[C320-list] Battery Logic

[Dean Vermeire]

As any battery discussion, this one starts with a dead battery.  One of 
the two batteries has gone bad.  I've tested both and identified the bad 
one.

Our boat is a 2001 model (#847), with the original ProMariner Protech 
1220i charger and two #4D 12V batteries, neither of which is a deep 
cycle battery.  Only battery #1 is connected to the charger, which means 
that battery #2 only gets charged when the selector switch is on 
"Both".  This is how the boat was when I bought it.

We sail on a lake in Kansas, so it is not like I will be out cruising 
for a week.  I really don't need to have two #4d deep cycle batteries 
and put in a separate starting battery, change the alternator, etc.  
However, I am inclined to replace the dead battery with a deep cycle 
battery.

So, here are my questions for you battery-minded people...

1.  Why was the boat wired with only one battery connected to the 
charger, and would it be better with both connected to the charger?
2.  Can you think of any reason why I couldn't have a deep cycle and a 
starting battery on the same charger, as long as they are of the same 
battery type (e.g. lead acid, maintenance free)?

Thanks in advance,
Dean Vermeire
Moonstruck II (#847)