Battery Switches

[gfueston]

OK... I just bought a 96 Sundancer 300 and I love it. However, I'm not sure what the Battery Switches do.

It has twin engines with 3 batteries if that plays into this.

I have once switch that I understand. It has 4 positions. All, 1, 2 or Off. However, there is a completely separate switch that has just On and Off.

Can anybody help me out? I'd also be interested to know how to figure out which setting on the first switch is my starting battery vs house batteries.

Thanks...

 

[Dave S]

Someone with first hand knowledge will probably chime in here and tell you more than I can.

But in looking at the pdf copy of your owners manual I downloaded from Sea Ray's web site, it looks like one switch controls the single battery to start one engine while the other switch (with the multiple batteries) starts the other engine and also controls the house battery. Which ever position you are switched to on that switch becomes the house battery as well. You will probably have to look at the batteries themselves to see if they are deep cycle or starting batteries. If they are all deep cycle then any of them will work as a house battery. There is also an emergency start switch which will momentarily allow you to connect all three batteries together in the event one engine won't start due to a discharged battery.

 

[boatmailster]

Someone with first hand knowledge will probably chime in here and tell you more than I can.

But in looking at the pdf copy of your owners manual I downloaded from Sea Ray's web site, it looks like one switch controls the single battery to start one engine while the other switch (with the multiple batteries) starts the other engine and also controls the house battery. Which ever position you are switched to on that switch becomes the house battery as well. You will probably have to look at the batteries themselves to see if they are deep cycle or starting batteries. If they are all deep cycle then any of them will work as a house battery. There is also an emergency start switch which will momentarily allow you to connect all three batteries together in the event one engine won't start due to a discharged battery.

yes
you are right
each swith - separate motor
the dual one motor + house

 

[300 da]

gfueston,

The above answers are correct. I have a good understanding of the batteries. I have installed a Blue Seas multimeter to see the amp draw at all times and the voltage of each bank at any time from the cabin. Sometimes I will stay anchored in 1 spot for several days at a time. Battery management is a big issue for me.

I have a 1995 300 Sundancer which is very similar to yours. If you have any other questions I would be happy to try to help answer them. You can email me at jfrank633@comcast.net.

 

[estebanj]

To add to this thread...

* Never move the switch to OFF with the engine running. It may damage the alternator.

* The 110v battery charger will charge all batteries regardless of battery switch position.

* The engine alternator will charge the batteries according to what position the switch is in. So if the dual battery switch is on 1, batt 2 will not get charged while underway. This is OK behavior, but important to know.

Esteban