How to hook up batteries parallel???

[MUSKY18]

I have a 12 Volt trolling motor and carry two batteries in the boat. I would like to hook my batteries up to run parallel so it draws off of both batteries at the same time? Do you just need to run a connection between positive to positve and negative to negative and then connect the trolling motor to one battery? Thanks for any help/advice.

[Esox_Magnum]

+ to + , - to - hook hot to + on battery 1 ground to - on battery 2, this will assure and even draw when used. I just use battery cables from Wal Mart to connect the batteries.

[croixflats]

How does one hook bateries to increase voltage, I guese in series,and how is that done>?Z sorry typing with one hand.

[jjz]

To increase voltage connect Battery 1 - to Battery 2 + ... If using 12 volt battery you will add 12 volts with every battery you add to the series.(2 * 12Volt= 24, 3 * 12Volt= 36 and so on) Then hook your hot to the open + on the first battery and your ground to the open - on the last battery.

[eurolarva]

Series batteries This diagram to make 36 volts

Parallel Batteries This diagram to make 12 volts

[croixflats]

thanx guys

[MUSKY18]

yup........thanks for all the tips and hints. Went and got a couple of cables and hooked it all up this afternoon. Works like a charm!! Anxious to get on the water and see if it really makes a difference in battery life.

[Esox_Magnum]

It will help a ton with run time, I ran my last couple boats on a dual 12V system. Now I run a 24V and wouldnt trade back for nothing.