Re-Installing 2nd Battery

[DaveHume]

Can't find anything in past threads, sorry if duplicated. I purchased a 2000 2400SCR and in process of getting sea worthy again. There was obviously a second house battery that no longer exists. The only cable left is for + (positive) connection that runs to the battery selector. Need to install the negative side and not sure where to terminate? Just jumper to the starting battery negative post?

Currently have no power to radios and berth cabin lights so assuming the additional battery would solve the problem.

[Phillbo]

Obviously the missing battery is the House battery. I'd let someone confirm this but I THINK you can just ground it to the engine block.....

[shrew]

Originally Posted by DaveHume

There was obviously a second house battery that no longer exists.

Second battery?? Or Second House Battery??

I suspect you have a single start battery connected to position #1 on the battery selector. The positive cable that goes to nowhere is more than likely connected to position #2 on the battery selector. That would be the house battery.

The DC system is a common ground system. Tie it into the ground on the start battery. If you have a large (high amp) ground bus bar that is closer, you can tie the ground into that.

[DaveHume]

Thank you Shrew. Currently only one battery and yes there is a positive cable that is not attached to anything. It looks like there was a house battery at one point since there are 2 sets of strap hold down locations. Space looks pretty tight to add a group 27 next to the start battery and may move the house battery next to waste tank.

[mmwjr]

Looking at the wiring diagram the only difference between the engine battery and the house battery is the house battery doesn’t provide power to the bilge pump helm switches nor radio memory. Both batteries do supply power to the bilge pump float switches.

[DaveHume]

Good to know mmwjr. Not sure what wiring diagram you have. The only one in my possession is from the owners manual supplement and only shows 1 battery. Any thoughts on where I could get a dual battery diagram for a 2400?

[mmwjr]

If you PM me your email I can send you the manual I have.