Dual batteries or jump box?

Jeff h

Member
Sep 17, 2017
39
Boat Info
2017 Sea Ray SPX 210
Engines
4.5 merc, Alpha drive
I know, I know, dual batteries are almost always better but this is in a new 2017 SPX. Can I just put in a Perko switch and a 2nd battery without having warranty issues with Sea Ray or would it be better to get a jump box for the next 5 years and then wire in a 2nd battery?

I already won the switch NIB that I bought for a previous boat, but I'm not interested in having warranty issues.
 
Why not ask the SR dealer you bought your boat from?

'cause it is 8:30 at night and they are closed. :cool: :D

Of course asking the dealer or Sea Ray directly will answer the warranty question but what about the jump box? Is this a common thing for new boat owners to use or does anyone that wants dual batteries just get them?
 
Can I just put in a Perko switch and a 2nd battery without having warranty issues with Sea Ray
Im a HUGE fan of dual bank setup, even more so then carrying a jump box. In a nut shell, you should be able to build a dual bank with a switch with no warranty issues. I do it all the time.

2nd, go with a Blue Sea Systems switch, not a Perko. Perko makes a cheap switch, Blue Sea is much better.

The issue with a single battery with a jump box back up is every time you run a battery down, its recovery state is a little less then before. Running one deep enough that it will not refire an engine, will kill it in a season or two if done on a regular basis. Further, a short trip back to the dock/ramp will not be enough to recharge the battery, further diminishing its static state of charge.

A dual bank setup can allow you to designate one bank as a house bank, leaving the other bank as the main cranking bank to re-fire the engine.

If you repeatably run house loads on the hook, go with a dual bank setup and consider a shore charger.
 
I would put in a second battery with a switch, if it is done properly I cannot see how it would affect your warranty. Even my little 185 has two batteries - I would not have a boat setup any other way.
 
Another vote for 2 batteries. I also added shore power with an inverter/charger. Plug it in once it gets on the lift and I’ve never had a problem. The problem with jump boxes is that I don’t think anyone maintains them well-oh sure you may for a while-but when your single main battery goes dead in a few years, my bet is the jump box will be junk as well.
 
What are your power needs going to be in the first place where a 2nd battery is needed?

Are you adding electronics that are going to be used when on the hook?

I would just wing it with having a jump box available (or tow boat coverage for jumps) to see if you even need to worry about your battery going flat.
 
the new lithium-ion jump packs are about the size of a large cell phone so they are very compact.....they can also be left plugged into 110VAC full time without fear of overcharging and they will not develop a 'charge memory' like old lead-acid batteries would....

I have been thinking getting one for the boat and leaving it charging on an outlet that is rarely used all the time....hopefully it would not be needed often but it would be a little piece of mind knowing it is there if needed....some models can also be used to charge cell phones and have a built in LED flashlight.....I would imagine they could also power 12VDC sound systems and a small power inverter to power things like 110VAC TV's.....

hummmmm....could be a good gift idea from the Admiral...

cliff
 
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the new lithium-ion jump packs are about the size of a large cell phone so they are very compact.....they can also be left plugged into 110VAC full time without fear of overcharging and they will not develop a 'charge memory' like old lead-acid batteries would....

I have been thinking getting one for the boat and leaving it charging on an outlet that is rarely used all the time....hopefully it would not be needed often but it would be a little piece of mind knowing it is there if needed....some models can also be used to charge cell phones and have a built in LED flashlight.....I would imagine they could also power 12VDC sound systems and a small power inverter to power things like 110VAC TV's.....

hummmmm....could be a good gift idea from the Admiral...

cliff
I've been looking at those too. However then I start thinking about 'hooverboard' fires with lithium ion.............
 
Installing a switch and second battery will NOT void your warranty. However, if the switch/wiring you install CAUSES an issue with another component (let's say "faulty" install, for example), then the warranty will not cover the failed component since it's not the component that actually failed.
 
Another issue with the jump box, I carry one in my Monaco, is often when you really run down a boat battery the Jbox is not enough to get the engine started.

