Do you ever wish you had a little more power on your pontoon? If you have power-hungry appliances on your pontoon, the answer is probably yes.
A standard starter motor on a pontoon boat just won’t do the trick. You need a boat dual battery setup. With that kind of battery system, you can run all your toys for as long as you like and still get the engine started at the end of the day.
To help you install a dual battery system on your pontoon, we’ve put together a quick guide. Read on to learn the essential things to keep in mind when adding a dual battery setup to your pontoon.
What Is a Dual Battery Setup and Why Do You Need One?
Your pontoon already has a starter battery to get your motor up and running. But an extra battery is important if you have a trolling motor, live well, or fridge on your boat.
The extra battery stops your starter motor from being drained. This means you’ll always have enough power to turn the engine over and get out on the water or return to the dock at the end of the day.
Things You Need in Your Boat Dual Battery Setup
If you want to set up a dual battery system yourself, you’ll need to pull together a variety of tools and equipment.
Your second battery should be a deep-cycle marine battery. These batteries can handle discharging and recharging over a long period of time without losing their power.
You’ll also need a battery switch, a battery box, and high-quality marine-grade battery or electric cables.
The switch is used so that you can move your power needs from the starter motor to the deep-cycle battery. Make sure the switch is for two batteries and not just a simple on-off switch.
Get a battery box to protect your battery from the elements and to keep people on the boat safe from the power source. A battery box with a tie-down will also keep the battery from moving around on the boat.
Choose the Right Location
The right location for your boat dual battery setup is crucial. Ventilation and temperature are two of the most important considerations to keep in mind. Your batteries must not get too hot or they will quickly deteriorate.
Keep your batteries close to the starter and alternator. The longer the cable attaching your batteries to those things the more power you will lose.
You will also need to consider whether your batteries are in a series vs parallel.
Remember These Safety Tips
Batteries contain a lot of energy. Remembering some basic safety tips will keep you safe around your dual battery setup.
- Always remove the positive cable when working on your batteries.
- Follow approved standards and guidelines from the American Boat and Yacht Council.
- Use low-resistance connectors in your setup.
- Use hex nuts or lockable nuts and lockable washers on your battery connections.
- Wear appropriate safety gear, such as glasses or goggles, and don’t have live heat sources close by when you work on your battery.
Get Your Boat Dual Battery Setup Right for the Best Performance on the Water
Adding a boat dual battery setup to your boat will improve your boat’s performance. You’ll always have the extra battery power you need.
Get the right kind of battery. Don’t forget a battery box and switch. Choose the right location for your battery.
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