batteries

[njbillfish]

i am planning to install a fishfinder, gps (fixed-mounted) and vhf (fixed-mounted) on my 20 ft cc, but i only have one battery on the boat? can i run all 3 with just one battery? or do i need another battery?

[silverg]

You shouldn't have any trouble running those items on one battery. However, it is always better to have two batteries (separated by a switch) on board for backup. A 20ft CC should have room for two batteries.

[Think Tweiss]

no way to answer your question. With one battery, if you drain it too low, you not only can't start the motor, but you also can't use your VHF to get help....and that has nothing at all to do with what you want to add.

Fishfinders, GPS and VHF radios (when receiving) don't take much power....I've been out all day with motor on/off on one battery and have never had a situation where I had to switch to my second battery.....but I have new high powered batteries. Your mileage may vary.....

[colliwh]

You will want to have two batteries........not for the reason of the electronics that you listed........but for the fact that at some point, if you don't have a switched second battery you will either be reloading at the ramp before the day even starts........or calling SeaTow when you try to restart after doing some bottom fishing. I had only 1 in an Aquasport Osprey that I had back in the 70's and I got nailed with a dead battery at the ramp.......installed a second battery and switch the next week. REAL peace of mind