Replacement for 1-2-both switch

[sailorman]

Yes agreed, but having to physically disconnect is a small price to pay for a huge increase in simplicity. If it ever comes to matter and the skipper thinks "oh I have a defective battery I must isolate it" he can go disconnect the positive terminal (it is going to need to be taken out sometime anyway). Why live with a complicated set up which can cause operator error just to cater for the eventuality of a rare event?

I am much happier knowing that anyone on board can set the switch correctly on or off. Try this experiment, print out the pictures from the links for the Blue Seas switch and the BEP cluster. Then ask someone unfamiliar with either how to correctly set them on for normal operation. The Blue Seas switch is totally obvious.

there is nothing as simple as a 1,2,both with a victron cyrix relay

 

[mitiempo]

I think the simplest (and least expensive) switching option is to keep the 1/2/both switch. Put house on #1 and the other battery on #2. Charging to house and linked to the other battery via a VSR.

Use #1 for everything - house batteries will have no trouble starting any diesel under about 75 hp. #2 becomes the emergency battery and can be selected by itself for engine starting if necessary. The both position would only be used to charge both banks if the VSR failed.

When you arrive turn to #1. When you leave turn to off. Very simple.

 

[SvenglishTommy]

Another problem I've found with the bluesea switch is that it doesn't seem to be available in the UK, cant find it anywhere.

 

[pvb]

Another problem I've found with the bluesea switch is that it doesn't seem to be available in the UK, cant find it anywhere.

You haven't looked very hard - see here for starters.