Bow thruster install questions on 2005 360

craigswardmtb

So I have decided to install an external bow thruster, sideshift, to my 360 in the offseason. I have gotten pretty solid at docking however it would help in our travels to what seems to be many windy places, including our home slip. I chose the sideshift unit as I had good luck with it on my last boat, i can install it myself, and I got a good deal. I did not install the last one so I have a couple questions. It calls for 2 separate group 31 starter batteries to be installed as close to the motor controller as possible. So I plan to install a couple AGMs under the forward berth. My questions are: 1. My boat is wrapped currently and I can't recall what the standard charger is for this boat. I have flooded cells currently, two house batteries and 2 starter batteries, that run off the charger. Does anyone know what the standard charger model is and do you think it can also charge the 2 AGMs for the thruster? 2. There is currently an unused factory thruster circuit on my main panel on the ac side. The installation instructions do not mention how to wire to an existing circuit and if it's possible. Is this a charger circuit running from the existing charger, perhaps a question for Al? 3. I am guessing my existing charger can't support another two batteries, never mind AGMs. So if I need another separate charger for this thruster would this wire into that thruster circuit on the panel? 4. I need to run a cable to a common ground and one to the ignition switch from the motor controller which will be in the front berth. Any reccomendations on how and where to fish these cables?

craigswardmtb

Correction, the common ground wire runs from the thruster batteries to the starter batteries common ground. The ignition wire runs from the joystick to the ignition switch so no problem running wire there. Below is the wiring diagram, less charger. untitled

craigswardmtb

https://www.sideshift.com/docs/download.php?3

Michael T

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craigswardmtb

Thanks MT! I will likely put in a second charger for the thruster batteries. I have new flooded cells off the stock charger and I would hate to waste them. Redundancy is always good to, having that second bank of batteries if I were ever in a situation. I'll likely get a simple 20 amp charger such as this, http://www.hodgesmarine.com/GUEST-2620A-20-AMP-DUAL-BATTERY-APPLICATION-p/gue2620a.htm So if I install a charger and can locate the power off the thruster circuit on the panel, than it seems the only wires I need to fish from the front would be my switch wires to the joystick and a ground from joystick to battery bank? This should be fun trying to fish these...

craigswardmtb

Has anyone used the deka/Duracell agm batteries from SAMs club. Looks like a deal at $160 each. Pretty sure Deka has a good reputation?

Michael T

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craigswardmtb

It's actually 170 for their group 31. It is known to be the same battery as the Deka Intimidator out of East Penn.

Michael T

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Michael T

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Michael T

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Black_Diamond

Just price hunting and I saw this model for $200...

Those "Charles" chargers Al mentioned look good, but pretty pricey too at $1,200. 

frenchship

Also see them for 200$ to 220$ I never notice any good deal from west marine .

Michael T

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craigswardmtb

Here are a couple threads and the specs on the Duracell/deka battery. It is the same spec as the intimidator, part number 8a31dtm. Battery weight is the same at 69lbs. It also states on the battery that it is manufactured at East Penn. SAMs club refers you to Deka with any questions. The only difference that I can see is it carries an 18 month free replacement warranty versus the Intimidators 36. They are also only for sale in certain states. I bought a couple so we shall see how they perform. http://www.bbcboards.net/general-bassboat-topics/339998-duracell-31-agm-batteries.html

craigswardmtb

http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/archive/index.php/t-132350.html Conclusive post above on how this is the same battery sold at West Marine.

craigswardmtb

Specifications 1 amp hour rate:68.2 100 amp hour rate:110 20 amp hour rate:105 3 amp hour rate:85 5 amp hour rate:86 6 amp hour rate:87.4 8 amp hour rate:90 BCI Group Size:31 CCA at 0 degrees F:800 MCA at 32 degrees F:1000 Minutes at 15 amps:348 Minutes at 25 amps:210 Minutes at 5 amps:1265 Minutes at 50 amps:87.4 Minutes at 75 amps:53 Minutes at 8 amps:706 Reserve Capacity:200 Volts:12 Core Charge may apply

Michael T

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