Matt,
Is your motor electric start?  If so, it likely will have an alternator that will charge up the battery.  Do you have a battery selector switch?  With two batteries you should have a switch that says A/B/Both/Off on it, which allows you to switch what batteries are connected to the charging circuit.  Battery circuits on our boats are almost never the same as owners will change things around to suit their needs.  Very few of us have batteries in the laz as that adds to much weight in the stern.  My starting batteriy is under the port settee, although I'm planning on moving it to the starboard side to improve the weight distribution.  A quick examination of your electrical system by someone who understands the basics might be helpful, have a sailing buddy who might take a look?  There is a wiring diagram that Chris Cowie created for his boat which is pretty standard for a two-battery layout.  A search of the of archives might find it, or perhaps someone can repost it.  - Rob

________________________________
From: Rhodes22-list <rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org> on behalf of Matt Wilson <mwhornblower at gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2021 7:37 PM
To: rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Quick Battery Question

Hey everyone,

I have a 1990 Rhodes with deep cycle battery in the lazarette that is connected to a blue sea systems switch. I also have a deep cycle battery in the cabin. Are these batteries connected?  The lazarette battery switch has been off, yet my motor has started just fine.  Does that mean I have been running it off the cabin battery?  If so perhaps that’s why my running lights are dim.
I also have a small solar panel that can be set on top of the cabin.  Does that work to keep the system topped off?  Do I still need to occasionally recharge both batteries?

Thanks so much for your help,
Matt Wilson
Hornblower II
White Bear Lake, MN



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