I'm in the middle of upgrading the battery switch and circuit breaker panel in my 2004 Grady Marlin for a new panel I'm building containing a BEP twin outboard/3 battery cluster and 6 new breakers.
I currently have 4 group 31 batteries that Grady separates into 2 banks. The port bank is strictly for starting the port engine and the starboard is currently also tasked with the house load.
I plan to dedicate a single battery for each engine (port will also support generator starting) only for starting and use 2 batteries in parallel for the house loads.
This boat is powered with Suzuki DF300's and each will charge a start battery and the house batteries via the VSR that is part of the BEP cluster.
For any other owners out there, the original breakers looked ok but upon close inspection they were corroding and I don't think they would have tripped if required.
This new battery arrangement should be more robust and less risky as opposed to the stock setup. I think it's a great upgrade and addresses a major weakness in this boats electrical system.
Other upgrades this winter will be replacing hoses and some seacocks on the raw water side, underwater lights, under gunnel lights, pump upgrades, panel upgrades etc.
Original panel
New panel not complete but a work in process. Switches need to be recessed so the door closes. The latch also needs to be ground down on the inside.
I currently have 4 group 31 batteries that Grady separates into 2 banks. The port bank is strictly for starting the port engine and the starboard is currently also tasked with the house load.
I plan to dedicate a single battery for each engine (port will also support generator starting) only for starting and use 2 batteries in parallel for the house loads.
This boat is powered with Suzuki DF300's and each will charge a start battery and the house batteries via the VSR that is part of the BEP cluster.
For any other owners out there, the original breakers looked ok but upon close inspection they were corroding and I don't think they would have tripped if required.
This new battery arrangement should be more robust and less risky as opposed to the stock setup. I think it's a great upgrade and addresses a major weakness in this boats electrical system.
Other upgrades this winter will be replacing hoses and some seacocks on the raw water side, underwater lights, under gunnel lights, pump upgrades, panel upgrades etc.
Original panel
New panel not complete but a work in process. Switches need to be recessed so the door closes. The latch also needs to be ground down on the inside.
