Battery Managment System Update

[AHoy]

Hello All,
I have an older Whitby 42 that looks like it has had too many owners working on the 12V electrical system. I am looking to start by updating the battery management panel. Right now I have (4) 6v house batteries, a 12V motor starting battery, a 12V generator starting battery, and a 12V bow battery for the bow thruster and I believe windlass.

I am looking at using the following battery bank manager: https://www.bluesea.com/products/868...nagement_Panel

I am planning on using the port/starboard selector for the motor and generator starting batteries.

I haven't decided the best way to manage the bow battery, I am leaning towards isolating it (except for charging) and possibly reusing one of the current battery selectors to allow it to be tied to the house bank.

Any advice is appreciated!

[Stu Jackson]

If I read the link correctly, that panel includes a Dual Circuit Plus switch.

Thyere have been numerous discussions about the disadvantages of that type of switch on a sailboat.

Here's one:

AGM Battery Issues and the Blue Seas Dual Circuit Switch (from Maine Sail) "DARN AGM Batteries"
Darn AGM Batteries | SailboatOwners.com Forums

Many of us feel that the simple, correctly wired 1-2-B switch, or other multiple switching arrangements are far superior to the DCP arrangement for the reasons described.

Like these:

Basic Battery Wiring Diagrams This is a very good basic primer for boat system wiring: Basic Battery Wiring Diagrams

This is another very good basic primer for boat system wiring: The 1-2-B Switch by Maine Sail (brings together a lot of what this subject is all about)
1/BOTH/2/OFF Switches Thoughts & Musings | SailboatOwners.com Forums

Good luck.