Same old Series vs Parallel Question

Running 24 volt Blue Optima in series for my Terrova. Batteries are very well maintained but are starting to age some. Not ready to replace just yet though. Even if they were brand new I still want longer run time without upgrading to 36 volt. Also because of storage limitations I cannot go with bigger sized batteries. Now that is cranking season my need for longer run times have increased.

I have access to cheap non AGM batteries. Could I take two of these cheap batteries, charge them separately on the old alligator clip charger, then secure on the floor of the boat, and patch them in parallel to the boat system to gain longer run times and still have the same amp output as before? Would it double my current run time?

Looking for a cheap way out of a short term problem until I can reinvest in a completely new 36 volt system with new batteries.

If not I guess I will hang a 5 horse kicker motor off the back to take some load off the batteries. I just hate listening to that thing all day.

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Originally Posted by Missouri Bushwhacker

Running 24 volt Blue Optima in series for my Terrova. Batteries are very well maintained but are starting to age some. Not ready to replace just yet though. Even if they were brand new I still want longer run time without upgrading to 36 volt. Also because of storage limitations I cannot go with bigger sized batteries. Now that is cranking season my need for longer run times have increased.

I have access to cheap non AGM batteries. Could I take two of these cheap batteries, charge them separately on the old alligator clip charger, then secure on the floor of the boat, and patch them in parallel to the boat system to gain longer run times and still have the same amp output as before? Would it double my current run time?

Looking for a cheap way out of a short term problem until I can reinvest in a completely new 36 volt system with new batteries.

If not I guess I will hang a 5 horse kicker motor off the back to take some load off the batteries. I just hate listening to that thing all day.

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I added a second bank and put quick disconnects on each bank of batteries and on the power supply running through the breaker to the TM. When bank 1 gets low I switch over to the second. The second bank is using the Everstart 29’s from Walmart and it has more than doubled my trolling time. Only have a problem now on really windy days.

Are you talking about running two pair of batteries in parallel then connecting each pair in a 24 volt series? If so, you should increase your run time, however remember that it will only be as good as your weakest battery


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Cheap batteries? Where?

Yes sir. That was my biggest worry along with mixing differetn types and vintages. So I have decided to take Mk1848 suggestion and build a jump box with quick disconnect.