Jim,

I would not be without a second battery with an AB switch. I've had several
batteries simply fail in use with no warning whatsoever. In a vehicle it's
usually just dammed annoying. In a boat a few miles from services it can be
dangerous.

Another good reason to install the second battery is to avoid the
consequences of "operator error". Simply intending to turn something off
and failing to do so can discharge a battery below starting capability. A
short circuit can accomplish the same thing but more quickly.

I carry a jump start gadget purchased at Sears on sale but I still have two
batteries and an AB switch. I probably/hopefully will never need the damn
thing but carry it for the same reason I carry a fire extinguisher, wear a
PFD underway, and use my ignition lanyard. It is so much better to avoid a
problem on the water than to have to deal with it.

Butch
" JimH" wrote in message
. ..

" JimH" wrote in message
. ..
I am planning to purchase a portable 12v charger/power supply for the boat
rather than installing a second battery. My 12v power draw is negligible
(engine starter, cd player, depth sounder) when not running.

This is one unit I am looking at:

http://store.yahoo.com/sports-imports/pore12poposu.html


Any recommendations or am I being foolish by not installing a second
battery with A/B switch for my modest 20 foot runabout?


Oops. I posted Tom's Canuck video link. Sorry. Correction made. ;-)