Install Dual Battery?

[dkt04]

Boat: 2001 Tige 21i

Has anyone installed a dual battery in their 21i so you can use 1 for startups/runs and the other for radio when chillin? Hard? Costly if taken in to get it done? I saw the part only costs around $25-50 but that is me not knowing much about the dual switch.

Any info helps!! THANKS!!

**First Year Tige Owner**

[dogbert]

I did my 21v 3 years ago. You'll spend more money on extra battery cables. I'd measure what you need and have them made, but you can always make them yourself. You want to run most all of the things currently on your positive post to the center post on the battery switch. Then you need to run a cable from each positive positive terminal on the battery to each of the posts on the switch. Then, the last cable you'll need is a ground cable from your 1st battery to your second battery (connecting the negative terminals to each other).

[chpthril]

Here's a small write-up I did when I added a 2nd deep-cycle to mine.

http://www.tigeowners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3985

Let us know if you have any specific questions. The Perko is an easy/cheap way to separate the batteries, but I would recommend spending the $120 and install an Isolator. It's not in my punch list as my boat already had the EIDB dual batts from the factory.

[samw]

I would also like to get this done. Chpthril what is the isolator??
Thanks
Sam

[chpthril]

I would also like to get this done. Chpthril what is the isolator??
Thanks
Sam

Lazy man's Perko They make 2 basic types: a Diode and a Solenoid. It connects the 2 battery banks via the Alternator output wire so both banks get charged by the Alt when the engine is running, but will not let current flow from one to the other. This keeps your "starting" battery fresh and lets the stereo run down the "house" battery, like when playing tunes while beached or anchored.

[samw]

So if I understand if you use a isolator you don't need a perk switch?? I have two perk switchs I was given so I will use one of those.

[chpthril]

So if I understand if you use a isolator you don't need a perk switch?? I have two perk switchs I was given so I will use one of those.

Yes..............and, no I would still Wire in a 1/BOTH/2/OFF Perko for 1 reason. It will allow you to switch over to the "house" battery to start the engine, if for some reason the "starting" battery every took a dump. My 06 came with the EIDB dual batts and a simple ON/OFF switch that did nothing more then disconnect the starter from the "starting" battery, kinda like a redneck anti-theft. I removed it and put in a Perko switch.

Bottom line, you dont need the switch to keep the stereo from running down the "starting" battery, the Iso will do this.

[shiskowd]

chpthril - you're the authority on all things battery related...! Need some guidance...

My 05 22V has two batteries (in the same compartment) and the 1/BOTH/2/OFF Perko switch that manages which battery is used. Both batteries are deep cycle (not starting type). There is no battery isolator.

It would appear from some related posts that the newer Tige's have the isolator, a starting battery and a deep cycle battery - is this correct?

I'd like to install a starting battery in the opposite storage area (I believe there is enough room). I would re-wire the Perko switch to manage which battery source would go to the starter (either starter battery or the pair of deep cycles). I'd also install an isolator to charge both battery sets.

Question - I'm assuming you wired the two deep cycles to boats common distribution lugs to run all the accessories (stereo, lights). Do you have a switch to isolate these loads when the boat isn't in use? Also, is there any other loads you place on the starting battery other than the starter (trim, bilge, engine management)? What loads does Tige place on each battery in the new setups?

Thanks!

[CP3]

Mike buttsnbourbon is this what I need. cheapest one I found so far and good for up to 160 amps

[chpthril]

chpthril - you're the authority on all things battery related...! Need some guidance...

My 05 22V has two batteries (in the same compartment) and the 1/BOTH/2/OFF Perko switch that manages which battery is used. Both batteries are deep cycle (not starting type). There is no battery isolator.

It would appear from some related posts that the newer Tige's have the isolator, a starting battery and a deep cycle battery - is this correct?

I think so, CP3's 05 22V is just like yours and he is adding an Iso like you. My 06 came with a Deep and a Starting, an Isolator, and a simple ON/OFF switch between the Starting battery and the starter. I added a 2nd Deep (see diagram here) http://www.tigeowners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3985

I'd like to install a starting battery in the opposite storage area (I believe there is enough room). I would re-wire the Perko switch to manage which battery source would go to the starter (either starter battery or the pair of deep cycles). I'd also install an isolator to charge both battery sets.

Question - I'm assuming you wired the two deep cycles to boats common distribution lugs to run all the accessories (stereo, lights). Do you have a switch to isolate these loads when the boat isn't in use? Also, is there any other loads you place on the starting battery other than the starter (trim, bilge, engine management)? What loads does Tige place on each battery in the new setups?

Thanks!

You should have plenty of room over there for a battery, but can I suggest moving one of the Deep cycles, and putting the new starting battery in the deeps original spot. The reason being, the cable running to the starter is already in that area, other wise, you would need to run a new 0ga $$$$ power and ground from the new starter battery in the starboard storage area to the starter and engine block.

My 06 already had the EIDB (dual batteries) so my system were already separated. All I had to do was add a 2nd deep cycle. Yours will be more in depth, but too bad.

Adding an Electronic Isolator will isolate the loads. It will allow both banks to be charged by the Alt while engine running, but not let the accessories run down the Starting Battery when the engine is off. An Iso is nothing more then a lazy man's Perko.

I do know that on my deep cycles I have: stereo, nav lights, blower, bilge, ballast, cabin lights.

Starting: engine system.

No matter where you place the batteries, switch, and Iso, that diagram is the way to wire it.

[chpthril]

Mike buttsnbourbon is this what I need. cheapest one I found so far and good for up to 160 amps

Link?

[CP3]

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/P...000926/c-10101

sorry HAHA

[CP3]

and if It says 160 amps can I run that with my current alt so if I want to upgrade later I can? or do I have to go with the 90 bc of the 90 amp alt?

[chpthril]

and if It says 160 amps can I run that with my current alt so if I want to upgrade later I can? or do I have to go with the 90 bc of the 90 amp alt?

That's the max amperage you can safely fun through it. So if you were going to upgrade the alt at some time, you would not have to replace this by going with the 160amp now.

[CP3]

ok thats what I thought but wasnt sure because the way they are label. is that a good price? one of the better prices I have found that the web site is lagit