Battery Type - Cranking or DP or DC for Fisherman 222

jrmlsc

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Over the life of my boat dealers have put in DP [dual purpose]+DC [deep cycle] or 2x DP or 2x Cranking batteries... So wondering what is the best choice. Reminder that a Fisherman runs the auto bilge and electronics and I usually start the engine off battery #1.
 

DennisG01

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Reminder that a Fisherman runs the auto bilge and electronics and I usually start the engine off battery #1.

Nothing new, there. That's pretty typical of any boat. Most boats have an auto bilge and some sort of electronics.

There's no one best answer here. It's more of a personal preference. Even different manufacturer's have different preferences. The most important thing is that your batteries are properly rated for how you use them. A Fisherman isn't a big boat, so it makes things easier. You could go as simple as a dedicated cranking battery and one DC 'house' battery. Or, change it up as you see fit for your preference.

EDIT:
Actually, you could "go as simple" as a single starting battery and nothing else. If your electronics are only being used with the engine on, that's all that's really "needed". Beyond that... depends on use and preference.
 
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SkunkBoat

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You'll get a lot of opinions.
Here's mine...
I ran a 20 footer for 18 years using a single 27DP. In water all season. fishing up to 60 miles east. VHF Sonar Chartplotter, Lights. I fished at night often. I did not run a livewell.
Replaced every 5'ish years at the first hint of weakness when lowering the motor.
If I had another battery I would have had to replace 2 every five years.
That said, I'd get another 27DP ...but 2 or three years apart so they "rotate position".

also, new fuel injected four strokes start at the touch of the key. Not like old carbuerated 2 strokes ...ratatatatatatatatata....ratatatatatatataa..ship!....ratatatatata
 
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RussGW270

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Oh.. .batteries always bother me.

On my triton, I had a 36v trolling motor so had 3 DC for that. Then, I had 3 more batteries for the cranking and electronics. I kept a backup for the cranking and would tie into it for a spare house if I really had to. but.. one thing I hope to do is add a couple DC for my house system on the GW...if I can figure how to do it, I will add 3 for the house and leave the 3 other batteries as 2 cranks and a backup.

I overkill stuff.. lol.. but had an issue with one boat where it always died...and vowed never to let the battery be an issue again :p
That being said... probably way overkill and not needed... heh.. but not sure what the consumption is atm..

R
 

jrmlsc

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A follow on question. Trying to be smart I bought Cranking and DC batteries for my Fisherman 222 and placed the cranking on the starboard side [battery #1] thinking that it is the battery that I use for starting most of the time. Now I wonder if that was the right thing to do. Looking at a very limited wiring diagram for the 222, I see that the bilge pump runs off Battery #1.... and it is the only real drain on my batteries when the boat is not in use. Battery position #2, port battery seems not to have anything significant running off it. Hence the question, should i really be using 2x DP batteries? or use the Cranking only on the Battery #2 position? Does anyone know the fisherman 222 wiring well enough to know what batteries for which position are recommended?
 

Fishtales

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Over the life of my boat dealers have put in DP [dual purpose]+DC [deep cycle] or 2x DP or 2x Cranking batteries... So wondering what is the best choice. Reminder that a Fisherman runs the auto bilge and electronics and I usually start the engine off battery #1.

GW recommended starting batteries versus deep cycle or dual purpose. On my Marlin one band is to start engine 1 and has some electrical items attached, same with bank 2.
 

Ky Grady

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On my 228 I'm running 2 cranking batteries on a 1-2-both switch, all electronics are on fuse block so which ever battery I have selected powers everything. Auto bilge is hot irregardless of what position the switch is in. I have two 27 DC's powering my trolling motor and a small set of jumper cables onboard incase I need the juice from them to start motor and get me home.
 

seasick

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I have cranking batteries on my 208. The first set lasted 7 years. The second set is into year 5. One may be getting a tad weak, will know better next spring. For the record, the boat can sit for weeks at a time and has no battery charger. In addition, it starts every spring without a hiccup. I disconnect the grounds for the winter but do not remove the batteries.
 

trapper

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I pack 2 dual purpose batteries through an ACR, isolating the electronics from the starting load. For back up ( a day pulling prawn traps from 400ft.) Although never used it I cary a portable battery pack with an nematic pump (low trailer tire possibility on long trips.) Finding in my attempt to age gracefully, a slight paranoia of things possible going sideways comes along for the ride... so no doubt a little overkill!
Russ, I think my 208 would be submarining with all those batteries.....but you got to go with what keeps you calm! Have you been getting the boat wet? Cheers trapper
 
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