Best way to add a second battery and switch

[pdcheek]

I have had it with my battery not being there when I need it so I want to add a second battery as well as a switch. The area where the factory installed the battery is a joke as far as access, any reccomendations or warnings before I attempt this project?

Thanks,
Paul

[ILLOGICAL GGC]

i put my second battery as well as the washdown pump and a new hose bib back there with the original one ,so it is doable

[pdcheek]

any pics? One boat electrician I spoke to suggested removing the portside rear seat and installing two battery boxes and the switch there. I never use those back seats anyway.

Thanks,
Paul

[mainah]

I have a 186 so this may not apply. I'm planning on a adding a second battery and right now the best place looks to be on the deck inside the console. My reasoning is that the electronics it will be powering will be very close by and I don't want to add additional weight to the stern in order to make getting on plane as easy as possible.

[pdcheek]

I thought about that too, but the electrician I talked to said the battery gives off fumes sometimes that can hurt the electronics around it, so i nixed the idea.

[mainah]

I'm going with an AGM battery for the old girl so fumes won't be a problem.