Which battery combiner/relay is cheapest?

(wakemikey) · (wakemikey) **Join Date: Mar 2008** 03-05-2009, 1:11 PM

I am installing a basic stereo in my 87 SunSport but first I want to add an extra battery and a good combiner/relay.

I want something quality, but would like a budget solution. I do not want just a perko switch.

Was looking at the BlueSea 7650 Add a Battery. Any other alternatives that are quality but may be cheaper?

Any good places to buy? Cheapest price or link please it you have it! :-)

BlueSea 7650 Add a Battery
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(kenteck) · (kenteck) **Join Date: Jan 2005** 03-05-2009, 1:16 PM

just use the sure power 1314, ask brett (Polarbill) he can give you a great price, he is on the board here

(bremsen) · (bremsen) **Join Date: Aug 2005** 03-05-2009, 1:43 PM

I've been using the Yandina combiner100 for 2 seasons on my boat. Haven't had any issues with it at all.

http://www.yandina.com/c100InfoR3.htm

(mhunter) · (mhunter) **Join Date: Mar 2008** 03-05-2009, 2:49 PM

Mikey
I just added a battery isolator from DonRowe.com.
The OE battery runs the boat as normal the second battery is a deep cycle and is connected to the stereo only. The isolator connects both batteries to the alt only when the alt is charging. When the engine off the deep cycle is connected to the stereo only. I think it cost about $40 plus wire works great.

(kenteck) · (kenteck) **Join Date: Jan 2005** 03-05-2009, 2:52 PM

this also might help you for information.
http://www.ase-supply.com/Sure_Power_Isolators_kits_s/20.htm

(wakemikey) · (wakemikey) **Join Date: Mar 2008** 03-05-2009, 8:19 PM

Hey all thanks very much for all sugesstions I did follow up on them. I'm not seeing any difference between BlueSea $125 and SurePower $60. Anyone with more comparative info to share? SurePower it is!

(wakemikey) · (wakemikey) **Join Date: Mar 2008** 03-05-2009, 8:27 PM

Does anyone have pics of two batteries connected w/ SurePower? There aren't any special connections or wiring to buy (other than standard battery terminal/auto store parts)?

(polarbill) · (polarbill) **Join Date: Jun 2003** 03-05-2009, 8:49 PM

Mike, you run a short 2 or 4 gauge cable connecting the negative terminals of the 2 batteries, a 2 or 4 gauge cable from battery 1 positive to surepower unit, another positive cable from surepower to positive of battery 2 and then one small(14 gauge) to a ground anywhere.

(acurtis_ttu) · (acurtis_ttu) **Join Date: May 2004** 03-06-2009, 5:51 AM

another vote for the surepower.

(wakemikey) · (wakemikey) **Join Date: Mar 2008** 03-06-2009, 3:29 PM

So the BlueSea comes with perko switch too....Is there any reason to need that other than maybe emergency?

(seth) · (seth) **Join Date: Sep 2002** 03-06-2009, 4:26 PM

Check out SurePower. Takes about 20 minutes to install, then never think about switching batteries again.

(charbs) · (charbs) **Join Date: Sep 2008** 03-19-2009, 12:11 PM

Stupid question. On the small 14ga. ground on the Surepower unit, can I just run it to the negative terminal on the auxiliary battery?

(polarbill) · (polarbill) **Join Date: Jun 2003** 03-19-2009, 5:19 PM

Yes

(dhcomp) · (dhcomp) **Join Date: Jun 2003** 03-19-2009, 6:39 PM

12voltguy.com makes some good ones. Kits are about 120

(ship_of_fools) · (ship_of_fools) **Join Date: Sep 2007** 03-19-2009, 8:45 PM

I just installed the Yandina 100 combiner as well. Another well trusted Wakeworld member recommended it to me.

I haven't had the boat out yet but what I read and understand this thing is great. No switching to remember to do. Very simple installation. Great reliability.

Worth looking into, it is on sale for $60.00

www.Yandina.com

(cmcathy1) · (cmcathy1) **Join Date: Dec 2007** 04-14-2009, 4:47 PM

If you've got a SurePower separator in place, what would you set your perko switch too? 1,2,ALL?

The Blue Sea switch only has ON,OFF, and COMBINE (in yellow, like it's a self destruct button)

(brucemac) · (brucemac) **Join Date: Dec 2005** 04-15-2009, 9:33 AM

with the surepower, you don't need a seperate switch if you run the start assist wire to the ignition. it senses the start battery voltage when you turn the key over and if it's at 11.5 (or so, can't remember) it combines and sends a "boost" from the house battery/bank to aid in starting. you can also put a little dummy light and/or a manual switch in place to manually combine the batteries to aid in starting, but imo not necessary. the only thing i don't like about the surepower is that the terminals are exposed. other than that it appears to be pretty bullet proof.

(roverjohn) · (roverjohn) **Join Date: Dec 2007** 04-15-2009, 9:55 AM

A Ford starter relay make a nice cheap isolator and costs about $13

(Message edited by roverjohn on April 15, 2009)

(dcb) · (dcb) **Join Date: Mar 2006** 04-15-2009, 10:06 AM

I just installed the yandina c100 also. Super easy install. I already had a perko so I use them both. So far it works great, cheap and easy.