an emergency.. we hook up bass boats that way..

[@johnslashinski957]

Basic...dumb question on my part...what gauge wire should be run to accessories...bilge, live well, navigational lights, gauges? 18 foot aluminum. Thank you!

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

I would run 12 or 14awg to pumps and 18awg for lights .. thanks for watching the video! And let me know if you have any questions anytime.. tight lines!

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Oh and I forgot to mention that 18 to 22ga wire is fine for gauges..

[@lostpharaoh6057]

Can i put the switch on battery 1 when starting the engine, then turn the switch to (both) in order to charge both batteries (deep cycle and crank)? Thanks

[@brycecain4661]

Are the two separate 2-bank battery chargers connected to one outlet (AC power port) above the battery switch? Is it as simple as adding an extender/splitter connecting the two power leads? The follow-up question being is it safe to charge two battery chargers off of one extension cord?

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Thanks for the great question.. you can just run them on a splitter with a medium or heavy duty extension cord .. but I typically will just leave the trolling motor batteries plugged in most of the time.. and maybe once or twice a month plug in the rear crank and house battery charger for a few days.. hope that answers your question.. and thanks for watching

[@alvaca88]

How would you wire in 36 volt trolling motor if you only have four batteries to work with? I was thinking of wiring 3 batteries to get 36 volts in series and then use one of those batteries for 12 volt battery one position, and the remaining battery for battery 2. Kind of a series parallel what are your thoughts?

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

carlos alvarez so great question! We wire up a lot of bass boats similar to how you describe.. so have one crank battery and 3 deep cycles .. wire position 1 on the switch to the crank battery and then hook just one of the trolling motor deep cycles up to position 2 .. that way you can switch to it if you need to.. thanks for watching.. let me know if you have any other questions

[@mariom3639]

Jason I’ve been thinking about connecting my main battery and my trolling battery in parallel, my question is will that charge up my trolling battery while running boat and what size cable would I need? I have 2016 Tracker Pro V16 WT

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Mario Moreno I wouldn’t hook it up that way because you could potentially drain both batteries and be dead on the water.. keep your crank battery separate and get another trolling motor battery and wire it parallel.. 2 batteries will fit into that bow compartment.. lol! You just have to be tricky and turn them inline with the boat.. i do it all the time that way..

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Hopefully that helps.. let me know if you have any questions.. thanks for watching

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Mario Moreno also if you want to put a charge to your trolling motor battery or batteries while you run your main motor.. look into getting a minn kota alternator charger.. i have one and it helps extend my day alot longer before my batteries die..

[@MrChrisco30]

Very understandable! Thank you for that... You made it make sense... I have a question because I've had so many different opinions but do I need to be worried about having the batteries close to my gas tank? By close I mean a foot or so.. Outboard.. Front open but all else enclosed Thanks!! 😁

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

As long as there is no spark from something arcing at the same time you had a fuel leak or vapor leak there wouldn’t be any problem.. but always make sure you have a good fire extinguisher handy .. but no batteries are almost always pretty close to fuel tanks and lines on a boat.. just make sure to always inspect and check for vapor smells.. thanks for watching glad you like the video

[@Wwarrens107836]

What kind of wire loom would you suggest for a pontoon boat just wondering if one's better than the other thinking the solid would keep a lot of water in with the wires

[@keithtaylor4668]

Hey I am putting 2 power poles on my bass boat I have a 36v trolling motor all groups 31 and then my cracking battery should put the pole pumps on the cranking battery and do I need a cut off switch ?? Thanks

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

It is good to run everything on a battery switch.. it will completely cut off the batteries so nothing is draining them when you’re not using it..

[@dustinhunter8027]

How do you recommend connecting 6 gauge duplex running to a 8 gauge trolling motor receptacle under a pontoon to keep it water proof?

[@ReelLifeFisherman]

Dustin Hunter heat shrink butt connectors and one larger pice of heat shrink over both.. or use regular butt connectors with a smaller pieces of heat shrink over each and one larger over both..