2003 Ls2000 battery advise

[Fernando Parada]

Hi, I am a new 2003 LS2000 owner, I've been reading a lot threats but can not find answer to my specific issue.

I am looking to add a second battery, I decided to purchase the Blue Sea Systems Add-A-Battery Kit (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BFVHDNA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
currently I have a Starting battery 650, my stupid questions are as follow:

1. what type of battery I should buy for the second battery (deep cycle, dual, starting)
2. should I buy a fuse box or busbar or both
3. should I install it one or port and other strbd or both together
4. if I install both together am I going to have issue with the weight on one side?

Thanks for all your help

 

[addisonm06]

Hi Fernando!!

For me personally, and your desires my be different, i wanted to isolate the starting and housing batteries to be completely separate (unless the switch is in "combine" need be). Meaning that all House items are only drawing from the House Battery, and Starting was solely for Starting. For this reason, my first battery, which was left in its orginal location on the port side of the boat, was a starting battery. The other battery i placed in a battery tray on the starboard side of the engine compartment. There is nothing there from the factory and that was a great place to put my battery and boat amplifier. This battery was going to be my house battery so i used a deep cycle marine battery.

2. For the power cables i used a common busbar. Its is significantly easier to use a bus bar that to try and clutter the +/- posts of the battery. Also it is significantly easier for winter storage to remove the batteries to only have to disconnect a few cables. My intention this year was to purchase a Blue Sea Marine Fuse Block with Cover for all the items on the "House" Battery; however, i sold the boat early this season so i did not get that far.

3. I would separate the batteries. One on port one on starboard. Its easier to have the extra room if you need to remove the batteries and easier to wire them up.

4. I dont see there being a weight issue as they are not heavy enough to cause a problem, but i personally installed them on separate sides.

I can attest that trickle charging the batteries when not in use or during the winter season does work! I tested my 8 year old batteries this year at auto zone prior to first launch, and both were tested as "good batteries".

Takes some time and research as to if you want the ACR on the Load or on the Battery. That is the biggest debate on how you want your setup. I attached a photo i received when i was helped with this setup that is very useful!

 

[the MfM]

Here’s how I wired my boat for two batteries. Haven’t actually added the second battery yet.

But the plan is to have two deep cycle batteries. I’ll use the switch to choose which one is in use. The starters and house loads all go through the common buss bars.

These engines are so easy to turn over that I didn’t see a need for a ‘starting’ battery... I’ve been using one deep cycle battery for two years and haven’t had any problems.

 

[Fernando Parada]

Thanks for the response!!! what about the cable I've read some use 2/0 awg and other use 4 awg, and what diameter

 

[Viper76Man]

Very nice and clean... Is that a cutting board? Is that on the rear port side? I am also interested in where to get cable and what size especially if I put my 2nd battery on other side. I have read about welding wire as well, but would love to hear what some others here actually used.

 

[the MfM]

That is my wife’s old cutting board. Price was right. It’s mounted on the port side of the rear bulkhead near the original battery.

I think there is plenty of room for two type 24 batteries on the port side if you replace the battery box with a double battery tray.

I used 4 gauge wire. Blue seas has a pretty good wire size calculator.

 

[Viper76Man]

Since I have a 27 in there now, do I dare ask 2 type 24s vs 2 type 27s question? I saw one install in our boats that had 2 27's and the dual tray hung off the edge some but not sure how many inches it was overhanging.