215 dual battery

[Winerocks]

Hey Scarab people,
I’m looking to install a second battery in my 215 Impulse. I’ve read the threads on single engine installs, but can’t find anything for twin engines. I have the wiring part figured out, but not placement. I’m prepared to fabricate whatever I need to for the install. I’d prefer to keep it in the engine bay if possible.
any ideas or experience?
Thanks!

 

[jetboy]

Hi Winerocks! Can you post a couple of pictures of your engine bay? In my 195 I used the open area on the starboard side (opposite the main battery) screwed in a tray and mounted there- routing the cables around the back to the dual battery switch. I plan to do the same with my 255, but am just in search of a smaller deep cycle battery.

Let us see some pics and Im sure ideas will come flying!

 

[Winerocks]

I’ll post some pics either tomorrow or Friday. I’ve heard of people putting a second battery in the starboard side storage locker under the bench seat. I’d rather not eat up storage space if I can help it. It is by far the easiest solution...

 

[Winerocks]

Hi Winerocks! Can you post a couple of pictures of your engine bay? In my 195 I used the open area on the starboard side (opposite the main battery) screwed in a tray and mounted there- routing the cables around the back to the dual battery switch. I plan to do the same with my 255, but am just in search of a smaller deep cycle battery.

Let us see some pics and Im sure ideas will come flying!

I got on the boat today and took some pics of the engine bay. The last pic is the storage compartment on the starboard side.

 

[Dean P]

I don't have your boat but could you turn your existing battery 90° and place another along side it?

 

[Winerocks]

I don't have your boat but could you turn your existing battery 90° and place another along side it?

View attachment 119822

I considered that, but the battery switch and fuse box are there. I may be able to put one behind or “aft” as boat folks say, but would have to build and glass in a platform. Possibly a smaller battery. I’ll come up with a solution, I just need to pop open the back and pop a few beers.

 

[4x15mph]

Are you going to install an onboard charger and if so, don’t you want the 2 batteries in the same area?

 

[Dean P]

Are you going to install an onboard charger and if so, don’t you want the 2 batteries in the same area?

This is a good point. My batteries are on opposite sides. With my charger I had to modify the cable to add length to reach. Not a big deal and the charger works fine.

 

[Winerocks]

Are you going to install an onboard charger and if so, don’t you want the 2 batteries in the same area?

I’ve got a dual charger, but the cables are pretty long. I’d prefer if the batteries are close together though.

 

[jetboy]

Its hard to tell, but on the starboard side between the fuse cluster and 4" blower tubes, can you move anything around and get a 10" x 7" in there? or the space further aft behind the first battery?

 

[Winerocks]

Jetboy, Starboard side makes the most sense for weight distribution as well. Ductwork is not my specialty, but how hard can it be?