How many boat batteries?

[gillblu]

I have a 19 foot starcraft superfisherman. I have 3 batteries. Two up front for the trolling motor, and pumps. The motor battery is also connected to the am/fm radio. I want to add a marine radio, docking lights, and may need power to use submersable water lights for night fishing. I dont want to get stranded on the water, so should I get a fourth battery? And how should I hook up that fourth battery? Im courious how the other boat owners power all the accessories? Thanks

[rnvinc]

I use:

2 for the TM...
1 for cranking...
1 for all accessories...

Rickie

[lcookie]

I use:

2 for the TM...
1 for cranking...
1 for all accessories...

Rickie

x2.

["G"]

I use two for the trolling motor and one for cranking and all accessaries......been doing this for years.....three different boats now and no problem ever starting the boat. I also use underwater fishing lights...Reel-lites.....motor never fails to start. I do keep some jumper cables onboard though in case of a unexpected emergency. I use the big group 31 size batteries.

[Buckie02]

I put my 898 on my starting battery, thought running the motor would charge it just fine, WRONG. After swapping batteries around to start motor, bought #4 for just starting.

[lowe rider]

Same here, 2 for trolling motor and 1 for outboard and accessories. So far never had a problem doing this but I don't run a lot of extra stuff besides depth finders.

[Superx10]

I guess it depends on how much power your accessories are pulling. If you have a lot of accessories or run then for extended periods without running the motor, then you could either go with a bigger starting battery or go with a 4th and add more weight. You could always try to use accessories that use less power, especially for lights.

[KDAVID1]

2 tm 1 start/accessories. Big motor has 40amp alt so it keeps things charged up when I run it--never had issues.

[Corker]

depends on how much power your accessories are pulling

+1