batteries

[corky]

 Hi everyone.  I was reading up on the battery issue. I have a 232 captiva the battey in it is about 3 or 4 years old not sure. It is a 900 cranking amp battery I believe.  I go to some marinas and don't want to use my lights under the cuddy too much for fear they will drain the battery.  What kind of battery do you recommend or should I do duel batteries?  Can I get some kind of hook up for the boat so when I'm at the marina I can plug
right into the boat. Any suggestions on what to do to make things easier would be appreciated. Thank you
 

[DaleM]

There's a couple ways you can go.  Add a second battery with a battery switch.  Use one for a house battery and save the other for starting.  Another thing may be to add a charger, then when you get back to the marina you can plug in so that the charger along with the battery runs the lights.  You could also switch to LED light bulbs in all your fixtuures as that will really cut down on the battery draw whan the lights are on.  www.superbrightleds.com

[Gene]

After getting stranded once, I put in two west marine dual purpose batteries, 650's I think and a dual battery switch. we launch with the battery swith on both batteries to charge them up. After we get to our destination we just use one battery. Before we head back we place the switch back on both batteries to charge. One ocasison we charge thme up with a battery tender while on the trailer in the barn. Replace batteries after 4 or 5 years or so.

[Black_Diamond]

Switching your bulbs to LEDs saves a huge amout of current draw.