Tech Talk - Battery Switches & Which To Use

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9 Models • 21' → 40'

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4 Models • 23' → 32'

A refined crossover lineup designed for coastal cruising, ample seating, family days and some fishing when the moment calls for it.

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Heritage 321

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Heritage 261

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Masters 287

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SportCraft Masters 247 bay boat with hard-top, Yamaha outboard engine, and tan seating viewed from the side

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Sportsman 227 bay boat in turquoise and white with T-top, center console helm, and outboard motor in side profile view

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Blog > Tech Talk - Battery Switches & Which To Use

In today's Tech Talk Chase is discussing your onboard batteries and battery switches. It's important to understand which battery switches to use at specific times.

December 19, 2023
Tech Talk
Cover image for the post Tech Talk - Battery Switches & Which To Use
  • Keeps engine and house batteries charged above 12.5 volts to prevent getting stranded on the water
  • The Voltage Sensitive Relay automatically directs charging to the bank that needs it most to keep engine and house power available
  • In an emergency you can parallel engine and house circuits to power essential electronics while the house banks recharge, then switch back when ready
Jordan LoNigro
Video Producer / Content Creator

Today we are exploring the latest innovations in the world of boating: the Battery Select Switch System. Offered in both our premium and Sportfish model boats, this is an essential feature to help assist you in not becoming stranded with dead batteries while out on the water or having a day at the sandbar.

Exploring the Battery Select Switch System

To showcase this technology, we've brought you aboard the Open 262, the smallest boat of our Sportfish lineup. In this particular model, equipped with twin 200 Yamaha engines, the Battery Select Switch System is at the heart of the boat's electrical setup. The system comprises two significant components: the engine bank and the house bank. The engine bank is responsible for controlling the two batteries that power the engines, while the house bank caters to the needs of all your onboard electronics and appliances.

Voltage Sensitive Relay (VSR)

What sets this system apart is the inclusion of a Voltage Sensitive Relay (VSR). The VSR is a sophisticated technology that plays an important role in ensuring your batteries always have the power they need. It operates by taking power directly from the boat's motor and sending it to the battery bank that requires it the most.

Let's say you're out on the water, anchored at the sandbar, enjoying your day running all your onboard electronics. Over time, your house batteries start to deplete. When you decide to fire up the engines and leave the sandbar, the Battery Select Switch System kicks into action. It identifies the depleted house batteries and sends power directly to them, effectively charging them back up. Once they reach the optimal charge level, the system switches to charge the engine batteries or whichever battery needs it the most. This intelligent system ensures your batteries never drop below 12.5 volts, providing reliability while running your boat.

Emergency Power Transfer

Another standout feature of the Battery Select Switch System is its ability to combine circuits in emergency situations. Let's say you've been running your house batteries nearly dry, and you must use your electronics. This is the perfect time to parallel over, drawing power from your engine batteries to keep your electronics running. As you continue to operate the motor, the house bank is recharging, allowing you to maintain that combined mode until your house batteries reach an optimal level. Once they do, you can easily switch back to your normal running mode.

Premium Models

The good news doesn't end with our Sportfish models. We've extended this innovative design to our premium models. These models come equipped with their own Voltage Sensitive Relay (VSR), ensuring that your batteries, whether starting or house, receive the power they need for seamless operation.

This technology ensures that your boating experience is not only smooth but also backed by the latest innovations in electrical systems, leaving you with a sense of ease knowing you won't end up getting stuck out on the open sea or at the sandbar with your family!