Dual batteries

[Jake202]

My order pontoon had two batteries and a trickle charger on it. My new boat only has one battery and a switch. Did you add a second one yourself or did you have the dealer do it? If you did it yourself how hard was it? TIA.

[lakerunner]

I have a dual charger. one is acc only other only starter. I don't need a switch

[steve1313]

Sounds like you're getting a brand new boat. If that's the case, let the dealer complete the second battery install so you know it's done correctly and you don't have any potential warranty issues regarding proper installation.

[Jake202]

Sounds like you're getting a brand new boat. If that's the case, let the dealer complete the second battery install so you know it's done correctly and you don't have any potential warranty issues regarding proper installation.

It is new. Been out on the water a about a month. I had thought about letting the dealer go ahead and add the second set up when they do the break in service. They will be adding a tow bar then as well.

[steve1313]

Sounds like you're getting a brand new boat. If that's the case, let the dealer complete the second battery install so you know it's done correctly and you don't have any potential warranty issues regarding proper installation.

It is new. Been out on the water a about a month. I had thought about letting the dealer go ahead and add the second set up when they do the break in service. They will be adding a tow bar then as well.

Just be sure whatever tow bar they are putting on can handle what you intend to use it for. If you're going to be tubing, a lot of the factory tow bars aren't designed for tubing. Tubing puts way more stress on the bar than skiing or wakeboarding. You might want to consider a turboswing. It works great no matter what and sinceit attaches directly to the transom like the motor does, it's not going to have any issues no matter what you're dragging behind your boat.

turboswing.com

[Jake202]

Sounds like you're getting a brand new boat. If that's the case, let the dealer complete the second battery install so you know it's done correctly and you don't have any potential warranty issues regarding proper installation.

It is new. Been out on the water a about a month. I had thought about letting the dealer go ahead and add the second set up when they do the break in service. They will be adding a tow bar then as well.

Just be sure whatever tow bar they are putting on can handle what you intend to use it for. If you're going to be tubing, a lot of the factory tow bars aren't designed for tubing. Tubing puts way more stress on the bar than skiing or wakeboarding. You might want to consider a turboswing. It works great no matter what and sinceit attaches directly to the transom like the motor does, it's not going to have any issues no matter what you're dragging behind your boat.

turboswing.com

Thanks for the info. Someone else had said the same thing this weekend on the water. Said that the dealership told them not to tube using the bar. I’ve never had a bar so didn’t know it wasn’t good to use for tubing.

[Flanker]

How do you know if your tow bar is properly rated for towables?

[jediger]

How do you know if your tow bar is properly rated for towables?

From my understanding, tow bars should be more accurately called ski bars. The physics of tubing just puts way more potential stress on something bolted to your deck than it can handle. Either use a turbo swing, or a harness hooked to the eye bolts on the back of your pontoon.

[steve1313]

I agree with Jediger. The problem is when they are attached to the deck, the leverage point wants to rip it out of the deck.

I think most ski/tow bars have a sticker on them warning not to use for tubes, etc.

Here's an example of a bar that looks very robust, and looks similar to what I see on a lot of new pontoons. Even though it looks well made, if you read the description it specifically says not to use it for tubing. https://tinyurl.com/yco7ecbg

[TDJ2591]

If you have a place to locate a 2nd battery it near your other battery, you can easily add a 2nd battery and a simple switch, such as a Perko. Be sure that the cables you use to connect it and the switch are at least the same size as the existing cables And are preferably marine cables or sealed cables to avoid corrosion. I understand that you risk damaging your alternator if you switch between the batteries while the engine is running.

I easily added that set-up to my boat myself. The parts included the battery, a battery tray, cables and the switch. I alternate between the batteries each outing to keep both charged. I can operate off either battery or both simultaneously.

Of course, if you are buying a new boat, it’s easiest to have the dealer do the install.

If you really want to do it right, see BobG’s install at viewtopic.php?f=2&t=13546