Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

I decided to go with a dual battery set up this season with an isolation relay. Killed the battery too many times last year with the stereo and amp running. I installed the Blue Sea Systems Mini 65A Add-A-Battery Kit. Weatherproof pvc electrical junction box was used to mount the relay and switch. It took a bit of custom fitting, but I'm happy with the install.

Very nice, clean looking install. Good job!

What did you use for the second battery ? Same starting battery or something better for stereo ?

I used the same type battery, but not the same brand. I had a spare group 24 deep cycle that I had from a camper a few years ago. So they are both group 24 batteries. I could run my stereo for 2 hours before it would drain it enough to not turn the engine over. I got tired of using the jump box to get me started.

Yea I like that. I wish I had the room to do that. Might need to look into fabbing something up to hold the second battery.

Nice install. I'm in the middle of adding about the same setup on my Crest. I hope to finish it up by the weekend.

Nice job, been thinking of doing the same. But, unsure how difficult it is to separate the accessory wiring. Do not want to screw anything up. Any suggestions?

nice looking install! once you go dual batteries you never go back, just for the peace of mind it gives. I have 2 group 27's in my secondary pack as I use a trolling motor quite a bit. I actually rewired my pontoon so ALL accessories/lights run off the secondary pack an only the engine is hooked to the Main.

Thank guys.

Yes, love the idea of dual batteries. I have the starting battery on one side of the isolation relay and the "house" battery on the other which supplies 12v to my lighting, stereo, etc..

The isolation relay will close when it senses a charge condition and isolate the two batteries when not charging. No playing around with a (1-2-both) selector switch. Nice little kit.