255 Open ID - Adding a second battery

[BuckInNC]

Kids spending a lot of time with engines off, anchored, just hacking around in the water and sand bars. Of course they have to have the sounds wide open. So I think I need to double up just in case. I plan to add a house battery and it looks to me like the Blue Sea Systems - Add a Battery - Dual Circuit System Model 7650 with the ACR is just the ticket in addition to another battery and a couple of additional cables.

I am hoping that someone out there has actually done this and can provide some pointers. Obviously going to have to add a panel as the new switch is much bigger than the on/off in the boat. I have a reasonable understanding about electronics and boat wiring. And the schematics from Blue Sea for 2 engines/2 batteries are pretty straightforward. But, I sure would appreciate any suggestions, ideas or whatever.

Thanks a lot. Now that Elsa cleared out it has been great boating in Southeast Coastal North Carolina.

BuckInNC

 

[ScarabMike]

That kit will work great for you. The only thing about this kit is that the switch is much bigger than the owm one. It can be done, but you may have to move some of the circuit breakers around to enlarge the hole for the new one.

 

[BuckInNC]

Thanks Mike. Not only is the switch quite a bit bigger than the one from the Scarab factory the kit also includes the ACR module that is about the same size as the larger switch. Here is the current panel.


The new switch is over an inch bigger all around and that would mean moving those breakers to the right. So I think I need to fab a subpanel for the pair. And need to figure the additional wire requirements. Hoping that someone has done this before to provide a few ideas that worked for them.

Always something.

BuckInNC

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

Thanks Mike. Not only is the switch quite a bit bigger than the one from the Scarab factory the kit also includes the ACR module that is about the same size as the larger switch. Here is the current panel.
View attachment 156876

The new switch is over an inch bigger all around and that would mean moving those breakers to the right. So I think I need to fab a subpanel for the pair. And need to figure the additional wire requirements. Hoping that someone has done this before to provide a few ideas that worked for them.

Always something.

BuckInNC

What did you come up with?

 

[BuckInNC]

Managed to finally find a part number for the Scarab switch panel: 025-5308. Received it about a month ago. Very easy to remove the old and in with the new. It contains all of the internal wiring and is VERY impressive. Contains the Blue Sea switch I was going to use as well as the VSR.



Check with you Scarab dealer. Good luck

BuckInNC