MM
 
Another issue with the jump box, I carry one in my Monaco, is often when you really run down a boat battery the Jbox is not enough to get the engine started.

MM

you must have the wrong size or weak jump pack in this case....I have used jump packs on batteries that were completely dead in cold weather (thick engine oil) to start an engine....

cliff
 
I am not a fan of a second battery on a 21 foot boat. I have had batteries (Walmart car batteries) last in excess of 7 years. More wiring, more weight, additional complexity there is no payback. If anything keep it on a tender during the winter months, I never had. Truth be told a can of ether (starting fluid) is more effective than a battery. You have a new fuel injected engine, that baby will fire up instantly, well almost. Mercruiser cuts fuel to injectors when cranking to ensure excess fuel doesn't damage cat converters. I never bought into the deep cycle battery on a bow rider. It operates just like your car, its a starting battery, maybe you listen to the radio a little bit. If you aren't using a trolling motor, running a refrigerator, water pump, you don't need a deep cycle battery. Let the flames begin. Oh my last boat of 30 years never broke down on me once and I had a starter that aged and was only turning the engine over at 100 rpms vs 200 rpms as it should have. Old carburator engine that would vapor lock and require some cranking to fire. Again battery last in excess of 7 years with an average of 20 launches a year.
 
I'm quite happy with the second battery in my 21' boat. Used a Blue Sea ACR so it's rather brainless. I have two starting batteries hooked up. Maybe it's just a piece of mind thing. I was towed in once with a previous boat due to a dead battery. I prefer not to rely on someone else again. Oh yea, I also carry a Li On jump pack. It's like wearing two condoms.
 
I know, I know, dual batteries are almost always better but this is in a new 2017 SPX. Can I just put in a Perko switch and a 2nd battery without having warranty issues with Sea Ray or would it be better to get a jump box for the next 5 years and then wire in a 2nd battery?

I already won the switch NIB that I bought for a previous boat, but I'm not interested in having warranty issues.
 
Hi I'm in the market for a new 190 SPX, when I was speaking to the salesman about accessories I asked about adding a second battery and switch. He just gave me a story about "new boats not needing them" and changed story.
Is it true that SR would have warranty issues with adding a second battery? If so then a good jumper box would make sense for emergency backup.
 
The two answers are not mutually exclusive. You should have a dedicated starting bank and a dedicated house bank for the reasons previously mentioned. That said, IMO you should also carry an emergency jump pack which is effectively the modern equivalent of jumper cables.
 
Tom, read my answer above.

SeaRay205, the reason for a DC battery (and why it makes sense for many with bowriders) is for listening to music for hours upon end. Starting batteries are not meant for that. If you're not listening to music for long times, then it's not necessary. But that's why there are options - different strokes for different folks. The added bonus is piece of mind that you still have an extra battery to start the engine (although it's best not to use the DC battery on a regular basis to start the engine).
 
Hi I'm in the market for a new 190 SPX, when I was speaking to the salesman about accessories I asked about adding a second battery and switch. He just gave me a story about "new boats not needing them" and changed story.
Is it true that SR would have warranty issues with adding a second battery? If so then a good jumper box would make sense for emergency backup.
Age of the boat, as in "new boats" dont need them, is irrelevant to the need of a dual bank setup. If sea ray offers dual batteries as an option, then ask him why and watch the squirming begin. The need for a dual bank is more about how the boat is used. As noted earlier, im a huge fan of dual banks. I boat year round, try finding a tow between Oct and April. I boat a lot at night. Not waiting for dawn fishermen to get a tow or jump. A battery can take a crap at any time, id like to have that 2nd bank to fire and get back to the dock. Havent even gotten into what you power up while on the hook.

LOTS of new trailer sized boats offer dual banks and most dealers check off that box on the build sheets. For those that dont, we build a number of dual bank setups in a verity of configurations and amp hour capacity.
 
I skipped right over that comment about new boats not needing batteries. I agree with all of the above. That's, for sure, an odd comment for someone to make.
 

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